The stunning graphics of computer games are no longer a cause for amazement. Virtual scenery and computer-animated figures are now taken for granted, so the sight of a bundle of black-and-white drawings is likely to create a big yawn.

Chris Parker, a former engineer and property developer who lives near Thame, taught himself how to use high-quality computer animation and 3D visualisation so that he could persuade local councillors to approve his planning applications.

Now he has set up his own company, 3D Virtual, to offer architects, property developers, interior designers and product designers the chance to bring their drawings to life with the newest computer technology.

3D Virtual takes the drawings and creates computer-generated images incorporating furnishings, fittings and decorations.

Interiors can be created from sketches or drawings, inviting the user to tour the design and view it from all angles.

They can be changed until everyone is happy with the end result.

Mr Parker said: "A 3D model can demonstrate how the building will work and how it will look.

"Sometimes on a big scheme, the planning people will ask for a 3D model to be created to help them to understand how the project will work.

"Obviously, it is not cost-effective for an extension to a private house, but can be cost-effective on a whole house.

"You can take a photograph of the houses around, and fit in the computer-generated picture of the new house, to show how it will look in its surroundings.

"It's a great benefit, both to the person who is having the house built, and to the planners, who can see how it will interact with the environment."

Mr Parker added: "We make it easier for planners and clients to visualise and avoid any confusion over ideas and finished work.

"Buildings, rooms or products can be viewed from every angle to see how colour, light and ideas interact."

To create the images was not a push-button process', he said, but needed a mixture of technical and design skills.

"There is a lot of work involved, but there is software available which lets you do this, which has grown up from the computer-games industry.

"We have our own graphic designers but we try to incorporate what the architect has designed you don't want to change anything, but obviously there is an amount of interpretation."

The photographic-quality 3D images can be used in sales literature, presentations or giant billboards, as well as planning applications.

The DVD or CD can be shown on a laptop, PC, screen or website, as well as on paper.

Mr Parker started working from home in Chinnor, but has now moved the company into Thame Industrial Estate, taking on two other staff, and is likely to expand more in the future.

The process is obviously a boon for property developers who want to sell off-plan' before the homes have been built.

He said one client, the Orsett Hall Hotel in Essex, had shown a video of images of a new extension at wedding fairs.

"You could see people moving around the new extension and inside the hotel. They have won advance bookings, even though the extension has not even started to be built yet," said Mr Parker.

Steve Haynes, owner of Orsett Hall, said: "We have the 3D Virtual Tour set up in our reception area.

"It has attracted great attention from visitors interested in booking weddings, or large corporate events in the future.

"It has given people an insight into what the new function suite will look like and is a fantastic attraction."

n Contact: www.3dvirtual.co.uk