3D Visualisation’s Role in Shaping Restaurant Design with Vlad Mircea

In the world of restaurant interior design and F&B concept development, there’s one fundamental question that we must try and answer: What should the space feel like? 

A venue’s design language, from layout and mood to lighting and texture, all contribute to this. But how do you bring this to life before the first tile is laid?  

With over a decade of experience in design working with brands such as Nike, Electric Cinema, Celine and Nando’s, Vlad Mircea helps unpack the importance of 3D visualisation—a process that is crucial to the growing body of work he contributes to at TGP International.  

What Role Does 3D Visualisation Play in Restaurant Interior Design Today? 

3D visualisation is the art of creating hyper-realistic renderings of spaces before they physically exist. It’s no longer just a tool for architects; it’s now an essential part of how modern restaurants are imagined, refined and brought to life.  

For F&B brands, it helps founders, chefs, designers and investors align on the same vision, fast-track decisions, and avoid costly mistakes. It plays a much bigger role than most people think. We’re not just visualising a chair or a wall; we’re building a mood. A restaurant isn’t just a place to eat, it’s where memories are produced and a venue’s mood is so important to this.   

Visualisation gives you a way of experiencing the moment before it’s real as well as establishing certain desired outcomes that teams can use to guide their decisions. 

You can test how a space feels at 2 p.m. in daylight versus 8 p.m. under ambient lighting. You can also see how materials work together, how the ceiling height affects the overall vibe and even how people move through the space.  

This means teams can make decisions early; layout changes, design tweaks, brand alignment, all without wasting time or budget. So it’s not just a visual tool, it’s a decision-making tool. 

What’s something people don’t realise about 3D visualisation in F&B? 

While 3D visualisation might seem quite technical or reliant on modern technology, it stems from a timeless instinct to communicate ideas visually. Each image is a unique composition that pulls together many intentions and conveys a precise message and emotional tone.

One of my favourite inspirations is The Astronomer by Johannes Vermeer, painted in 1668. The same principles of applying light and shadow to draw the human eye into a composition still apply today and impact the work I do.  

Classic techniques like the golden ratio or triangular composition are some of my favourite elements to embed into my images, especially interior designs, to achieve a balanced, theatrical and refined look. 

Also, good visualisation tells a brand story without a single word. For example, a fast-casual brand may want to prioritise  high energy and turnover, meaning a space needs to feel dynamic, open and fast. Meanwhile, a fine dining restaurant might require more intimacy, warmth, and balance. 

Every line, shadow, and surface helps convey that. You’re translating values into visuals. 

How is it different working with a creative agency like TGP?

What’s great about working with TGP is how closely brand, story, and space are connected in every project we take on. 

It’s never just about “make it look good”. There’s always a deeper conversation about how guests will feel. And what their overall experience will be like as customers. We’re always asking questions like "What mood are we creating?” or “Does this reflect the culture of the cuisine?” 

That collaborative spirit pushes the work further. Beyond the final 3D renders that are produced, there is an extensive and open back-and-forth where we refine the narrative and make sure it has been reflected in the designs we are producing and sharing with our clients.  

We’re not afraid to challenge ideas and allow the talented people in our teams to push creatively in their owns ways. This combination is rare and refreshing. 

I’ve worked with over 200 studios in the design industry before joining TGP. I’ve sat in meetings where everyone seemed bored, been in toxic and condescending work environments, and seen all kinds of bad practices. And I can truly say TGP is in the top 5% of practices with a people-first culture.  

All businesses are built around people, so it’s crucial to get this right. At TGP, I feel like I’m part of a real team. No overpowering egos, everyone works hard, and all ideas are welcome. We’re encouraged to contribute, be creative, and truly enjoy our jobs.  

That’s what makes us different. The spaces we create are innovative because every detail is considered. There's a strong sense of collaboration across all departments. My job involves input from everyone, and that gives me visibility on how the whole business functions, it's inspiring. 

Do you have a favourite project you’ve worked on? 

Seed & Bloom definitely stands out. It’s a community café, and one of those rare projects where everything just came together perfectly. We had the space to really dive into the details, the team worked seamlessly, and the vision was clear from the start.  

You could feel the purpose behind it, and that made the whole process feel more meaningful. 

As a collaborative effort, there are many different influences on this project as well as insights that can be gathered from the team, including the official project case study as well as Joana’s piece covering key areas of the design narrative. 

How important Is 3D Visualisation for Restaurant Interior Today? 

The point of all our hard work is to create a clear vision. We’re past the days when being in a good location or having a good USP was enough.  

Today, you need to go further and craft unique, standout experiences for the F&B world, whether it's a single venue concept in a hotel or a dynamic food hall within a mall complex. Visualisation helps us observe, critique, evolve ideas and refine processes as part of that ongoing journey. 

In my role, it’s never just about me creating images that are promoted or impressing clients. As a team, we’re all focused on working through the details, messaging, 3D models, and sketches; it’s a full creative process that is grounded in the fact that we want the final physical venue to achieve its goals, both creatively and commercially. 

The challenge is that expectations are higher than ever. Guests no longer come in just for the food; they’re looking for an experience. The market is crowded, and every detail counts. 

3D visualisation doesn’t replace good design; it enhances it. It ensures the story you want to tell is felt the moment someone steps through the door. It’s a quiet tool, but it shapes everything from day one.