Company

The Cinematic Advantage

Film is more than a medium — it’s a language that artistically shapes how we see, feel, and connect with the world. Film influences design, photography, and architecture, redefining how stories are told and spaces are experienced. To call something cinematic is to recognize its universal capacity to engage, transport, and elicit emotion. At Shimahara Visual, we understand this language and we harness it to push the boundaries of visual media. This is our Cinematic Advantage — an approach that expands ideas into experiences, places into narratives, and brands into something unforgettable.

We journey forward, pressing the visual media of the built environment toward cinematic expression. By combining this directorial approach to visual storytelling with the passion and goals of our partners we imbue architectural experiences with cinematic life. This is our advantage.

Film

Some stories need to be felt, not just told. Film has the power to transport, framing a vision through time, light, and motion. We see cinematic storytelling as an art form—blending composition, emotion, and precision to create films that immerse, leaving a lasting impact on every viewer.

  • Live Action
  • Animation
  • Anthem Film
  • Social Media Teaser
  • Green Screen
  • Casting
  • Drone
  • Helicopter Shoot

Branding

A brand is not just what it looks like, it’s how it makes people feel. It’s the emotional architecture behind every interaction, shaping perception, building trust, and transforming vision into connection. We craft narratives with clarity and purpose, ensuring brands don’t just exist; they resonate, inspire, and endure.

  • Strategy And Positioning
  • Brand Identity
  • Verbal Identity
  • Copywriting
  • Print and Digital Collateral
  • Out-of-Home Ads
  • Web & Mobile
  • Wayfinding Signage
  • Campaign Photoshoots

Illustration

An idea becomes real the moment it’s seen. Illustration transforms abstract concepts into tangible visions, bridging the gap between imagination and reality. We capture their essence, creating visuals that inspire belief, emotion, and anticipation long before the first foundation is laid.

  • Digital Renderings
  • Digital Concept Art
  • Cinemagraphs
  • Photomontage
  • Site Photography

Virtual Reality

Seeing is no longer enough; now, we step inside. Virtual and Mixed Reality dissolve the line between vision and experience, allowing audiences to explore spaces before they exist. We create immersive worlds that invite exploration, deepen engagement, and redefine how we tell spatial stories.

  • 360 Panoramic Renderings
  • 360 Virtual Tour
  • Real-time Multimedia Resource

Our Friends and Partners

AC Martin

AECOM

Alexandria Real Estate Equities

Asana Partners

Bentall Green Oak

Biomed Realty

Bond Companies

BXP

Brandywine Realty Trust
Brookfield
CallisonRTKL

CBRE

Compass

CV Properties

Douglas Elliman Real Estate
Ennead Architects
ERYC Architects
Federal Realty

Fisher Brothers

Foster + Partners
Gehry Partners

Gensler

Greatland Realty Partners

Grimshaw Architects

 

 

Hackman Capital Partners

Handel Architects

Healthpeak

Hines

HKS
HLW International

HNTB
HOK
Hudson Pacific Properties
IMT Capital

Jerde Partnership

JLL

John M. Corcoran & Co.

Johnson Fain
KFA
Kilroy Realty

KingSett Capital

LCOR

Lightstone

Live Nation

LOWE Real Estate

LPA

Macerich

Millennium Partners

 

 

 

 

Montalba Architects

Moore Ruble Yudell

Morphosis

New England Development

NBBJ

Oxford Properties

P-A-T-T-E-R-N-S
Perkins Eastman
Perkins & Will

Rafael Viñoly Architects

RIOS

Related

RXR Realty

Shigeru Ban Architects

Silverstein Properties

Skanska
SOM

Steelwave

Stonebridge Companies

Studios Architecture

The Ratkovich Company
Trammell Crow
Westfield Group

ZGF Architects

 

 

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“It looks AMAZING! Shimahara has been absolutely exceptional on our projects — by far the best viz firm I have ever worked with."

GENSLER, NEW YORK CITY

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“The people at Shimahara Visual are great listeners, they understand exactly what I am trying to achieve and their creative expertise is unmatched.”

Federal Realty

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“You are my agency for life.”

Canopy Team

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“Stunning! We are excited to share with the world!”

KAA Design

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“Your team is an absolute pleasure to work with and we look forward to future collaborations.”

Kingsett Capital

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“Our leasing team is thrilled with the video you all created–it is such an amazing marketing tool. We will only be recommending you for our future projects!"

CBRE

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“Thank you for all your efforts over the past couple weeks. It was a quick turnaround and the results are fantastic!"

GENSLER, LOS ANGELES

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“Shimahara Visual is the best in the game and has always proven to deliver on time with exceptional quality. You will always be pleased with the result."

EOP REALITY, INC

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“P-H-E-N-O-M-E-N-A-L

It looks awesome — THANK YOU! The Shimahara Team is the BEST!"

GENSLER, NEW YORK CITY

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Leadership

We believe that good art is a given, but that good form is the difference. Our clients trust in our fierce pursuit of cinematic architectural visualization and branding, but our leaders know that success is fueled by our devotion to our partners and friends. 

Craig Shimahara

Craig Shimahara, founder of Shimahara Visual, blends architecture, film, and storytelling to shape unbuilt environments. A UCLA-trained architect and 2020 AIA LA honoree, he champions design excellence through visionary leadership and a passion for immersive storytelling.

Favorite film: Star Wars, Episode IV

Elizabeth Parker

As Chief Creative Officer at Shimahara Visual, Elizabeth Parker weaves photography, film, and architecture into immersive narratives. Her cinematic instincts and artistic eye drive Shimahara’s storytelling-led approach to branding and architectural visualization.

Favorite film: What Dreams May Come

Brett Ribeneck

As Studio Director at Shimahara Visual, Brett brings a sharp eye for design, strategy, and storytelling. With deep expertise in architectural visualization, he bridges artistic vision and business goals, guiding projects with creativity, precision, and a cinematic sensibility.

Favorite film: 42

Brian Martinez

As Studio Director of Shimahara Visual’s New York office, Brian Martinez brings a filmmaker’s eye to architectural storytelling. He blends cinematography, branding, and media to craft compelling narratives and strengthen client relationships across the East Coast.

Favorite film: Star Wars

Mark Villanueva

As Branding Director at Shimahara Visual, Mark Villanueva shapes bold narratives. A UCLA-trained architect and classical pianist, he merges strategy, design, and storytelling with a cinematic sensibility inspired by Dieter Rams, Rem Koolhaas, and retro-futurism.

Favorite film: The End of Evangelion

Chase Morikawa

With 15+ years in computer graphics, Chase leads operations at Shimahara Visual, uniting art and tech to drive innovation. A Los Angeles native with a background in computer science, he brings precision, creativity, and local insight to every project.

Favorite film: Star Wars

STUDIO SNAPSHOTS