No. You can start planning a custom scale model with an early idea, sketches or a conversation. Finished drawings and 3D files save shop time later, but early involvement lets us understand the purpose, set a budget and fit the model to your design schedule.
Share whatever you have
Drawings, photos, renderings and 3D files all help. We can also begin with sketches and a conversation about what the model needs to show. Complete CAD or 3D files reduce design work and therefore cost; missing information adds shop time.
What to settle first
The first conversation covers the audience, the display space, the presentation date and the features the model must show. Those decisions let us recommend a size and level of detail before the design is finished. A simple study model needs far less information than a detailed sales center model.
Build for the design stage you're in
For Buena Vista, movable building blocks let presenters rearrange a design that wasn't final. At The Current, we worked alongside the marketing team, architects and RV designer while the plans developed.
Plan for design changes
Before we fabricate a part, we confirm which elements are settled and which might change. Changes after a part is built can affect cost and schedule, so tell us early about likely revisions, and we'll sequence the work to build settled parts first.
Related: how a project works and how long a model takes.
Common questions
Do I need finished drawings to order a scale model?
No. An early idea, sketches or a conversation are enough to start planning and budgeting.
What files are most helpful?
CAD files, 3D models (including STEP files for equipment), plans, elevations, renderings and photos.
What happens if the design changes during the build?
We build settled parts first. Changes to parts already made can add shop time and cost, so discuss likely revisions early.