Home studio architectural model maker

Small architecture and design firms, developers, builders preparing sales presentations, engineers, product designers and students.

Fixed quote per model based on size, detail and materials, plus charges for rush jobs and revisions. Repeat work from a few local firms is the steadiest source of income.

• Precise hand skills and patience
• Reading architectural drawings and plans
• Basic CAD or 3D software, helpful for laser cutting and 3D printing
• Quoting and meeting deadlines

• Check whether your municipality requires a home-based business licence and whether zoning allows workshop use at home
• Ventilation and dust when cutting, gluing or spraying; follow safety guidance for the materials you use
• Commercial general liability insurance and a check on whether your home insurer covers business use
• Lumpy income: a few big clients can leave you exposed if one stops ordering
• Written agreements on deadlines, revisions and ownership of the designs you are given
• Register for GST/HST once revenue passes the small supplier threshold; check requirements with the CRA

Startup costs are typically estimated at around $1,500 to $6,000, depending on your tools, materials, workshop setup, and whether you add laser-cut or 3D-printed parts through outside services or your own equipment.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $600 to $3,500, depending on how many architects, developers and designers you work for and the size of each project. Income can be lumpy if you rely on a few large clients.

Check whether your municipality requires a home-based business licence and allows workshop use at home. Also check ventilation and dust safety, commercial general liability and home insurance cover, written agreements on deadlines and design ownership, and GST/HST registration with the CRA.