Full-Scale Walkthrough vs Virtual Reality: What’s the Difference?
In today’s design and construction world, technology is changing how people visualize and plan their spaces. Two of the most exciting tools are full-scale walkthroughs and virtual reality (VR).
Both can help you “see” your design before it’s built — but they do it in very different ways. At Walk Your Plans Atlanta, we specialize in full-scale physical walkthroughs that let you experience your space in real life. Through our partner Design & Build XR, we also offer virtual, interactive models that bring your design to life digitally.
Here’s how the two approaches work, what makes each one powerful, and how they can be used together for the best results.
What Is a Full-Scale Walkthrough?
A full-scale walkthrough projects your 2D floor plan onto our studio floor at life size, allowing you to walk every wall, hallway, and doorway as if it were already built.
You can stand in your kitchen, test furniture placement, and visualize how rooms connect. The walls and dimensions are displayed exactly to scale, so you experience the layout with your own eyes and body — no headset required.
This hands-on approach is ideal for catching layout issues and ensuring your space feels right before construction begins. It’s the most direct way to translate plans into real-world perspective.
What Is a Virtual Reality Walkthrough?
Virtual Reality (VR) creates a digital version of your space that you can explore through a headset, tablet, or computer.
Using Design & Build XR — our trusted technology partner — your 2D plans are converted into a 3D, interactive environment. You can walk through your home or building virtually, change viewpoints, and even switch between different modes such as:
Walkable Mode: Explore the space as if you’re inside it.
Dollhouse Mode: View the entire design from above.
Tabletop Mode: Review layouts and proportions from any angle.
AR Onsite Mode: Overlay your digital model on your real construction site.
The best part? You can access your VR model anytime from your phone, tablet, or VR headset — including the Meta Quest 3 — making it easy to share with clients, family members, or your builder team.
How the Two Tools Work Together
Many clients start by walking their floor plan full scale at Walk Your Plans Atlanta. Once they’ve confirmed the layout and dimensions feel right, we help them take the next step: converting that plan into a digital 3D model through our partner Design & Build XR.
That model can then be shared, explored, and refined remotely. You can make finish selections, test lighting, or show your design to family or investors anywhere in the world.
It’s the perfect combination: real-world experience + digital flexibility.
When to Use Each One
Use a Full-Scale Walkthrough When You Want To:
Catch design and layout mistakes before construction.
Experience flow, scale, and sightlines physically.
Collaborate in person with your builder, architect, or designer.
Make confident decisions about room sizes and connections.
Use Virtual Reality (Design & Build XR) When You Want To:
Explore your space remotely or share with others online.
Visualize finishes, textures, and materials.
Create an immersive presentation for clients, investors, or buyers.
Continue refining your design after your walkthrough.
Many clients choose to do both — they walk their plans first, then take home a 3D model to keep exploring.
The Future of Design Is Here
Walk Your Plans Atlanta and Design & Build XR are bringing two sides of design visualization together — physical and digital — to help clients design smarter, communicate better, and build with confidence.
Whether you want to walk it in real life or explore it virtually, we make it possible to understand your project from every angle.
It’s not about replacing one technology with another — it’s about giving you the clarity to build with certainty.
Ready to see your space in every dimension?
Schedule your full-scale walkthrough at Walk Your Plans Atlanta and discover how Design & Build XR can bring your design to life digitally.
Experience your plan, your way — in real space or virtual space.
Walk Your Plans Atlanta + Design & Build XR — two tools, zero surprises.