See the Finish Line.
Before You Break Ground.
Roger Berent · Architect and Advisor to Developers
Currently accepting 3 new projects
Visual storytelling for projects is my primary focus.
Let’s skip the marketing fluff.
You need site analysis, renderings, and 3D videos that move your project forward.
These are the tools your partners, investors, or city reviewers can say, “Yes, we get it.”
That’s the work I deliver.
My other passion is helping clients figure out what they can really build.
When you show me a site, I hear questions like:
• How many units can we fit?
• Can we add the commercial piece we want?
• Will zoning green-light this—or shut it down?
I take your site, the ordinance, your goals—and turn them into a clear diagram and program you can actually use.
Two Ways I Help
I’m extremely selective and only take on work I genuinely enjoy. These are the two areas where developers get stuck—and where I deliver disproportionate value — fast, clear, and without the usual headaches.
Visual Story Studio
High-impact 3D renderings and short concept videos delivered in 7–14 days. I can visualize your existing architect's designs or work from rough site plans—I'm a tool in your toolkit, not a replacement for your design team.
I'm a licensed architect, not a visual artist who happens to do buildings. I know what planning commissions look for, what addresses their concerns, and how to compose visuals that get projects approved—not just pretty pictures.
The exact visuals that turn “maybe” into “hell yes.”
Site Feasibility & Entitlement Strategy
I decode zoning, politics, and economics into a clear, defensible program and approval roadmap. This phase often pays for itself within months—one avoided mistake can save you 6 figures.
I only take projects where I’m confident I can move the needle dramatically.
Recent Video Work
I have personally seen these videos cut entitlement meetings from 3–4 (or more) down to 1–2. Planning staff finally understand the project on the first pass — and that saves months and hundreds of thousands in carrying costs
A few examples of visualization projects.
Click to play the videos.
About
I'm Roger Berent. Over 25+ years and 150+ projects, I've learned something most architects miss: projects don't fail in design—they fail in feasibility and communication.
Investors can't see the vision. Cities can't understand it. And no one knows what the site will actually allow until serious money has already been spent.
So I narrowed my practice to the two fronts that move the needle earliest and hardest: (1) visuals that sell the dream in under two weeks, and (2) feasibility and entitlement roadmaps that prevent mistakes and increase approvals.
I only take on developers and projects where I know I can deliver disproportionate leverage. Everything else I politely decline.
— Roger
You Work Directly With Me
I don't hand off projects or outsource work. When you hire me, you get me—direct access, clear communication, and someone who understands Michigan's development process inside out. I'm based in Rochester Hills and work with clients throughout the state.
FAQ
Do I need to hire you as my architect?
No. I can work with your existing architect's designs, your engineer's site plans, or standalone for feasibility analysis. I'm a consultant and tool in your process—you stay in control of your team.
What if I just have land with no plans yet?
That's often the best time to bring me in. I can help you understand what's realistically possible before you spend money on design or commit to a purchase. Early feasibility clarity prevents expensive mistakes.
What makes a good fit for your practice?
Developers or landowners who value speed and certainty over cutting corners. Projects where early clarity—on visuals or feasibility—will materially change the outcome. I'm selective because I only take work where I'm confident I can move the needle dramatically.
Can I hire you for just one service?
Yes. You can hire me for just visualization or just feasibility analysis—whatever makes sense for your project. Many clients start with one and add the other later.
How long does each phase take?
Visual Story Studio: 7–14 days from kickoff to delivery.
Site Feasibility: Typically 2–3 weeks depending on complexity.
Both are designed to give you clarity fast—before timelines slip and carrying costs mount.
Contact us.
To determine whether your project might be a good fit for the studio, please briefly describe the scope, timing, location and other relevant details in the form and I’ll be in touch shortly to review your project in detail.