In architectural visualisation, Phil Buerer, known by his moniker Guachinarte, stands as a beacon of innovation and creativity. Specialising in producing high-quality renderings and artistic images of the unbuilt, Buerer’s work transcends mere technical proficiency to evoke emotion, atmosphere, and a sense of possibility. With a background in architectural drafting, Buerer’s journey into visualisation began with a fascination with visualising ideas. From the early stages of his career, he exhibited a keen eye for detail and a passion for bringing architectural concepts to life. This passion led him to establish his studio, where he honed his craft and developed a unique artistic vision. Central to Buerer’s approach is his ability to reimagine classic structures through Luis Barragán’s philosophy. Inspired by Barragán’s minimalist yet vibrant style, Buerer strives to balance his compositions’ simplicity, elegance, and poetic perfection. Drawing from Barragán’s emphasis on the interplay of texture and light, Buerer meticulously crafts lighting scenarios that accentuate the materiality of the built environment, infusing his renderings with depth and dimensionality.
A fascination with mid-century modern architecture, mainly from California, informs much of Buerer’s work. Captivated by the simplicity, clear lines, and integration with nature characteristic of this era, he seeks to capture the essence of California living in his artwork. Buerer portrays the symbiotic relationship between architecture and nature through careful composition and attention to detail, harmoniously complementing each element. “I don’t think I actively try to bring movement into an image. The goal is to guide the viewer’s eye and keep them in the frame. This can be controlled by the arrangement of light and shadow, the placement of objects and the interaction between them. Const curiosity and emotions are stimulated if done well by maintaining some unrevealed parts.- explained Phil Buerer’s creative process is as dynamic as his projects, adapting to each endeavour’s unique demands and challenges. From receiving architectural plans to delivering the final rendering, every step is guided by a commitment to excellence and innovation. Using digital tools and techniques, including Cinema 4D, V-Ray, and Photoshop, Buerer pushes the boundaries of what’s possible in architectural visualisation.
In his quest to bridge the gap between imagination and reality, Buerer draws inspiration from pioneers like Julius Shulman, whose iconic photographs of mid-century modern architecture served as a touchstone for his artistic vision. Studying Shulman’s compositions, Buerer seeks to emulate his ability to showcase architecture in harmony with its surroundings, creating images that resonate on a visceral level. Naturally, I’m aiming for accuracy and realism. While accuracy is fundamentally important, realism is only a technical aspect and is a question of time and the right tools. Finally, it’s not realism that makes a good image; instead, it’s the message and the composition,” said the artist.
Through his NFT artwork and exploration of new mediums, such as Lumas’ “NFT in a Box,” Buerer continues to push the boundaries of traditional visualisation. He explores the interplay between fixed and moving elements to enhance the viewer’s experience. By combining subtle movements with still imagery, he invites viewers to engage with his work deeper, eliciting emotions and memories through suggestion. In the ever-evolving landscape of architectural visualisation, Phil Buerer, aka Guachinarte, stands as a visionary artist, pushing the boundaries of imagination and creativity. With a commitment to excellence, innovation, and artistic expression, he continues to inspire and captivate audiences with his stunning renderings of the unbuilt.
Written By Filip Adamczewski