Typically, members of the AIA (American Institute of Architects) and NAHB (National Association of Home Builders) prefer to use 3D animations and single renderings for their customers before starting on a construction project.
These professionals often find their clients are unable to grasp the complexity and spatial qualities of large projects without the help of computer generated visual aids.
A storyboard will be created showing the path of the animation, this allows for the project to have a clear scope of work and an estimation of how much time it is going to take.
Once complete, the general 3D structure of the animation sequence is created and textures, materials & details are applied.
Single still frame images are usually presented to the client at this stage and tweaks are made to the design so the structure, materials and colors are correct.