From PDF drawing to photorealistic sales image: How 3D illustration helped sell Kristiine's apartments before the walls were painted

Remy Mägi
Oct 4
4 min read

Ruut24 is known as an expert in converting paper or PDF drawings into accurate digital plans. Today, however, we are opening a new chapter: in addition to digitizing drawings, we are now also creating photorealistic 3D illustrations. To show you what this means in practice, we would like to share with you the story of a recent collaboration with Prisma Kinnisvarad ea, where we helped market the new development at Vindi tn 16b in Tallinn even before the construction dust had settled.

It wasn't just about taking pictures. It was a process where technical precision met creative vision to create something that really sells.

Challenge: How to sell a vision that only exists on paper?

Every developer knows the feeling. You have a great project – with a well-thought-out plan, quality materials, and a great location. But it’s hard to convey that feeling to a potential buyer or tenant when all you can show them are 2D floor plans and a building under construction.

The Prisma Real Estate team had exactly this challenge. The Vinti 16b apartments were supposed to be completed in mid-October, but they wanted to start marketing in the summer. To do this, they needed visuals that would:

Technically accurate: Would correspond 100% to real plans.
Emotionally appealing: Create a cozy and inviting feeling.
Professional: Would give the impression of reliable and high-quality development.

The initial task was clear: to create six photorealistic 3D illustrations that would cover both the exterior of the building and the interior views of the studio apartment.

Source information used to create the 3D illustration

Workflow: A transparent and detail-oriented journey to making a 3D illustration

For us, 3D illustration is not just a click of a button. It is a multi-step process where every detail matters.

Stage 1: Laying the foundation – accurate 3D model

It all starts with the base materials. The client provided us with floor plans, views, site plans, and even real photos of the building under construction. This was invaluable information that allowed us to create an architecturally correct 3D model. Every window, wall thickness, and even doorway was measured and modeled according to the drawings to avoid any surprises later.

Stage 2: Breathing life into it – interior design and atmosphere

Once the frame was up, the creative part began. The client had communicated a very detailed interior design vision: light pastel tones, wood-effect LVT flooring, a green sofa bed, a minimalist white kitchen, and even precise descriptions of the lighting and curtains. Our task was to turn this vision into a digital reality.

Stage 3: Collaboration and iteration – here lies the key!

This is the stage that separates a good result from a great one. When we sent the first drafts, we began a close dialogue with the client, during which we refined the details. This process is the best example of the fact that we do not offer a finished product, but a partnership.

Some specific examples from this project:

"Too crowded": The initial interior view, according to the client, gave the room "the impression of a hotel room." The space seemed crammed with furniture. The solution? We removed the dressing table and left only the TV stand, instantly creating a more airy and spacious feel.
Missing refrigerator: There was a confusion with the refrigerator in the kitchen view – it was integrated on the plans, but separate in the image. After clarification, we adjusted the model to match the actual kitchen plan.
Wardrobe diet: Originally a three-piece wardrobe, the client wanted to convert it into a two-piece wardrobe to create more space between the chest of drawers and the closet. A small change, but a big impact on the balance of the space.
Staircase dignity: The first version of the staircase was too simple. Based on the client's feedback, we added a touch of prestige: oak doors, stylish lighting, and solid chrome handles, which immediately created a higher-quality first impression.

This constant feedback cycle ensured that the end result was not only ours, but also the client's.

Result: six images ( 3D illustration) that tell the whole story

The end result was six strategically selected views that provide a comprehensive overview to the potential client:

Exterior view: Shows the building's architecture, parking area, and courtyard, providing context and a first impression.
Staircase: Creates a sense of quality and security even before reaching the apartment door.
Living room (window view): Emphasizes the abundance of light, spaciousness, and cozy living area.
Living room (view of kitchen): Demonstrates a functional kitchen solution and dining area.
Bathroom: Shows a laundry room solution that has been thought out down to the smallest detail.

These images made it onto real estate portals and helped generate interest long before the first residents moved in.

What did the client actually win? More than just pictures.

Faster decisions: Potential tenants immediately received a clear and realistic idea of the space, which accelerated the decision-making process.
Fewer unanswered questions: A high-quality 3D illustration answers many questions about the layout and possibilities of the space right from the start.
Professional image: Investing in high-quality visuals shows the developer's commitment and increases the credibility of the project.
Risk-free investment: Our principle is that the client only pays if they are 100% satisfied with the result. This makes ordering 3D illustrations a safe bet on marketing success.

Ruut24 services: from sketch to sales image, everything from one place

This project is a great example of how our services come together. 3D illustration is a new and powerful addition to our portfolio, but our foundation remains digital drawing .

If you only have an old paper drawing or a hand-drawn sketch, we can first convert it into an accurate AutoCAD DWG file. We can then create a photorealistic 3D world based on the same drawing. It's a full service from idea to execution.

Our 3D service packages:

Photorealistic 3D render: €250 + VAT per image (also suitable for printing).
AI visual refresh: €25 + VAT (for quick and affordable tuning of an existing image).
Mobile marketing clip: €35 + VAT (for eye-catching social media content).