Is it worth it to become an architectural model maker?

Don't know about the industry in the US, but here in Oz, it's a rather difficult field to get into. Rushed deadlines, difficult clients, communication breakdowns, outstanding accounts, lots of work for little compensation........yes, it's probably worth it to be able to get paid to do something you love to do.
I've been very lucky in that I have a number of clients that I build models for that have kept me in constant work for many years.......doesn't pay as well as you'd think - in truth, they'll NEVER be able to pay me for my time as well as the model.
All I can suggest is to make several models of unusual structures, and then take the models (as wella s some of your built model kits) around to the various companies that make architectural models.
Good luck.

LeeTree,

Thanks for the reply. I might try that and see how it goes.
If I don't like it I could always fall back on my degree.

Thank you,

Dave

From what I have seen, it is difficult o be an independant workers.
One reason for that is the hardware that you will need (Pc controlled laser cutters, etc.).

Very few of those models are done by hand, these days they are designed in a PC program and the cutter will cut out all the pieces for joining.

You might have luck building a few houses for smaller architects, all the bigger companies i would reckon already got their own workhops setup.

It depends on the market conditions in your area. Is there a lot of potential and regular clients? Is there stiff competition?

I have tried doing some although as a side business only. Here in Manila a lot of people and firms do arch'l models so the competition is quite high. You can get a good profit but I really can't say that it can support me if I went into it as my main source of income.

It is not really as relaxing and enjoying as modelers ought to think when you are faced with deadlines. Now that really differentiates it from being a hobyy where you can build at your own pace.

Anyway try to do research on the market conditions before you finally decide.

Good luck.

As a Landscape Architect in the Great White North I would think that it would be very hard to make a living at it. Like Dwight I would try doing it on the side for awhile to see what's out there. I haven't seen too many physical models made by firms in the last 5 to 10 years as computer generated models and walk throughs are what clients expect these days. The other previous advice on trying the smaller firms who do not have the resources to generate their own models (physical or computer generated) might be the way to go. Best of luck to you.

Thanks for the replies. I might enjoy it more if I'm just doing an occasional freelance piece. I'd worry about modeling becoming tedious if I did it professionally full-time and did it as a hobby as well.

Dave

Dave,

I wouldn't get into it unless an opportunity fell in your lap. I ran an archtectural/engineering model shop for 3 years until the bottom fell out in 1993-94. It was the most fun I had working a job, but there isn't a market for it any more. You would have to find a laser cutter to contract out the cutting and get good at autocad (or something like it ) quick.

Computers ruined that for all of us. I know a lot of people that are still trying to keep it going, but they are struggling. I haven't had a client ask for a physical model in 6 years. They all want 3D renderings. Everything I do for architects now is in 3D. Most model shops are also building trade show exhibits now just to keep the doors open.

I hate to be a downer, but I have been through it.

I have to agree with Razor and Hatewall. I teach CAD in the architecture department of a technical college and the newest trend is computer modeling and rendering. It's faster, cheaper and photorealistic. And unfortunately that trend is here to stay.

Now that pc programs can create accurate and render near photorealistic models in lesser the time it takes to build a scale model, there really is little need for an archi model-maker nowadays. But if you see a demand - go for it. I took CAD lessons recently-after seeing that I could apply this to my projects-whatever they are.

Looking into the future, I guess modelmakers will completely be using computers to create scale models, they'll have 3d printers.

It would always be nice to try, to enjoy what you love to do and see how it goes. Best of luck.

QUOTE: Originally posted by beanskreativeworks Looking into the future, I guess modelmakers will completely be using computers to create scale models, they'll have 3d printers.

You might laugh but I have seen 3D scanners and 3D cutters for sale at some Japanese Hobby Shops.
Design a piece in 3D CAD put a block of plastic into the cutter and wait for about 10~15 minutes while the part is being cut.

Granted they are not full 3D cutters( they don't rotate the part) as are often now used to make models for designs like racing yachts or car models for windtunnel tests.

Here is all of the architectural modeling I do these days, I wish it wasn't so.

http://www.graphicsmediainc.com

QUOTE: Originally posted by Model Museum QUOTE: Originally posted by beanskreativeworks Looking into the future, I guess modelmakers will completely be using computers to create scale models, they'll have 3d printers. You might laugh but I have seen 3D scanners and 3D cutters for sale at some Japanese Hobby Shops. Design a piece in 3D CAD put a block of plastic into the cutter and wait for about 10~15 minutes while the part is being cut. Granted they are not full 3D cutters( they don't rotate the part) as are often now used to make models for designs like racing yachts or car models for windtunnel tests.

Yes I have seen those, and even the one that use lasers to stimulate the liquid resin, then comes out the solid part.

Only if you like to model on the computer. 3D is the rage now since it is fast. We no longer have to "reverse engineer" drawings to make the orthographic and build the model. I can just send the modeler my DXF files of my concept and he can put the geometry into the computer and make the 3D model, plus a Bill of Material and cost / project analysis. The software isn't cheap and takes a few contracts to pay for it. My company is looking into getting some software so we can render the entire project. Right now, we do internal detailing but have an outside source do the final rendering and 3D model.

Deadlines are the thing. Especially for comercial buildings and industrial contracts. It is not uncommon to have a project have a timetable of 16 weeks from conception to handing the keys to the owner.

Scott

In essence the main reason architects use computer models and walk thoughs is to all ow the clients to enjoy the maximum level of flexibility ito assist with the decision process.
With a click of the mouse the kitchen can bechanged from marble counter tops and tiled floors to wooden counter tops with parquetry floors.
Regrdless of the quality of a fixed model that level of competition is tough to beat.

That said If you can make it work then I really do wish you all the best.

Cheers , Pete.