How to Use Virtual Reality to Enhance Architectural Design Processes
Virtual reality is revolutionizing the architectural design process, offering unprecedented opportunities for visualization and innovation. This article explores how VR technology is transforming the way architects conceptualize, present, and refine their designs. Drawing on insights from industry experts, we'll delve into the practical applications and benefits of integrating virtual reality into architectural workflows.
- AR Transforms Real Estate Visualization
- VR Enhances Physical Therapy Adherence
- AR App Revolutionizes Furniture Shopping Experience
AR Transforms Real Estate Visualization
Hi,
Thanks for the great question. I couldn't pass up the chance to share this.
My name is Anna Belova, and I'm the founder and CEO of DEVAR and the no-code AR platform MyWebAR.com, used by over 250,000 creators and brands across 180 countries. While we initially focused on packaging, books, and education, we've recently seen something exciting: architects, urban planners, and interior designers are turning to augmented reality to let clients walk through spaces that don't exist yet.
One of the most memorable use cases came from a real estate company that used MyWebAR to showcase upcoming apartments. Instead of showing flat renders, they gave buyers a simple QR code that launched an augmented reality scene right on their phones - and suddenly, they were walking around the kitchen, seeing where the light was falling, changing the colors of the walls, and even switching up the furniture. No app. Just pure immersion.
City planners can visualize how a public bench or a line of trees fits into the real landscape. It's no longer imagination - it's experience.
But the real magic happens when we add spatial tracking - something architects have been waiting for. It ties AR scenes to real-world volumetric objects, so you can place 3D content on buildings, statues, or other physical structures, and let the client see the project at full scale.
This is the shift we are seeing: AR is no longer just a "wow" moment. It is becoming part of how we design, test, and communicate ideas. You can update a model in minutes, show it to clients remotely, and collect feedback instantly. With AI generating 3D assets and multilingual voiceovers in hours, even small marketing teams are launching large-scale AR demos without big budgets.
AR turns blueprints into emotions. It helps people see not just where the wall is, but how they will feel inside it. And with spatial tracking and browser-based augmented reality (meaning no need to download any additional apps), it's now available to anyone with a phone.
If this could be useful for your article, I'd be happy to share more or send examples.
Warm regards,
Anna Belova
Founder & CEO, DEVAR
VR Enhances Physical Therapy Adherence
We supported a healthcare client who wanted to improve physical therapy adherence through a more engaging patient experience. My team and I introduced a fully immersive VR program that helped patients visualize and interact with guided rehab exercises in a 3D environment. Instead of reading instructions or watching a video, patients could put on a headset and follow virtual prompts in real time. This kind of immersion helped reduce confusion and made the process feel more like a game than a chore.
One of the biggest benefits came during the design phase. With semi-immersive VR tools, we simulated room layouts, therapy setups, and user paths before committing to any physical space changes. It was easier to spot friction points and adjust early. The client could also review each proposed setup using a screen-based VR viewer, which made sign-offs faster. VR saved us time and helped avoid unnecessary costs in the physical world.
For others exploring similar projects, I'd recommend starting small. We didn't go straight to full-body treadmills or scent-simulating tech. A basic headset, intuitive interface, and a clear use case can be enough to start seeing real benefits. Whether you're simulating a therapy routine or designing a new office space, the right type of VR—non-immersive, semi-immersive, or fully immersive—can help you test ideas before you bring them into the real world.
AR App Revolutionizes Furniture Shopping Experience
One notable example where I used virtual reality or augmented reality technology was for a client's product launch. The product was related to the home decor industry, and our client wanted to showcase its new furniture product line to its customers interactively.
We developed an AR application that allowed users to place 3D models of the new furniture line into their living spaces using a smartphone app. Users only needed to point their camera at a desired space in their living setup, and the app would portray the furniture in real time.
This approach completely enhanced the design process. The app used AR technology and allowed users to check out various furniture products in their living setup. This helped both the design team and users to visualize the look of the furniture in different colors, styles, and combinations.
The entire client experience was enhanced when customers were able to place their favorite furniture in their home spaces instead of just exploring furniture photos.
