Model Builder

Job overview
In architecture, interior design, landscape architecture and town planning, models have long been used in countries such as the USA and the UK.

In southern Africa, until recently, architects and draughtsman generally built models in the architect's office but today model building has developed on the African continent into a profession of its own.

What do people do in this job?
Model builders transpose the architect's drawings into a three-dimensional, solid form.

The model will be on a specific scale and the materials used will imitate the proposed building materials.

This miniature construction allows the architect to present to the developer or owner a concrete example of the proposed building or project.

It greatly contributes towards the final decision as to whether the architect's proposed building is to be built or not and therefore it is important that it is a neat, impressive reproduction of the architect's plans and design, reflecting the intended proportions and balances of colour of the proposed full-scale building.

While drawings and plans alone can confuse potential clients, models are a great marketing tool for developers, .

The model will show what the finished project will look like, thus enabling developers to sell space or time-share before the actual construction of the building has started.

Model builders make various types of models: - block models, semi detailed or working models, fully-detailed models and interior models.

• The block model's purpose is to present architectural forms three dimensionally. It usually shows the contours and all buildings are mainly blocks with no detail.
• Semi-detailed models are used where the scale is too small to show detail, or where developers or architects want a quick model to visualise the effect and position of a building.
• Fully-detailed models show precisely what the project or building will look like after completion and finest detail has to be depicted.
• Interior models present the interior decorating of the building.  It is expected that the furniture will be made to scale.

What kinds of people are suitable for this career?
Model builders should have some artistic talent, be adept at working with fine detail and be able to visualize two-dimensional drawings three-dimensionally.

Neatness, initiative, creativity, accuracy and good concentration are important.

They must have patience and co-ordination to produce the finest detail.

They should also relate well to people as most projects are carried out in groups of three or more people.

What qualifications are needed?
Model builders will often have trained in handicrafts or art at a technical college.