Why hire a designer?
Would you remodel a house without an architect?
The cost to build a custom car can be as expensive as remodeling a house. An experienced general contractor wouldn’t consider starting a remodel without a set of architectural plans.
A rendered design serves as the visual plan and guide for the fabricator. Having an illustrated plan before starting ensures the finished car matches the client's vision.
It also helps clients visualize their ideas and determine what works best, optimizing the design. A well-designed car is timeless, with cohesive details that make it stand out.
Additionally, a rendered design can attract aftermarket product sponsors, is required for SEMA build proposals, and is essential for build books in high-end custom car shows like the Grand National Roadster Show and the Detroit Autorama.
The Value of Starting with a Qualified Car Designer
Another reason to begin your project with a qualified car designer is the potential cost savings from avoiding rework. Fabrication time is expensive, with some shops charging up to $200 an hour. A ready design helps reduce or eliminate costly rework caused by a lack of clear vision.
Moreover, a cohesive theme throughout the car's design—from exterior to interior, engine bay to trunk—is crucial. A well-thought-out design reflects this effort and often leads to award-winning results. In contrast, disjointed design elements can detract from the overall appeal and may be the difference between winning first or second place. An experienced designer ensures these details are not overlooked.
The cost to build a custom car can in some cases be as expensive as remodeling a house, an experienced general contractor wouldn’t even consider starting a remodel without a set of architectural plans.
A rendered design is visual the plan, guide and starting point for the fabricator. Having an illustrated plan before a project is started is the best way to ensure that the finished car matches what a client had in mind to begin with. Showing a fabricator what is wanted is a lot easier than trying to describe it.
It is also critical in for the client in seeing what they have in their head and whether it works as well as they thought, and what else can be done to optimize the design. A well-designed car is timeless, and it’s the little details and continuity that makes a car really flow and stand out from the rest.
Additionally, a rendered design can be used as a tool to attract aftermarket product sponsors, are requirement for SEMA build proposals, and for build books when competing in high end Professionally Judged custom car shows, like the Grand National Roadster Show and the Detroit Autorama, two of the most prestigious custom and hot rod car shows in North America.
