The examples shown here are parts of a presentation for a small retail design project done by P. Schrupp. This presentation is effective for a number of reasons. Notice that the 3D views are large and are accompanied by a small keyplan to convey the location of view. The layout is simple and keeps the focus on the design elements. The presentation incorporates a consistent sheet title on top, with a project graphic/logo on the bottom –very simple and effective. The rendering is excellent (the model was built in SketchUp and rendered with SU Podium).

As I discuss in Interior Design Visual Presentation, the visual qualities of a presentation should reflect the state of the design at the time of presentation. This means in-process design presentations can have a sketchier feel and final presentations often have a greater sense of polish and finality. The audience and format of the presentation must also be identified to properly plan the presentation.

With the nature of the presentation identified, the graphics of the presentation can be honed. Here are things I consistently convey to students:

1 Some visual aspects of the project can be brought in via type, composition (layout) and images choices.

2 Create layout “thumbnails”, which are brainstorming sketches of possible sheet layouts (for each sheet). Aim for a consistent, simple, title block or icon that appears on each sheet. Attempt to align images and visual elements where possible (create consistent top and side borders (white space) on each sheet and align other elements when possible)

3 Keep things as simple as possible and focus on the design elements. Do not add extra elements to make things “interesting”.

4 Make project images as large as possible. When the presentation will be virtual or projected, use of traditional architectural scale is not possible so a graphic scaling element or elements can be used and images can be as large as possible.

5 When presenting virtually or via projection use a keyplan to orient viewers is necessary.