Architectural and development scale models come in three main types: mass models for early decisions, semi-detailed models for proposals and approvals, and detailed models for sales centers and final presentations. The right type depends on who will see the model and what they need to decide.
Start with the audience
A design board, a client review and a sales center each ask something different of a model. Knowing who will see it tells us how much detail is worth building, and where.
Mass models for early decisions
Typical: about 1 week of shop time, from about $5,000. A mass model shows the size and placement of buildings in context, with simple blocks rather than facades. It makes building heights and the site plan easy to discuss while the design is still changing. For TreanorHL's Buena Vista school proposal, simple blocks that pegged in and out let the presenters rearrange the site during the interview.
Semi-detailed models for proposals and approvals
Typical: about 3–8 weeks, $15,000–$40,000. Some projects need more than basic masses without every finish. We put detail where it has the most value, such as the main building, the entrance or the amenity, and simplify the rest, then spell out those choices before the build begins. For St. Paul Missionary Baptist Church, we kept the detail to what the congregation needed to see to fit a modest budget.
Detailed models for presentations and sales
Typical: about 8–18 weeks, $40,000–$90,000; large, complex developments $90,000–$150,000+. When a model helps people buy into a place, details matter: buildings, landscape, amenities, color, people and vehicles help visitors picture the finished place. Lighting and interactive features can be added at any level.
Size and travel
Think about where the model will live and whether it must travel to meetings or trade shows. Those answers decide its footprint, whether it's built in sections, and what case it needs.
Related: what a custom scale model costs and how long a model takes.
Common questions
What are the main types of architectural scale models?
Mass (or massing) models, semi-detailed models and detailed presentation models. Each suits a different stage and audience.
What is a massing model?
A simple model that shows the size and placement of buildings as blocks, used for early design decisions and site discussions.
Which type of model do I need?
Mass models suit early design decisions; semi-detailed models suit proposals and approvals; detailed models suit sales centers and final presentations.