All rendering is abstract representation but it has always been a bit baffling and amusing to me how that type of software is so enthralling to design/build firms (one I know of mixes it within a design package that still has hand-drawn plans). What a good description with the cards analogy lol! I think it’s because although nothing will ever look like that after installation, the customer appeal is seeing HIS or HER home in the background, and that overwhelms them and makes them think it’s bound to be solid design in every other measure, and the blend looks “tailored” when in fact the solution offered could almost be a standard given to most other customers. And the business appeal is the lower learning curve compared to sketchup or photoshop etc. …which could be prohibitive to crank up for a typical residence even with skills available. I’m not saying the shortcuts are always used in a repetitive way, but there sure is the likelihood that solutions are limited by the plant and pool etc. library that comes ready to plug in.
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