A 3D rendering contract template that knows a revision from a redesign.
A free 3D rendering contract template for architectural visualisation studios and freelancers. It covers scope and resolutions, what the client supplies, rounds of changes versus design changes, stage payments, delivery, ownership of the renders and the 3D model, and an artist’s impression clause. Copy it, fill in the square brackets, and send it before the first clay render.
The 3D rendering contract template
Ten clauses, built around the two things that sink render projects: missing information and moving designs.
Architectural visualisation agreement
ARCHITECTURAL VISUALISATION AGREEMENT 1. The parties This agreement is between [your name or studio] ("the Studio") of [address] and [practice or developer] ("the Client") of [address], dated [date]. 2. Scope The Studio will produce: • [3 exterior stills and 2 interior stills, 4K] • [1 flythrough animation, 30 seconds, 1080p] The views are agreed from clay renders before materials and lighting begin. 3. What the Client provides The Client will supply [drawings, models, material schedules and site photos] by [date] and confirms it has the right to share them for this work. The timeline starts when complete information arrives. 4. Changes and design changes The fee includes [2] rounds of changes to each view. A round is one consolidated set of written comments. A change to the building design itself, such as new drawings, a new elevation or a different layout, is a design change and will be quoted separately. 5. Fees and stage payments The total fee is £[0,000] [plus VAT, if registered], paid in stages: [30]% on signing, [40]% when draft renders are delivered, [30]% on final delivery. Invoices are payable within [30] days. [Render farm costs are charged at cost.] 6. Delivery Draft renders within [10] working days of approved clay renders. Finals within [5] working days of the last round of changes, delivered through a private online gallery. 7. Ownership and use The Studio owns the copyright in the renders and the 3D model. On full payment the Client receives a licence to use the final renders for [marketing, planning applications and sales materials for this project]. The 3D model files are not part of the delivery unless agreed in writing. The Studio may show the renders in its portfolio [once the project is public / with the Client’s permission]. 8. Artist’s impression Renders are artist’s impressions based on the information supplied. The Client is responsible for how they are described to buyers, planners and the public. 9. Cancellation If the Client ends the project, it pays for the stages completed and the work done on the current stage. 10. Signatures Signed for the Studio: ____________ Date: ______ Signed for the Client: ____________ Date: ______
These templates are a practical starting point, not legal or tax advice. If a job is large or unusual, have a solicitor or accountant check the wording.
The clauses that protect render artists
Revisions versus design changes. Moving the camera is a revision. Moving the building is a design change. Writing that difference down is the single best thing you can do for your margin.
Client inputs. The clock starts when complete drawings arrive, not when the email saying “drawings to follow” does.
Ownership and the model. UK law makes the creator the first owner of copyright unless agreed otherwise in writing (GOV.UK: ownership of copyright works), and an assignment only works in writing and signed (Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988, section 90). License the renders for the project, and price the model separately if the client wants it.
Artist’s impression. Renders show intent, not a guarantee. Making the client responsible for how they are presented keeps you out of arguments between developers and buyers.
Stage payments. Long projects need cash on the way, not just at the end.
Signed, reviewed and invoiced
In Veyra the agreement becomes a template the client signs online. Stills and flythroughs go in a private gallery for comments, rounds are counted against the contract, and each stage invoice sits on the same project. See Veyra for 3D render artists.
Questions people ask
What should a 3D rendering contract include?
The views and animations with resolutions, what the client must supply and when, how many rounds of changes are included, the difference between a change and a design change, stage payments, delivery times, ownership and licence of the renders and model, portfolio use and cancellation.
What is the difference between a revision and a design change?
A revision adjusts the render: a camera angle, a material, the lighting. A design change alters the building itself, such as new drawings or a new elevation. Revisions are included up to a limit; design changes are quoted separately.
Who owns architectural renders?
The studio that made them, unless you agree otherwise in writing. The usual approach is to keep copyright and license the client to use the renders for the project’s marketing and planning.
Should I hand over the 3D model?
Only if the contract says so, and priced as its own item. The model is reusable work with its own value.