Architectural models

The same kind of model can do very different jobs

For TreanorHL's Buena Vista school proposal, the buildings were simple blocks the presenters could move during the interview. Pepperdine's campus model was a large, finished piece, 80 × 116 inches, with lighting coordinated with the event's audiovisual show. Both are architectural models; each was built for the conversation it had to support.

Building types and presentation purposes

Office building models for leasing and project presentations

An office building model can show the building itself, its approach and the site around it before people can visit the finished space. Shea Properties used our Denver 999 model in a presentation to real estate brokers while the building was under construction. At 20 × 24 inches, it gave the group a tabletop view of the whole building.

Partners Group’s model places its new office alongside the planned roads, walks and landscape. The Current in River North called for a different setting: a physical model for a mobile marketing center inside an RV. The audience and display location should shape the scale, footprint and detail.

Residential building models for sales presentations

A residential building model gives buyers a view of the proposed architecture and its setting before construction is complete. For The Coloradan, East West Partners commissioned a detailed model for the sales center, where staff could answer questions as visitors looked around the display.

NAVA’s Lakehouse model showed a proposed development of 196 condominiums and rowhomes. It was used beyond the sales center at the Cherry Creek Arts Festival, where people could gather around it and ask about the project. Plan the footprint and detail around both the building and the places where the model will be shown.

Healthcare and hospital campus models

A hospital model can show existing buildings, planned additions and the routes between them in one view. Our Aspen Valley Hospital campus model brings the hospital buildings together with roads, parking, a glazed entrance and the helipad. Its project brief covered the existing hospital and a phased expansion, including drop-off and ambulance access. For a campus presentation, identify which buildings and arrival routes need attention, and distinguish existing conditions from the proposed work.

Hotel and resort presentation models

A hotel or resort presentation model should make the buildings, their setting and the important amenities easy to follow. Decide whether the audience needs an overview of the development or a closer view of individual units. For Marriott’s Ko Olina resort model, salespeople could light units by type and outlook. The Vail Ritz-Carlton Club model focused on exterior architecture for sales and marketing. Those are different briefs, so the presentation’s purpose should guide the detail.

White architectural models: focus on form

A white architectural model keeps attention on building form, placement and site relationships. For Clark Construction and HOK’s competition model, we built stepped terrain and finished the whole model in white. Roofs, windows and building forms remain visible without competing material colors. A fully colored finish may be useful when the presentation also needs to discuss landscape character or proposed materials.

Commissioning a custom architectural scale model

Start with the building or site you need to show, the audience and the display space. Plans, elevations, 3D files, renderings or photographs help us understand the project, and the design does not have to be complete before the conversation begins.

We will discuss the scale, architectural detail, landscape, lighting and any features needed for the presentation. A simple study model may focus on building placement; a detailed presentation model may need finishes, people, vehicles and lighting. Once the scope is clear, the project receives a fixed-cost proposal that accounts for the schedule, shipping and installation where applicable.

See how a model project works and our guide to choosing an architectural model scale.

Who makes architectural models?

Architectural models are made by specialist model makers. Some work inside architecture firms; many are independent studios serving clients across regions and around the world. Archetype3D is a U.S.-based model maker serving clients worldwide. Our production combines 3D printing, CNC milling, laser cutting and hand finishing.

Site models: a building in its setting

A site model shows how a building fits its surroundings, including neighboring structures, streets and landscape. When the shape of the land is the main story, our topography models put the terrain first.

Planning larger sites and visitor destinations

For an airport model, first define the area the presentation needs to explain: a terminal and its approaches, a wider airfield, or the connection between the two. Identify the buildings, routes and surrounding context that people must recognize. A close terminal view and a broad runway layout may need different scales, so settle the presentation boundary before adding detail.

For a theme park or amusement-park model, begin with the buildings, paths, landscape and visitor spaces that need to be seen together. Mark existing features, proposed areas and future phases clearly. The brief should explain whether the model is for design discussion, a development presentation or a visitor display; that purpose determines how much detail belongs in the scene.

For a museum building or campus model, begin with the architecture, its setting and the presentation you need to give. If the model will instead be an exhibit inside a gallery, our museum and exhibit models cover landscapes, replicas and dioramas planned around the visitor experience.

What it costs

Each project receives a fixed-cost proposal after we understand its scope. Cost factors include model size and scale, architectural detail, the number of buildings and unique designs, landscaping, materials and lighting. We also account for the schedule, shipping and installation where applicable. See what a custom scale model costs.

Common questions

Who makes architectural models in Denver?

Archetype3D, a Denver-based model maker, has built custom physical architectural models since 1984 for architects, developers and institutions across North America.

What can an architectural scale model show?

A model can show a single house and its setting, a campus, or a larger development with roads, landscape and surrounding context. We set the scale and detail around what people need to see.

What do you need to start an architectural model?

Plans, elevations, site information, 3D files, renderings or photos all help. You don't need every detail resolved before you contact us.

How much does an architectural model cost?

Each project receives a fixed-cost proposal after we understand its scope. Cost factors include model size and scale, architectural detail, the number of buildings and unique designs, landscaping, materials and lighting. We also account for the schedule, shipping and installation where applicable.

For spaces inside a building, see how interior scale models use open roofs, cutaways and selected details to make the subject visible.