Author: Charlotte Lee

From the moment doors opened, the atmosphere around Uplift London was electric.

Professionals from across the creative industries came together to explore the latest developments in:

• Architectural visualisation
• CGI and rendering
• AI-assisted workflows
• Real-time visualisation
• Creative storytelling
• VFX and animation
• Education and talent development
• Emerging workflow technologies

The event was designed not just to showcase technology, but to create meaningful conversations around where the industry is heading and how artists, studios and designers can continue to evolve alongside it.

The 3D visualisation industry moves incredibly fast.

New technologies, AI-driven workflows, rendering innovations and changing client expectations are constantly reshaping how creative professionals work.

Events like Uplift London provide something increasingly valuable. A space for people to learn together, share experiences and build real relationships within the industry.

Throughout the day, conversations continued well beyond the presentations themselves. Attendees connected with fellow artists, studio leaders, educators, software specialists and emerging talent, creating opportunities for collaboration, learning and future partnerships.

For many attendees, the networking aspect of Uplift London was just as valuable as the sessions themselves.

A 3D mouse is a specialist navigation device designed specifically for professional 3D applications.

Unlike a traditional mouse, which only moves in two dimensions, a 3Dconnexion mouse allows users to pan, zoom and rotate models simultaneously using intuitive hand movements. This creates a far more natural way to interact with 3D environments.

The result is smoother navigation, improved precision and significantly less interruption to your workflow.

Most professionals use a standard mouse in one hand and a 3Dconnexion device in the other, allowing true two-handed working. Once users adapt to this setup, many find it difficult to go back.

Professional CAD and 3D software demands specialist hardware.

3Dconnexion products are developed specifically for technical and creative applications, with features including:

• Application-specific profiles
• Customisable shortcut buttons
• Advanced driver integration
• Precision sensors
• Seamless compatibility with leading CAD software
• Ergonomic designs built for daily professional use

Unlike gaming peripherals or generic office mice, 3Dconnexion devices are engineered around professional workflows.

That difference becomes obvious very quickly in real-world use.

SketchUp is one of the most widely used 3D modelling platforms in the architecture and design industry thanks to its intuitive interface and flexible workflow. But while it’s easy to get started, mastering advanced modelling, rendering, lighting, and presentation techniques takes experience and guidance.

Professional SketchUp training can help users:

• Improve 3D modelling speed and accuracy
• Create more realistic renders with V-Ray and Enscape
• Streamline architectural visualisation workflows
• Reduce project turnaround times
• Increase team collaboration and consistency
• Learn industry best practices from certified experts

Whether you’re a beginner learning the basics or an experienced designer wanting to optimise workflows, tailored training can significantly improve productivity and project quality.

High-quality visualisation is now a key part of winning projects and presenting ideas to clients. That’s where rendering software like V-Ray and Enscape comes in.

However, many users only scratch the surface of what these tools can actually do.

Elmtec’s training helps users understand:

• Realistic lighting and material setup
• Faster rendering workflows
• Real-time rendering with Enscape
• Photorealistic image creation in V-Ray
• Scene optimisation and render performance
• Presentation-ready architectural visualisation

With expert guidance, users can create professional-grade renders that communicate ideas more effectively and help projects stand out.

Before you even start modelling, take a moment to set up a custom template. Interior designers benefit hugely from pre-set:

• Units (mm is usually best)

• Scene styles

• Default materials

• Tag structures (walls, furniture, lighting, accessories, etc.)

Using Tags properly from the start makes it easier to toggle elements on and off, create clean scenes, and avoid the dreaded “sticky geometry” problem later.

💡 Top tip: Keep geometry untagged and apply tags to groups and components only.

SketchUp’s 3D Warehouse is a goldmine for interior designers. From sofas and tables to sanitaryware and lighting, it can save hours of modelling time.

However, not all models are created equal. Look for:

• Low polygon counts

• Clean geometry

• Real-world scale

Heavy models can slow down your file quickly — especially when you start adding textures and lighting.

SOLIDWORKS has become the go-to platform for professionals who need powerful yet intuitive design software. From startups building their first prototype to established manufacturers optimising production, the platform offers an unmatched balance of performance, flexibility, and ease of use.

With SOLIDWORKS, you can:

• Create precise 3D models quickly and efficiently
• Simulate real-world performance before manufacturing
• Improve collaboration between teams and stakeholders
• Reduce development costs and accelerate time to market
• Produce high-quality technical documentation automatically

In short, SOLIDWORKS helps turn ideas into real-world products faster — without compromising on quality or accuracy.

SOLIDWORKS is used across a wide range of sectors, including:

• Manufacturing
• Engineering
• Architecture
• Product Design
• Automotive
• Aerospace
• Consumer Goods
• Medical Devices

By bringing SOLIDWORKS into our portfolio, Elmtec continues its commitment to helping UK businesses innovate, compete globally, and deliver exceptional products.

Whether you’re designing complex assemblies or creating visual prototypes for clients, SOLIDWORKS provides the tools to make your ideas a reality.

Start by understanding how you work:

• If you frequently rotate, zoom, and navigate 3D models, a SpaceMouse is essential.

• If your work focuses on precision selection, sketching, and command execution, a CadMouse is ideal.

• Many professionals use both together for a powerful two-handed workflow.

This combination is widely recognised as the most efficient setup for CAD and engineering environments.

Elmtec offers both wired and wireless 3Dconnexion mice.

Wireless models are ideal for:

• Clean, modern workspaces

• Mobile or hot-desk environments

• Flexible office layouts

Wired models remain popular for:

• Permanent CAD workstations

• Zero battery management

• Always-on reliability

Both options deliver professional-grade performance — the choice depends on your setup.

Accuracy matters. Start every project with:

• Correct units (mm or metres)

• Snapping enabled

• A clear origin point

Create a project-specific template that includes your preferred styles, tags, and scenes. This consistency saves time across multiple projects.

Tags aren’t just for visibility — they’re essential for managing complexity. Architects can use tags to:

• Show structural vs non-structural elements

• Separate existing and proposed works

• Present design options within one model

Pair tags with Scenes to quickly communicate changes to clients, planners, or consultants.

SketchUp 2026.0 introduces real-time collaboration, a long-awaited feature that lets you share models privately or publicly and work together directly inside your project.

Share and Review Models Effortlessly

You can now share your SketchUp models via:

• Private Invites – Send email invites to specific collaborators.

• Public Links – Generate shareable links for broader access.

Viewers can navigate the model, take measurements, leave comments, and even see your updates in real-time, all from their web browser.

Access levels include:

• Owner – Full access and control.

• View Scenes – Can view scenes only.

• Comment – Can leave comments and use camera tools.

Public (General Access) permissions can be set to:

• No Access – Requests access manually.

• View Scenes – Viewers can only see scenes.

• View Model – Viewers can explore and measure your model.

Meet the Collaboration Bar

The new Collaboration Bar keeps teamwork tools right at your fingertips. From here, you can manage sharing, access permissions, and comments without leaving SketchUp.

You’ll find it in the default toolbar or via Window → Collaboration Bar.

Comment in 3D Space

The new Comment Tool lets you drop 3D comment markers directly in your model. Add notes, attach images or links, and even capture a specific camera position, perfect for design reviews.

Comments are scene-aware, meaning when someone clicks a comment marker, SketchUp jumps to the correct scene and camera view.

Real-Time Updates and Shared Views

Collaboration happens in real time. Everyone can see what tool others are using, track updates instantly, and sync their viewpoint with a single click. Click your avatar to bring everyone to your perspective, or click another’s to see what they’re viewing.

SketchUp 2026.0 runs smoother than ever. Behind the scenes, you’ll notice:

• Optimized memory usage for large, complex models.

• Faster loading and saving times.

• Improved stability when handling big projects.

These refinements make SketchUp more reliable for professionals working at scale.

1.1 From brute-force to intelligent rendering

Traditional rendering techniques (ray tracing, global illumination, path tracing) are computationally expensive. Designers often face hours, or even days, of rendering time for high-quality stills or animations. AI introduces a new paradigm, using learned models to assist, accelerate, or enhance the rendering process, reducing time while preserving (or even elevating) fidelity.

Recent discussions and surveys highlight the shift:

• Chaos describes AI as a transformative force that “speeds up workflows and enhances creativity” in architectural visualization.
  
  
• According to the State of Architectural Visualization 2025 survey, via Chaos, Enscape, Architizer, 55% of professionals are exploring or adopting AI-driven solutions in their workflows.
  
  
• Tools that combine AI with real-time or near-real-time rendering workflows are emerging, for example AI-enhancement layers, prompt-driven tweaks, material refinement, noise reduction.
  
  

In short, AI is no longer “optional”, it’s becoming foundational.

1.2 Key AI techniques being applied

Below are some of the AI-based techniques now influencing rendering:

Together, these techniques form a new toolset layered on top of, or integrated into, classic rendering pipelines.

What does this all mean in practice? How will integrating AI-enhanced rendering with Chaos products deliver tangible advantages?

3.1 Faster iterations, better client feedback

One of the biggest wins is speed. With real-time + AI layers:

• You can show clients design variants on-the-fly, materials, lighting, mood
  
  
• Design decisions happen earlier in the process
  
  
• Less time is wasted waiting for “final” renders
  

This reduces friction in the design loop and can lead to happier clients, fewer change cycles, and more buy-in early.

3.2 Higher baseline quality

Even when you’re doing quick previews or lookdev, AI-enhanced rendering elevates the baseline fidelity. Finer detail, better anti-aliasing, more believable vegetation and people, all help make even draft visuals more compelling.

3.3 Empowering smaller teams, democratizing visualization

With AI helping automate certain tasks, for example material setup, lighting refinement, denoising, the barrier to entry for photorealistic visualization lowers. Smaller architectural offices or design practices can now produce high-quality visuals with fewer resources.

3.4 Cost & resource savings

Reducing rendering time also reduces compute costs. Especially when cloud-rendering is used, AI-driven efficiency means less waste, lower energy use, and more sustainable workflows.

3.5 Creative exploration & ideation

AI allows branching design experiments rapidly, for example try multiple styles, moods, material palettes, without rebuilding entire scenes. This encourages more visual exploration and experimentation.

Chaos Envision is a real-time storytelling and presentation tool from Chaos that lets you import scenes from tools like Enscape, V-Ray and Corona, work with them interactively, add animation, manage crowds, build cinematic paths, and render both stills and animations — all using physically accurate ray tracing in real time.

Because it bridges early design phases and high-end marketing visuals, Envision allows you to produce compelling presentation materials without long render times or fidelity trade-offs.

Below is how Envision translates into real value:

1. Faster Iterations & Client Review
   Because Envision renders interactively, you can adjust lighting, materials, camera paths, etc., and see results immediately. That means fewer long waits and more time for refinement.

2. Visually Strong Throughout the Project Lifecycle
   Even in early design stages or internal reviews, your visuals can look polished. That builds confidence among clients from the start.

3. Smooth Integration & Less Wasted Effort
   With compatibility between Enscape, V-Ray and Chaos formats, your scenes need minimal retouching. That reduces overhead and keeps focus on design, not conversion.

4. Stronger, More Persuasive Presentations
   Cinematic camera paths, volumetric effects, animated crowds — these aren’t gimmicks; they help the client “feel” the design. That can give your proposals an edge.

5. Scalability for Larger Projects
   Whether you’re designing interiors or masterplans, Envision handles complexity gracefully. You don’t have to strip away detail just to render faster.

6. Cost Efficiency
   Less rendering time, fewer wasted cycles, and streamlined workflows mean you can do more with the same resources. Over time, that adds up.

7. Future & Ecosystem Ready
   Because Envision works within the Chaos ecosystem (Enscape, V-Ray, Anima, Cosmos), it positions you well for future growth in your visualisation stack.