We’ve published a few tutorials on architectural visualization here at CG.CreativeFan so far, focused largely on use of v-ray, mental ray and 3D Studio Max.  However, a great method for learning any form of art or design is to examine the work of professionals working in the same field, as they offer great insights into the creative process and also how to achieve quality results.

Today, we have a great interview with Jose Luis Vargas, one of the co-founders of Vargas Tejeda Architects, where he’ll share some of his insights in the field of architectural design and visualization, as well as some of his truly inspirational artwork.

So, here’s the interview!

Software you use:

  • Archicad, Revit for drafting and modeling
  • 3D Studio Max, Vray + RT for rendering
  • Photoshop or After effects for post editing

Thanks for taking the time to interview with us. First off, could you tell us a little about yourself and how did you get started with digital art??

My name is Josè Luis Vargas, I was born in Veracruz, Mexico in 1982. I have a Bachelor’s in Architecture from the Universidad Popular Autonoma del Estado de Puebla (UPAEP) and I am a co-founder of Vargas Tejeda Arquitectos.

My first experience with the 3d world started back in high school in 1998 with TrueSpace. I used it occasionally in my spare time to create basic shapes just for fun, playing around. Later I was introduced to 3d Studio Max, but it wasn’t until I attended architectural school that I used the programs to model my very first buildings. Starting in my second year, I decided to render my presentations for class. It really fired my interest seeing how teachers and classmates understood my designs without looking at the blueprints.

Chipre Residence

During school, I started working on presentations and visualizations, and after a few years, I decided that there was enough demand to start my own business with my partners, Francisco Vargas and Jorge Tejeda. Right now, we work in the CG industry in parallel with our career as architects.

What are your major influences? Any artists in particular who influenced you a lot, or other media such as music and movies?

I usually work listening to the music of Fernando Lima.

Back in architectural school, when I started in with the 3d architectural visualization, my first source of inspiration was the 3d artist Juan Siquier. Looking at his very realistic renderings of old buildings in Spain was very inspirational. Now my main source of inspiration comes from Alex Roman and other great firms (such as Redvertex, Dbox, Neoscape, Pure Render, Spine 3d, etc.) that inspire me to set the limit for the quality that I pursue.

Kuruvady

From a creative standpoint, is it easier to work on personal work or client work?

I personally enjoy working for clients because the concepts and specifications make the project more challenging, and therefore it is a very satisfying experience. I see personal work as a chance to learn from people I look up to.

Where is your office located?

Vargas Tejeda Arquitectos currently has two offices, one in San Diego, California, and another one in Puebla, Mexico. We work on projects simultaneously using a BIM server which allows us to share information in real time for architectural projects, saving time and improving our work flow.

Apple Headquarters

Can you describe your typical work flow when you’re working on a project, whether it be personal or for a client?

I first meet with the clients to discuss the concept, their ideas, and needs of the project. When I begin, most of the modeling is done in Archicad. I meet with the client again to revise the structure. After the client gives approval of the design, I export to 3d studio max + Vray for texturing and lighting. Post production is done in Photoshop, but more recently I have been using Adobe After Effects for photo editing.

MJN Reception

MJN Corporate Offices

MJN Cafeteria

Do you have a favorite work that you’ve done, or something you’re especially proud of? Why that work especially?

It’s hard to pick just one. “K-Residence” has received some CG Awards, but the truth is that I have many favorites. I am very critical of my own work. I keep learning with each project and often I find the latest work to be my new ‘favorite’ one.

K-Residence

What draws you to the style of art that you make?

Many of my architectural projects are inspired by the Mexican architect Miguel Angel Aragones- I often look at his houses and try to mimic the environment and mood that he produces, but I believe that an artist should be constantly looking at a wide array of work for inspiration.

I see architectural visualization not as technical drawing, but as an artistic tool to promote my designs to clients.

What program do you do the majority of your work in, and why?

My office typically uses Autodesk, 3ds Max, Vray, and Adobe applications. We are most familiar with these applications and we find them very effective.

Villa Living Room

What is the Hardware you actually use to work?

  • Processor: Intel i7 Extreme Edition 3.33Ghz Six Core
  • RAM: 12GB
  • Video Card: ATI Radeon HD 5970 – 2GB

Do you use any external hardware such as a drawing tablet?

Wacom graphic tablet and a 3dConnexion Space Navigator.

Master Bedroom Balcony

Do you have any advice for beginning artists out there?

The key is to have passion for what you do and aim high even on the small projects. CG is definitely for patient people :) You should do a lot of research on the new visual techniques. Never stop learning. Never stop being a student. Try to get a realistic view of how your work stacks up against the work on professional forums and the artists you admire. Be dependable! Most importantly, learn to take and grow from criticism and you’ll be fine!

Anything else you’d like to say? Any projects you’re working on that you want to draw attention to, or closing thoughts for the readers?

My office is currently working on some very interesting projects, several of which are difficult to share for the moment due to confidentiality agreements. I can say that we are very excited about the recent release of a book (Masterpieces: Library Architecture + Design by Manuela Roth) showcasing our work in Mexico- the Edificio-T UPAEP, a library recently built at our alma mater in Puebla.

Lomas333

Thanks very much to the CreativeFan staff for the interview! I appreciate the opportunity to show my work, and I’m looking forward to contributing more to your website in the future.