Home studio architectural model maker

Small architecture practices, building designers, property developers, town planners and real estate marketing teams.

Fixed quote per model based on size, detail and turnaround, often with a deposit upfront. Extra charges for rush jobs and design changes.

• Precise hand skills with cutting and gluing
• Reading architectural plans
• Using a laser cutter or 3D printer (or outsourcing it)
• Quoting and meeting deadlines

• Check with your local council whether you need approval to run a home-based business
• Public liability and product or professional indemnity insurance
• Dust, fumes from glues and spray paints, and laser cutter safety, check ventilation and safe work practices
• Irregular work: jobs often cluster around client deadlines
• Confidentiality of unreleased designs, consider a simple written agreement

Startup costs are typically around $2,000 to $10,000, depending on your tools, materials and whether you buy a laser cutter or 3D printer or outsource that work. These are estimates only.

Monthly revenue is typically around $800 to $5,000, depending on how many clients and projects you win. That is revenue, not profit. Work is irregular and often clusters around client deadlines, so you could start with around 10 hours a week.

Check with your local council whether you need approval for a home-based business. Also check public liability and professional indemnity insurance, ventilation and safe practices for glues, paints and laser cutters, and confidentiality of unreleased designs.