Questions, answered.

We create architectural and real estate models, product prototypes and mockups, film and commercial miniatures, and art maquettes and prototypes. This includes massing models, masterplans, planning models, sales-gallery models, topographic and site models, appearance prototypes, functional mockups, miniature sets, sculpture studies, and presentation models.

Every project is developed around its intended audience, use, required level of detail, physical constraints, schedule, and delivery requirements.

We work with architects, developers, planners, general contractors, design consultants, product teams, film and commercial production teams, agencies, artists, and cultural institutions across the United States and Canada.

Our models support design evaluation, planning and stakeholder approvals, presentations, testing, filming, exhibitions, and other situations where an idea needs to be clearly understood in physical form.

Renderings present selected views of a design. A physical model allows people to examine scale, massing, proportion, circulation, context, and spatial relationships together from multiple viewpoints.

It can reduce ambiguity across technical and nontechnical audiences and reveal questions that may be less apparent on a screen. Physical models and renderings can complement each other; the right format depends on what the audience needs to understand, evaluate, or decide.

An architectural scale model is a physical representation of a building, interior, site, or larger development at a reduced scale. It can communicate massing, spatial relationships, circulation, context, façades, materials, landscaping, lighting, and other aspects of a design.

Architectural models are commonly used for design reviews, planning approvals, stakeholder meetings, investor presentations, sales galleries, exhibitions, and as-built documentation.

We can begin a review with CAD, BIM, Revit, Rhino, SketchUp, STL or OBJ files, PDFs, dimensioned drawings, sketches, photographs, renderings, reference images, or an existing physical object.

Complete production-ready geometry is not required for the initial review. If usable geometry is unavailable, we will identify the additional information and separately scoped Digital Model Development required before fabrication.

Yes. An AI-generated image, rendering, photograph, or sketch can provide a useful starting point, but it may not contain enough dimensional or construction information for physical fabrication.

We review the available material, identify what must be clarified, and determine whether separately scoped Digital Model Development is needed to create suitable geometry.

A 3D model is not required for the initial review. We can begin with drawings, sketches, photographs, renderings, reference images, dimensions, or an existing object.

If fabrication-ready geometry does not exist, we will explain what additional information or Digital Model Development is required before the physical model can be produced.

Preparing usable client-provided geometry for fabrication is part of the model-making process. Creating new geometry from sketches, photographs, renderings, or reference images requires additional design interpretation and is therefore scoped separately.

The developed geometry is reviewed and approved before physical fabrication proceeds. Digital Model Development is intended to create the coordinated information required for the physical deliverable.

Send us your project details, intended use, desired dimensions or scale, schedule, delivery location, and any available files or reference material.

We will review the information, identify any questions, and provide a preliminary estimate or recommend the next step required to define the scope. Once the requirements are confirmed, we provide a formal quotation and proposed timeline before fabrication begins.

Carve Model projects start at US$4,000. Final pricing depends on the model's dimensions and scale, level of detail, source information, materials, finishes, lighting, display requirements, schedule, packaging, transportation, and installation.

Because every model is custom-built, a project-specific price can only be confirmed after we review the intended use and scope.

The appropriate scale depends on the actual size of the subject, what the audience needs to understand, the required level of detail, viewing distance, available display space, transportation constraints, and final use.

Small scales are generally appropriate for masterplans, context, and overall massing. Larger scales allow more architectural, interior, material, and functional detail. We calculate the resulting model dimensions and recommend an appropriate scale during project review.

We produce everything from simplified massing models to highly detailed presentation models with façade treatments, glazing, landscaping, interiors, custom finishes, and integrated lighting.

The appropriate level of detail is determined by what the model needs to communicate. We define what should be represented accurately, what should be emphasized, and what can be simplified to make the model clearer and more effective.

Carve Model typically targets approximately 14-21 days of internal production for a standard architectural model. Client review, revisions and shipping are scheduled separately.

Read the complete production timeline.

We assess how the proposed change affects approved geometry, materials, completed work, schedule, and cost.

Minor changes may be incorporated within the existing workflow. Substantial changes may require a revised scope, price, or delivery date. We document the change and its effects for client approval before proceeding.

You work with one company throughout: Carve. Our Los Angeles-based team manages every client relationship directly — from your first inquiry through milestone approvals and final delivery — so you are never coordinating with an overseas factory on your own.

Production is completed by our established production team in China, but every stage — scope, files, approvals, fabrication, quality control, packaging, and delivery — is reviewed and guaranteed by Carve. Logistics for delivery to the United States and Canada are arranged and guaranteed by Carve as well, not left to the factory.

Materials are selected according to the model's purpose, scale, appearance, structural requirements, handling, and transportation needs.

Depending on the project, we may use acrylic, ABS, resin, wood, metal, foam, board, printed components, landscaping materials, lighting, and custom finishes. Fabrication can combine laser cutting, CNC machining, 3D printing, painting, assembly, and skilled handcraft.

No. Samples and mockups are used when physical confirmation would materially reduce uncertainty — for example, when approving colors, materials, finishes, lighting, connections, moving components, or important details.

Simpler projects may proceed through digital and documented approvals without a separate physical sample. We recommend the appropriate approval method based on the project's complexity and risk.

Quality control begins before fabrication with an approved scope, scale, materials, finishes, and design information.

Key production stages are reviewed for accuracy, appearance, assembly, lighting, function, and stability. When required, samples or mockups are approved before full fabrication. Progress and quality-control information are shared through the Carve Studio Portal, and the completed model is inspected before packaging and delivery.

Yes. Every Carve project includes access to the Carve Studio Portal, where you can review milestones, exchange files and messages, provide approvals, and see the current status of your project in one organized workspace.

Project files, approvals, and communications are organized within the Carve Studio Portal and made available to the people involved in delivering the project.

If your project requires an NDA, restricted file access, or specific information-handling procedures, let us know before sending confidential material so the appropriate requirements can be established.

Yes. Carve coordinates delivery throughout the United States and Canada. Once a model has passed final quality control, it typically ships directly from our production facility to the client's delivery location.

Direct shipment reduces unnecessary handling, shortens transit time, and lowers the risk of damage. Packaging is tailored to the model's size, fragility, and handling requirements, with on-site assembly and installation available when needed.

Carve arranges and guarantees logistics directly — you are not responsible for coordinating freight or filing a claim with a carrier yourself.

If a model arrives damaged, report it as soon as it's discovered and Carve will repair it whenever a repair can restore the model to an acceptable standard. If a repair is not possible, Carve will refund or replace the affected piece.

Yes. When necessary, the model and its base can be designed in sections to accommodate shipping limits, doorways, elevators, building access, handling, and final assembly.

These constraints should be identified during project scoping so they can be incorporated before the model is designed for production.

Yes. Depending on the project, a model can be delivered ready for client setup or Carve can coordinate on-site assembly, installation, lighting connections, testing, and final placement.

Installation requirements, site access, available power, scheduling, and responsibilities are defined during project scoping.