A method for visualizing a reference object in an augmented reality (AR) workspace includes: calibrating the AR workspace by mapping a first coordinate space to the AR workspace; projecting an interface with control elements onto the AR workspace; obtaining an image of the AR workspace that includes the interface and the reference object; identifying the reference object in the image using an image recognition algorithm; retrieving a reference file associated with the reference object, where the reference file includes structural information describing one or more layers of the reference object; identifying a first point of interest (POI) on the reference object; generating, based on the structural information of the reference file, a virtual x-ray representation of structures of the reference object; projecting the virtual x-ray representation onto the AR workspace. The virtual x-ray representation includes a rendering of an internal structure of the reference object.