How Much Do Architectural Scale Models Cost in US? (Quick Guide)

Architectural scale models continue to be an essential tool for developers, architects, and real estate teams who need a clear, tactile representation of their projects. Pricing varies widely depending on size, detail, and purpose, but here is a straightforward breakdown you can use for budgeting.

Typical Price Ranges

These are common U.S. market ranges for 2025:

Small Concept Models

$2,000 – $8,000
Used for massing, feasibility studies, early-stage design, and small residential models.

Mid-Size Architectural Models

$4,000 – $20,000
Typical for townhomes, small commercial buildings, and site models with moderate detail.

Large Display / Presentation Models

$15,000 – $80,000+
Used in real estate sales galleries, luxury developments, and high-detail presentations.

Masterplans & Industrial Models

$30,000 – $250,000+
Covers large urban planning models, industrial facilities, shipyards, campuses, and infrastructure.

Key Factors That Affect Cost

1. Scale and Physical Size

Larger models require more materials, more components, and more fabrication time. A shift from 1:200 to 1:100 can double the cost.

2. Level of Detail

Fine façade details, furniture, landscaping, lighting, and realistic finishes increase material and labor hours.

3. Materials Used

Costs change based on whether the model is built from ABS, acrylic, resin, engineered wood, or a mix of premium components.

4. Source File Quality

Clean Revit, CAD, or SketchUp models reduce drafting and preparation work. Incomplete or 2D files usually add cost.

5. Special Features

LED lighting, interchangeable modules, transparent components, moving parts, and embedded electronics add to pricing.

6. Timeline

Rush projects use more labor overlap and extended machine hours, which increases the overall cost.

What You Should Prepare Before Requesting a Quote

Providing these items ensures accurate pricing:

• Dimensioned site plan

• 3D model (Revit, Rhino, SketchUp, DWG, FBX)

• Desired scale (e.g., 1:50, 1:100, 1:200)

• Expected level of detail

• Purpose of the model (presentation, design review, masterplan, etc.)

• Delivery location

Why Cost Varies So Much

Architectural models are custom-built physical products. They combine 3D printing, CNC machining, hand assembly, painting, and finishing.
Because every project is unique in complexity and intent, the pricing can only be estimated once the design information is reviewed.

How Long Does It Take to Build an Architectural Scale Model?

Architectural scale models are powerful tools for communication and storytelling — but they also require time, planning, and precision to build. Whether you're preparing for a real estate launch, a board presentation, or a design competition, knowing the right timeline helps you budget, schedule approvals, and avoid last-minute stress.

This guide breaks down the production timelines for different types of architectural models and what factors influence lead time.

1. Typical Production Timelines by Model Type

Concept Models

Timeline: 5–10 days

Concept models focus on form, massing, and proportion. They require limited detailing and are produced quickly for early-stage design discussions.

Factors affecting speed:

• Level of simplification

• Whether the design is final or iterative

• Single vs. multiple massing options

Presentation Models

Timeline: 15–30 days

These models are detailed, realistic, and often include color, textures, lighting, and landscaping. They require coordinated production across multiple fabrication steps.

Common workflows:

• 3D printing or CNC fabrication

• Laser-cut façade patterns

• Hand finishing and painting

• Interior or LED lighting integration

Masterplan Models

Timeline: 20–45 days

Masterplan models cover large development areas and often include multiple buildings, streetscapes, and landscaping. The timeline varies based on the complexity and level of detail.

Timeline variables:

• Number of buildings

• Hero building vs. simplified surroundings

• Custom base, acrylic case, or lighting system

• Transportation and installation requirements

Interior Detail / Cutaway Models

Timeline: 10–20 days

Interior or sectional models show room layouts, finishes, furniture, or internal building systems. They are often used for hospitality brands, luxury residential, or technical presentations.

Key drivers:

• Level of joinery and furniture detail

• Custom finishes

• Accuracy of interior drawings

Façade Mock-Ups / Material Study Models

Timeline: 7–14 days

These are partial models at larger scales designed to show depth, shadow, materials, and modular components.

2. What Affects the Model Timeline?

1. Complexity & Level of Detail

More detailed models require additional fabrication, painting, assembly, and QC.

2. Scale of the Model

Smaller scale = more buildings → longer project.
Larger scale = more detail → longer project.

3. Quality of the 3D Files Provided

Good CAD or BIM files = faster production.
Poor or incomplete files = long preparation phase.

4. Custom Materials or Lighting

LED programming, acrylic casing, or custom textures extend timelines.

5. Shipping & Display Requirements

• Wood crates

• Flight cases

• On-site installation

3. How to Avoid Delays

Provide complete drawings early

Including: plans, elevations, sections, and 3D models.

Confirm materials and colors upfront

Minimizes rework and back-and-forth approvals.

Plan for shipping time

Especially for out-of-state or international deliveries.

Start early if the model is for a competition or event

Deadlines compress quickly — earlier is always better.

4. Typical Workflow Timeline (Example for a 25-Day Presentation Model)

Day 1–3: File preparation, scaling, planning
Day 4–10: Fabrication (3D printing, CNC, laser cutting)
Day 11–18: Painting, detailing, assembly
Day 19–22: Lighting installation and base work
Day 23–24: Quality control and photo review
Day 25: Packing and shipping

Final Thoughts

Understanding the timeline of architectural model production helps developers, architects, and designers plan ahead and avoid unnecessary rush fees. Whether you need a fast concept study or a highly detailed presentation model, early coordination ensures the best results.

If you’re preparing for an event or have a tight schedule, Carve Model can provide a timeline estimate within hours based on your drawings and requirements.

How to Choose the Right Scale for an Architectural Model

Choosing the right scale for an architectural model depends on the model’s purpose, level of detail, and the actual dimensions of the real object. Scale suggestions are general rules of thumb — every project requires its own evaluation.

Always Start With the Real Dimensions

Before selecting a scale, calculate how big the model will be:

• Real height

• Real footprint

• Longest edges

• Available display or shipping space

A model that becomes unusually tall or tiny is a sign the scale needs adjusting.

General Rule-of-Thumb Scales

(Actual dimensions always override these guidelines)

1:50 – Interiors, units, hotel rooms
1:100 – Building architecture
1:200 – Mixed-use blocks, TODs
1:500 – Masterplans, large sites
1:1000 – City-scale overview

How to Convert Real Dimensions Into Model Size

Formula:

Model Size = Real Size ÷ Scale

Example 1 — in Imperial Unit

Real object: 420-ft tower
Scale: 1:200
Model height:
420 ÷ 200 = 2.1 ft ≈ 25.2 inches

Example 2 — in Metric Unit

Real object: 120-meter building
Scale: 1:500
Model height:
120 ÷ 500 = 0.24 m = 24 cm

How to Choose the Right Scale

Ask yourself:

• What are the actual dimensions of the building or site?

• How big will the model be after scaling?

• Does it fit your table, gallery platform, or crate?

• What detail do you need to show?

• Who is the audience?

The right scale ensures clarity, practicality, and visual impact.

Carve Model — Bringing Your Vision to Life with Precision and Craftsmanship.

Types of Architectural Scale Models: A Complete Guide for Developers & Designers

Architectural scale models remain one of the most effective tools for communicating design ideas, presenting to clients, and supporting real estate sales. Whether you’re developing a masterplan, refining a building façade, or preparing for a presentation, choosing the right type of model matters — and affects cost, timeline, and impact.

In this guide, we break down the most common types of architectural scale models, their ideal use cases, and how to choose the right one for your project.

1. Concept Models

Best for: Early design, quick visualization, massing studies

Concept models are typically simplified physical representations used in the early stages of design. These models focus on the form, massing, proportion, and spatial relationships without detailed façade elements.

Key Characteristics

• Fast production

• Lower cost

• Minimal detail

• Often monotone (white, grey, or wood tone)

• Scales: 1:200, 1:300, or 1:500

Ideal For:
Developers or architects who need a fast, physical study model to validate ideas.

2. Presentation Models

Best for: Final approval, design competitions, board presentations

These are highly detailed models with refined façade textures, color treatments, glazing, landscaping, lighting, and sometimes an integrated acrylic case.

Key Characteristics

• High detail

• Custom materials and textures

• Often includes LED lighting

• Scales: 1:50, 1:75, 1:100

Ideal For:
Sales presentations, architecture competitions, investment pitches, and marketing.

3. Masterplan Models

Best for: Large-scale developments, urban design, sales galleries

Masterplan models show multiple buildings, streets, public spaces, and landscaping within one development or district. These models emphasize clarity, lighting, and viewer-friendly layout.

Key Characteristics

• Large physical footprint

• Varying levels of detail (hero building vs surrounding massing)

• Often includes programmable LED lighting

• Scales: 1:400, 1:500, 1:1000

Ideal For:
Real estate developers preparing sales galleries, city planning presentations, and large mixed-use projects.

4. Interior Detail Models

Best for: Showing interior programs, hotel rooms, retail concepts, luxury units

These showcase the interior layout, joinery, finishes, and furniture.

Key Characteristics

• Often removable top or sectional cutaway

• Realistic interior materials

• Furniture included

• Scales: 1:20, 1:25, 1:30

Ideal For:
Hospitality brands, retail rollouts, and high-end residential sales.

5. Sectional / Cutaway Models

Best for: Explaining building systems or complex interior layouts

These models slice through the building to reveal mechanical routes, room layouts, staircases, atriums, or structural systems.

Key Characteristics

• Detailed internal components

• Helps viewers understand complexity

• Great for engineering presentations

• Scales: 1:50, 1:100

Ideal For:
Complex structures like hospitals, stadiums, theaters, and public buildings.

6. Product or Façade Mock-Up Models

Best for: Showing façade materials, curtainwall systems, or modular components

Façade mock-ups replicate a portion of the building envelope at a larger scale.

Key Characteristics

• Very high fidelity

• Shows materials, depth, shadow lines

• Scales: 1:5, 1:10, 1:20

Ideal For:
Client approval, QC inspection, and modular or prefab systems.

How to Choose the Right Model

When deciding which type of model you need, consider:

1. Goal of the presentation

Investor meeting? Competition? Sales gallery?

2. Required level of detail

Do you need realistic materials or just form and massing?

3. Space available

Large masterplan models need significant table space.

4. Timeline and budget

Higher detail = longer production = higher cost.

Final Thoughts

Architectural scale models continue to be one of the most powerful storytelling tools in the built environment. Whether you need a quick concept model or a highly detailed presentation piece, choosing the right type ensures clear communication and maximum impact.

If you’re planning a project and unsure which model type suits your needs, Carve Model can walk you through options, scales, timelines, and cost ranges.