Visualization FAQs
What 3d visualization services do you provide?

We assist manufacturers, dealers, architects, designers or anyone looking to visualize their products, ideas or projects through 3d visualization. Our visualization services include:

1. Renderings.
2. Animations
3. 360 degrees product views.
4. Online Product Configurator.
5. Virtual reality
6. Augmented reality

What experience do your 3D artists have?

Since 2004, we’ve been providing 3D visualization solutions for manufacturers, dealers, architects, and designers from various industries. For the last 3 years, we’ve developed over 4000 successful projects.

What software do you use?

To provide our 3D visualization solutions, our designers rely on top-notch software in the market, including 3Ds Max, Vray, Nuke, and Unreal Engine, among many others.

We have a specific project in mind not listed as an option in your services. Can you still do it?

Most likely, yes! We have a vast experience providing custom 3D visualization solutions for customers in various industries based on their specific needs. We love new challenges.

How much does it cost?

We provide a free time and price quote based on the number of hours required per project completion.

Each project is a different world. To give you an idea, some variables that affect some of our visualization costs are mentioned below:

– Renderings: Type of rendering, environment, product’s complexity, post-production (e.g., people inclusion), and image size. 

– Animations: Duration (seconds), product´s complexity, post-production (voiceovers, music, etc.), process stages description.

– 360 ° product views: Product’s complexity and image size.

– Online Product Configurator: Product’s complexity and product´s available options.

– Virtual reality: Type of environment (scene), virtual space (m2), product’s complexity, and interactions required.

To receive an accurate quote, send us the project information.

How long will it take?

It depends on the project´s complexity. The estimated time varies based on the required hours per project completion.

We always provide a time and price quote per project. Once the quote is approved, our team start will start to work on your project.

What information do you need from us to get started?

Any information you have on the project is helpful. The more information you can provide, the better. Some of the usual elements that require per project is evidenced below.

Renderings.

  1. Type of rendering (whitewash, lifestyle, etc.).
  2. Type of environment. Environment referential image, floor plan, or design sketch of the type of scene to create. (Applies for lifestyle renderings)
  3. Product´s information (3D models, swatches, Images, Sketches).
  4. Required image size.
  5. Any post-production elements required (e.g., people inclusion, etc.)

Note: The level of detail required is variable, with only your desire for accuracy

Animations.

  1. Script describing the different stages to show in the animation.
  2. Animation duration.
  3. Product´s information (3D models, swatches, Images, Sketches).
  4. Post-production elements (Voiceovers, music).
  5. Storyboard if at all possible

360° Product views.

  1. Product´s information (3D models, swatches, Images, Sketches).
  2. Image size.

Online Product Configurator

  1. Product´s information (3D models, swatches, Images, Sketches).
  2. We need to understand the level of customization (Color variations, product´s options, ect)

Virtual Reality.

  1. Type of virtual environment (e.g. office scene).
  2. Virtual space size (m2).
  3. Product´s information (3D models, swatches, Images, Sketches).
  4. Required interactions in the virtual environment.

Note. For all of our visualization services (renderings, animations, 360 product views, online product configurator, and virtual reality applications), we require the 3D model of the product to be visualized. In case you don’t have the 3D model, we can generate it from scratch based on general dimensions (specifications); however, we will add modeling cost to the quote.

We will review the available information to define a project scope to proceed to generate a time and price quote.

Once you approve the quote with the T&Cs, we start working on your project.

What file types can you accept?

We can accept most file types (.STEP, .STP, DWG, .SKP, .STL, .OBJ, .IGS, FBX, 3DS, DXF, SAT & SLDASM are all great).

What if our plans change after you’ve started rendering?

3D visualization technology allows us to be flexible. We understand that things might change and are open to accommodate to those changes. Depending required alteration, we might charge extra hours.

Will we get to see the work you’re doing before the final product?

Of course! As part of our process, before creating the final visualization, we provide our customers with a sample of the visualization product to be created to receive any feedback or comments. Based on the feedback, we do the corresponding corrections and proceed with the generation of the final product. Please note that our standard procedure includes only one revision, for further revisions, we might charge extra hours.

What type of files do we receive at the end of the project?

Renderings: Image type formats (.TIFF, .JPG, PDF, PNG, etc.).

Animations: any movie file (.MP4, .MOV, .AVI, etc.)

360 Product views (HTML compatible file)

Online Product Configurator (HTML compatible file)

Virtual Reality. (Executable files).

How big can you renderings be?

We can create renderings suitable for web visualization up to billboards. The rendering size will depend on the purpose of the project.

It is important that you let us know the purpose of the image to specify the correct size and resolution. This information should be clear from the initial stage since it affects our processing hours and thus will impact costs.

Note:  For your reference, we usually quote with an image size of 2000 px wide (300 dpi) that is ideal for web visualization and allows prints from 6.6” to 10”.

How do you bill for the job.

For initial projects, we require a 100% upfront payment before starting to work on a project.

With regular customers, we provide flexible payments (50% upfront payment and 50% after project completion). 

BIM FAQs
What is Revit/BIM?

Revit is a single application built for (BIM) Building Information Modeling with features for architectural design. 3D models are designed in Revit to be used with BIM.

BIM stands for “Building information modeling” the key word is INFORMATION. BIM brings tremendous situational awareness to a construction project. Architects are now able to see all the information a project requires; from the volume, pricing, weight, etc. 

What is the difference between AutoCad and BIM?

CAD is a drafting tool used to create precise 2D and 3D drawings with little to no information about the specification of the drawing. With Revit for BIM an architect can see a plethora of information.

Why have architects and designers switched from CAD to BIM / Revit?

Because of all the information that BIM and Revit bring to a construction project. An architect can now specify actual building products from HVAC to lighting and furniture and incorporate all that information into construction documents.

Why do manufactures create Revit families?

It’s important for product manufacturers to create Revit families so that architects and designers can specify them in the initial design process.

What is a Revit family?

A Revit Family is a file that contains 3d information and data to represent a group or family of products that can be loaded into a project. It defines parametric, graphical, and documentation requirements.

For example, a conference table that varies in size or component options is a Revit family. The family includes all size variations, with optional components like screens, modesty panels, and color options. All these elements are drawn to create a Revit family.

What’s the difference between 20/20, CET and ProjectMatrix, and Revit?

Revit is geared towards A&D community, while 20/20, CET and ProjectMatrix are used by office furniture dealers to specify a product.

Do I need to be on Revit and 20/20, CET and ProjectMatrix?

Depends on your distribution channels. If you only sell through office furniture dealers you only need 20/20, CET and ProjectMatrix. If you work with the A&D community you need to have your products created in Revit so architects and designers can specify your products in the initial design process.

How do I get my products on Revit?

Send us your price-book/spec-sheet with the products to be converted to Revit.

A project manager will contact you with any questions before sending a time and price quote.

Can I bring in CAD drawings into Revit?

No, if you try and migrate your CAD files into Revit families they will be too heavy and be useless to A&D.

Revit families are fully parametric and created in native Revit to meet Autodesk Seek standards.

E-Catalogs FAQs
Why is Servex so great?

We have been creating electronic catalogs since 2004 and have over 40 experienced designers.  Since we are unbiased, when we create your catalog, you get on all three platforms – CET, 20/20, and ProjectMatrix.

What is an electronic catalog?

Is comprised of a graphical representation of your product in AutoCAD. It also includes all the “data” that your product contains, like pricing, fabric or color options, and size options.

What are the primary specification platforms in the office furniture industry?

CET, ProjectMatrix and 20/20.

Why should I be on CET, 20/20, or ProjectMatrix?

Commercial furniture is sold through a network of dealers. For a dealer to sell the furniture, they need to “specify” the furniture in a layout. The leading programs used are CET, 2020, and ProjectMatrix.

With the rise of CET as the standard in specification platforms, why do we still need to be on 2020 technologies?

The answer is simple, if you want to sell to non-aligned dealers you still need to be on 2020. All the major manufactures have migrated over to CET and we are now seeing mid and smaller manufactures follow. That means that all aligned dealers have migrating to CET designer, but what about the mom and pop non-aligned dealers? Those smaller dealers have been using 2020 for decades and have not been forced to switch by any manufacturer because they are non-aligned.

Why do dealers need to use a specification platform like CET, 2020, or Project Matrix?

Office furniture dealers sell hundreds of manufacturers products. CET, 20/20, and Project Matrix allow for a centralized platform for dealers to draw from.

How many dealers are represented on all specification platforms?

Hmm, a lot. Around 35,000 ish..

How much does it cost to be on all platforms?

It cost the same to create an electronic catalog for 20/20 and ProjectMatrix. If you want to migrate that same catalog into CET, it depends on the level of CET implementation.

Is it easy to convert my 20/20 or Project Matrix catalogs to Native CET?

Yes, all your Data / SIF will transfer smoothly from 20/20 – ProjectMatrix over to CET. The drawings need to be adjusted to meet Native CET standards.

What is different about CET?

This specification platform provides many advanced design features. Office furniture designers and dealers use CET to specify products.

The CET Catalog is a database-driven development tool to get data and products into CET Designer. This catalog is a fast and affordable solution that requires little programming.

What is Configura / CET?

Configura is a Swedish based software company and CET is Configura’s unique PGC technology software.

What are the different CET implementation levels?

We provide  three (3) different CET implementation levels the product and budget requirements according to:

What is the ProjetMatrix plugin for CET?
When you create your electronic catalogs for ProjectMatrix, those catalogs will also be published in Project Specs (ProjectMatrix Plugin on CET). Dealers who use CET would still be able to access your products if they have this Plugin. The plugin is the same basket of manufactures that are on ProjectMatrix.
 
Many manufacturers are migrating from 20/20 to CET. One way to join the party is to get on ProjectMatrix.
 

You will increase product search optimization by gaining access to the Configura´s Marketplace. When you are only on Project Matrix, the CET dealer has to access your products via the Project Matrix Plugin, and it bundles your products with all the other manufacturers in Project Matrix, thus making it difficult to find your product unless the dealer has your specific model number.

What are CET Catalog Extensions / Shell Extensions?

The CET Catalog Extension is a database-driven development tool to get data and products into CET Designer. This shell extension is a fast and affordable solution that requires low programming.

What are CET PGC Extensions / CET Hybrid Extensions

CET PGC Extension or Hybrid Extensions are the most advanced industry catalogs, combining DWGs and SIF information added with code to perform any function within CET.

How do I get a quote?

Send us your price book, specifying the products to be converted the desired format. 

Are there additional benefits that I should be aware?

Yes, we provide an exclusive partnership with MRL. When Servex creates your electronic catalogs, we can update your MRL myresourcelibrary.com.

What is the My Resourse Library enrichment?

This is an exclusive service that Servex provides. We add extra parameters into all electronic catalogs that make your products more relevant and searchable on MRL. www.mrl.  MRL enrichments cost about 10-15% of the cost of the catalog creation.

Can you use STP files or other 3D files if I already have them?

Yes, send us your 3D models. We will evaluate if we can re-use them or have to create the drawings from Scratch based on the requirement. 

Design & Specification FAQs
What services do you provide?

We assist any design and specification needs using 20/20 technologies, AutoCAD and Revit.

We provide the following services:

1. Design layouts
2. Bill of material using CAP studio
3. Reconfigurations
4. Design checks
5. Schematic Renderings

What kind of experience do your designers/specification analysts have?

Each member of our staff has more than 10 years of experience working for furniture dealerships and manufacturers in their past combined with a constant training upon hire at Servex. We have extensive knowledge of the majority of the main product lines and series and are familiar with the specification and design processes.

What manufacturers can you specify?

We specify mayor office manufacturers including Virco, Allsteel, Steelcase, AIS, Herman Miller, Friant, Russ Bassett and more.

What software do you use?

We use 2020 Technologies, AutoCAD, Revit, SketchUp and VRay.

How much does it cost?

We provide a time and price quote based on the number of hours required per project completion. The total cost depends on the complexity and size of the project to be developed.
Our hourly rate is USD $45 for space planning design.
Our hourly rate is USD $ 65.00 for schematic renderings.

How quickly can you complete a project?

We provide a time and price quote based on the number of hours required per project completion. For small projects, we estimate a turnaround time of 1-2 days after project approved. As projects become more complex, time will increase. We can assign multiple designers to improve turnaround time.

What information is needed to kick off a project?

We need to define a brief project scope comprised of the following information.


– Project name.
– Description. Provide us with the Design Specification Worksheet (See document) along with the architecture or field dimensions of the space to design.
Your dedicated project manager will contact you with any questions before sending a time and price quote.