Rhinoceros + Vray: first settings for architectural renders

I usually suggest these first steps for a good rendering production with Rhinoceros + Vray.
In this post I won’t explain each parameter or description, but I will only list all the necessary steps

1. for the exterior, but also interiors: set the sun. Menu -> Vray Lights -> Sun. Remember to check if another Directional/Sun Light is already active and switch that off, or the image will be very exposed – one is enough and more controllable.
   Set the sun condition you prefer.  Interiors could need the help of additional lights.  
2. Open Asset Editor, and as a first thing, check the sun settings: click VRay Asset Editor, then switch on the light page and select Sun Light. By making some light-test renderings , choose the intensity and size of the sun that it is ok also for you. The bigger the sun, the more nuanced the shadows. If you don’t touch the Camera exposition, a Sun with 0.06 of intensity and 5 of size, could be good.
   
3. Not that necessary (default options are not that bad) but suggested by many: change your Global Illumination with Irradiance Map and Brute Force – better for Architectural renders.
   
   These are better for designingin elements instead.
   
4. You can try two things for the Environment. First one, the fastest: click on Environment, then on the box with chess. Here you have to communicate to your model to “read” your sun.  Choose Sky, and then select the light on the right
   
5. The second method to have a nice Environment is a little bit longer but with a better result: apply a Dome Light and check for HDRI 360° background that fits your case. A nice website? Here
6. Select the quality you desire for your render – from the first settings available on the top. Is it a draft or a definitive render? Select Interactive in case of real-time tests.
   
   In case of drafts, quick tests and so on, it could be helpful to active OVERRIDE MATERIALS – it speeds up all the process, letting you understand the quality of your light.
7. click on render output. How big your image? Picture or landscape? Do you want to save them?
   

And then, I also suggest these steps:

1. The use of the clown for postproduction
2. rhinoceros: manage views
3. and all the others!

Disclaimer: this is a fast guide, a tutorial, an how-to article that I personally wrote for you. Feel free to write here any kind of suggestion! It is helpful if you need to solve your problem, if you need a tip or if you are in trouble and you need an help!