Studio Overview:
- Location: Nairobi, Kenya
- Team Size: 20 professionals
- Studio Type: Medium-sized, full-service interior design studio
- Core Project Types: High-end residences, Boutique hotels, Upscale offices, Luxury kitchens
- Modeling Tools: SketchUp
Key Takeaways
- Real-Time Renders Build Confidence: Clients could instantly see and approve designs, cutting delays and indecision.
- Faster Workflow, Same Quality: D5 Render halved project timelines while maintaining design excellence.
- Visuals that Convert: Hyper-realistic renders led to more premium selections and higher revenue.
Visual storytelling in high-end interiors using D5 Render's real-time rendering
"Seeing the final installation next to the render, you can barely tell the difference."
—Jasper, Interior Designer at The Design Gallery
Every detail matters in luxury interiors, and success often depends on getting it right. This is a standard The Design Gallery has consistently met as a leading force in Nairobi, Kenya. Initially founded as a luxury furniture company, they have evolved into a full-service interior design firm specializing in high-end residences, boutique hotels, and upscale office spaces across Africa and beyond.
Catering to a clientele accustomed to the finest European aesthetics, the firm understood early on that design presentations needed to feel as real as the final product. Anything less risked losing a project. In 2023, The Design Gallery found the perfect solution to meet this challenge: D5 Render.
Real-World Success: The Luxury Kitchen Project
One standout project—a high-end kitchen with Italian finishes—demonstrated D5 Render's precision.
The design featured tinted glass cabinets, brushed metallic backsplashes, and ambient lighting. D5 Render's real-time 3D rendering allowed The Design Gallery to perfect reflections, lighting softness, and material textures down to the finest detail.
"D5 helped us refine even the smallest aspects like glass reflections and ambient lighting mood," shared Jasper.
The result? The installed kitchen was almost indistinguishable from the render—a testament to the software's accuracy.
The Challenge: High Expectations, Slow Tools
For years, The Design Gallery wrestled with traditional visualization tools that couldn't keep up with their creative pace or deliver the realism their clients demanded.
V-Ray offered realism but was too technical and slowed down their process.
Lumion frequently crashed and required expensive, high-performance hardware.
Both fell short—either in speed, realism, or usability.
"Our clients expect excellence, often drawing inspiration from European luxury spaces. We needed a tool that could deliver hyper-realistic visuals fast, without compromising creativity," shared Chandni Chauhan, Head of Design.
Also read: Lumion vs D5 Render which is better for architects
The Transformation: D5 Render Changes the Game
Adopting D5 Render proved to be a turning point. What began as a self-learning experiment quickly turned into a firm-wide transformation, cutting project timelines and improving client satisfaction in luxury interior visualization workflows
Unmatched Efficiency and Speed
D5 Render's real-time rendering and GPU acceleration immediately slashed project delivery times by 50%. What once took six to seven months for a large villa project could now be completed in three to six months—with no compromise on quality.
"Now, we spend less time waiting on renders and more time perfecting the design." — Chandni Chauhan
Hyper-Realism that Wins Clients Over
With clients increasingly requesting previews that reflect materiality—be it leather textures, glass reflections, or metallic finishes—D5 Render delivered. The tool's advanced lighting, material controls, and asset library (including brands like Cattelan Italia, Porada, and Gamma) allowed the team to render these high-end furniture pieces with remarkable accuracy, showcasing every curve, finish, and material detail as they would appear in real life.
This capability not only elevated the visual storytelling but also helped clients better visualize the luxurious products in their intended spaces, ultimately building greater confidence in design approvals and product selections.
"D5 allows us to capture the exact feel of every surface—leather, glass, metal—giving clients the confidence to approve the design immediately." — George Owiso, Interior Designer
Real-Time Collaboration and Instant Client Approvals
D5 Render's real-time walkthroughs eliminated endless back-and-forth revisions. Clients could now explore their future spaces interactively, provide instant feedback, and finalize decisions on the spot.
"Instead of waiting for a final render, clients see changes instantly, speeding up decision-making." — Jasper
Also read: Best free SketchUp rendering software
A Smoother, Faster Learning Curve
Unlike other complex tools, D5 Render allowed the team to self-learn quickly. Chandni mastered it within a week and shared her knowledge with the team. Later, a dedicated onboarding session with D5 experts helped them fine-tune their lighting techniques, material realism, and project management—maximizing D5 Render's potential.
Key Results & Impact
✅ 50% faster project delivery
✅ Higher client engagement and faster approvals with real-time walkthroughs
✅ Increased revenue, as clients upgraded finishes after seeing ultra-realistic renders
Conclusion: Setting a New Standard for Luxury Interiors
The Design Gallery's journey with D5 Render proves that the right visualization tool is more than just software—it's a catalyst for creativity, efficiency, and client satisfaction. Whether you're working with SketchUp, Revit, or Rhino, D5 Render's seamless integration and photorealistic rendering capabilities ensure your designs stand out in high-end markets. By delivering hyper-realistic renders faster and improving client collaboration, D5 Render has redefined what's possible in luxury interior design.
For firms looking to elevate their design presentations and impress high-end clients, D5 Render offers a powerful solution.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What makes D5 Render ideal for luxury interior design?
A: Its real-time path tracing, advanced lighting tools, and expansive asset library allow designers to create lifelike renders that closely match the final installation—boosting client confidence and project approval rates.
Q: Can D5 Render speed up project delivery in interior design?
A: Yes. The Design Gallery reduced their delivery time by up to 50% using D5 Render's real-time rendering engine and SketchUp integration.
Experience D5 Render today—and bring your designs to life with stunning realism.
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