Key Takeaways

• D5 Render powers ultra-realism: From camera setup to post-processing, D5’s tools help Novaforma deliver standout visuals fast.
• Small team, big results: With just two people and the right tools, Novaforma runs a lean, high-quality design practice.
• Spaces that speak: Every detail—from lighting to cabinet gaps—is part of a narrative that shapes how clients feel.

About Novaforma:

• ‍Location: New York, USA
• ‍Team Size: 2
• ‍Studio Type: Small, independent architecture and visualization studio
• ‍Core Project Types: Residential interiors, hospitality, commercial spaces, and select automotive visualizations
• ‍Modeling Tools: Rhino and SketchUp

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"D5 wasn’t just a renderer—it became part of our business model. It let us deliver high-end results fast, even on tight budgets."

— Francis, Novaforma co-founder

The best stories in design don’t start with theory—they start with practice. For Novaforma Studios, formerly NVF Studios, that story unfolds through deeply considered interior spaces, photorealistic renderings, and a design process that blends artistic intuition with business smarts. What began as a side hustle fueled by ambition has grown into a lean, tech-driven architecture practice. This case study dives into their design journey, from immersive interiors to the behind-the-scenes systems and workflows that power their success.

1. From Vision to Reality: The Birth of Novaforma

Novaforma’s story began when Francis and Kaymar met in graduate school and bonded over their shared ambition for design and entrepreneurship. After gaining experience at traditional architecture firms, they took on freelance projects to sharpen their skills and diversify their portfolios. Eventually, they decided to merge their clients and build a practice based on trust and a shared vision—laying the foundation for what would become Novaforma.

“We both shared the same goal: to grow, design freely, and build something sustainable.”

—Francis

That same mindset shaped their approach to visualization. Drawing inspiration from cinematic design and CGI workflows, they strive to make each rendering a carefully composed scene that tells a story. Integrating D5 Render, especially its real-time preview, early in their process enables clearer communication with clients, who can make faster.

2. The First Big Hurdles: Building the Business

Design wasn’t the biggest challenge — business was. Pricing, client communication, and internal systems all had to be figured out fast.

"One of the hardest parts was figuring out how to price our work fairly, in a way that reflects the economy and our quality standards."

—Kaymar, Novaforma co-founder

To stay focused, they split roles: Francis took on finance and modeling, while Kaymar led rendering and marketing. "We split roles early on to avoid wearing all the hats. That decision allowed us to stay focused and grow more sustainably," said Kaymar.

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They also set clear project standards—no renderings below 2K resolution, every client gets a breakdown of deliverables, and they never compromise on quality for price. "Even if clients didn’t pick us at first, they came back—because the quality stood out."

3. Designing from the Inside Out: Novaforma’s Interior Design Approach

What sets Novaforma apart isn’t just speed — it’s storytelling. Their inspiration? Cinematic design and CGI workflows from the film industry. Whether working on a kitchen renovation or a commercial lobby, they treat each space as an opportunity to tell a story—harmonizing mood, light, and material to shape both aesthetic and emotion from the inside out.

“Every render is a scene. And we choose how that scene feels — how it speaks to the client’s vision.”

By using D5 to build visual drafts early in the process, they’ve helped clients make better decisions, faster.

3.1 Crafting Realism with D5 Render

Novaforma’s workflow begins with modeling in Rhino or SketchUp. Rather than waiting for fully detailed specs, they proactively add key details—like 1/8" cabinet gaps and trim profiles—to elevate realism. Organizing models by layer or color enables precise material application in D5 Render. To eliminate guesswork, they rely on Rhino and D5 livesync, ensuring seamless transitions from modeling to rendering.

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They bring heavy assets, such as sinks or appliances, directly into D5 to keep modeling files lightweight and responsive. Geometry cleanup is essential: hidden elements in Rhino still appear in D5, so they remove or isolate unnecessary objects to ensure a clean import.

Also read: 3 Must-Have Plugins for Your Rhino Workflow

3.2 D5's Features That Power Their Visuals

D5 Render plays a pivotal role in Novaforma’s visualization process. They tested Lumion, V-Ray, and Corona, but D5 won them over with its realism, speed, and intuitive user interface.

"The moment we saw how D5 handled lighting, AI post-production, and asset placement—we knew this was a game changer."

—Kaymar

These are the standout features they leverage:

• ‍AI Texture Enhancement: When only low-res reference images are available, Novaforma uses D5’s AI-powered tools to generate high-quality materials and missing texture maps.
• ‍Preset System: D5’s presets streamline their workflow, allowing the team to maintain a consistent style across scenes and projects.
• Grid Overlay & Clipping Plane: These tools ensure realistic composition and perspective, especially in tight spaces like pantries and bathrooms.
• Lighting with the 60/30/10 Rule: They balance natural and artificial lighting using HDRI skies, rectangle lights, grouped spotlights, and accent fixtures—tuned with auto exposure off for full control.

“It creates balance. Even a simple scene feels intentional and cinematic.”

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• Post-Processing Effects: They finalize scenes using ambient occlusion, vignette, and the D5 AI Enhancer (set at 0.7) to emphasize edges, shadows, and surface details.

"D5 has helped us compete with larger firms, without needing a big team. That’s the power of good tools and great communication."

—Kaymar

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Also read: Lumion vs D5 Render which is better for architects

4. Advice for Aspiring Studio Founders

Novaforma’s growth offers valuable lessons for architects looking to start their own practice:

• Define roles early to avoid burnout.
• Invest in foundational tools like Rhino and D5 Render.
• Prioritize quality, even in a competitive market.
• Build a flexible workflow to scale with project size.

"Start small, pick the right tools, and stay aligned on goals. That’s what makes a studio truly work." —Francis

As their studio grows, they continue to explore new features and refine their approach, proving that tech-savvy, thoughtful design can level the playing field.

5. Final Thoughts

Novaforma Studios is a reminder that starting an architecture studio isn’t about waiting for the perfect time—it’s about building the right structure, choosing powerful tools, and staying aligned in vision and values.

With a workflow powered by D5 Render, a studio grounded in collaboration, and a passion for storytelling, Novaforma is redefining what it means to run a modern design practice.

"We want every project to feel like a story that lasts for generations. That’s what drives us—not just to visualize spaces, but to give them meaning." —Francis

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