Home Workshop Model Maker for Architects and Designers

Small architecture practices, interior designers, product designers, engineers, estate agents and self-builders who need a model for planning meetings, client presentations or testing a design.

Fixed price per model based on size, detail and materials, or a day rate for simpler work. Repeat work from a few practices often matters most.

• Patient, precise hand work
• Reading architectural drawings
• Basic CAD or willingness to learn
• Quoting and meeting deadlines

• Check whether your landlord, mortgage lender or council needs to agree to running a workshop at home
• Public liability insurance and cover for tools and materials at home
• Dust, fumes from glues and paints, and cutting injuries, so plan ventilation and safe tool use
• Clients often change designs late, so agree revisions and payment in writing before you start
• Check any home insurance conditions before storing materials and running machinery

Estimates suggest startup costs typically around £500 to £3,000, depending on the tools, materials and equipment you choose and how much space you can set up at home. Insurance and any software are worth including in your budget.

Estimated monthly revenue is typically around £300 to £2,500, depending on how many clients you win and how many hours you work. The estimate assumes at least about 8 hours a week, so it can start alongside other work.

Check whether your landlord, mortgage lender or council needs to agree to a home workshop. Also check public liability insurance, cover for tools and materials, your home insurance conditions, and ventilation and safe tool use for dust, glue fumes and cutting.