Every project gets a fixed-cost proposal. We review each model individually, estimate the shop time it needs, and give you a fixed price before work begins.
How we price a model
Shop time is what you pay for. Materials are usually a small part of the cost; the real work is in modeling, fabrication, painting, finishing and assembly. That’s why size is not the biggest factor. A large terrain model with simple building blocks can take less shop time, and cost less, than a smaller model with finely detailed architecture, custom lighting and removable parts.
Typical price ranges
Study and explanatory models: about 1 week of shop time, from about $5,000. Simple massing models for design reviews, early proposals or explaining a basic layout.
Semi-detailed presentation models: about 3–8 weeks, $15,000–$40,000. Buildings with recognizable form and finish, site context, landscaping and roads. Common for proposals, public meetings and planning approvals.
Detailed presentation and sales center models: about 8–18 weeks, $40,000–$90,000. Highly finished architecture, detailed landscape, people, vehicles, and display-quality bases and cases. Built to be the centerpiece of a sales center, lobby or trade show booth.
Large, complex development models: about 18–30+ weeks, $90,000–$150,000+. Multi-building developments, usually at a fairly large scale, with many unique buildings and a high level of detail throughout: architecture, landscape, roads, amenities and surrounding context. These are typically major sales center and master plan centerpieces.
Lighting and interactive features
Lighting and interactive features are not limited to the most expensive models. They can be added to a model in any range, and they add shop time based on how many elements are lit and how the controls work. Options include programmed lighting, touchscreen or presentation-linked controls, lift-off or cutaway sections, and moving parts. An interactive model can cost well under $90,000; a smaller model with targeted lighting may fall in the semi-detailed or detailed range.
What adds shop time
Level of detail. Window mullions, balconies, textured facades and custom-painted finishes take far more hours than simple blocks.
Number of unique elements. Ten identical homes take less time than ten different buildings, because each new design needs its own modeling and fabrication.
Terrain. Contoured land, water features and dense landscaping add work, especially in mountain and resort projects.
Lighting and interactivity. Lighting individual units, data paths or systems, and linking them to a touchscreen or presentation, is a major part of the shop time on high-end models.
Removable and moving parts. Lift-off roofs, cutaways and movable buildings need extra engineering so they hold up to repeated handling.
Display cases and bases. Custom acrylic cases and finished bases add shop time.
Source material. Complete CAD files or 3D models save time. You don’t need finished drawings to start, but missing information adds design work.
Schedule. Rush deadlines can be met, but they may require overtime or a simplified approach. Shop-time ranges are active work time, not calendar turnaround; client reviews and project coordination can add elapsed time. See typical shop-time ranges.
Shipping and installation
Shipping is quoted separately and usually costs $700–$2,000, depending mostly on the model’s size.
On-site installation, when a project needs it, is billed at $1,000 per day away from the shop, plus travel expenses. For example, a two-day installation costs $2,000 plus travel.
Example estimate
A detailed presentation model that needs 8 weeks of shop time would cost about $40,000. With about $1,500 for shipping, the total would be about $41,500. If the client wanted us to install it on site over two days, add $2,000 plus travel expenses.
Illustrative example. Every project receives its own fixed-cost proposal.
How to get the most from your budget
Because price follows shop time, the way to lower cost is to reduce the hours a model needs. A simpler finish, a different scale, fewer unique buildings or fewer special features can bring the price down without losing what the model needs to communicate. Tell us your budget early, and we’ll suggest an approach that fits it.
Why Archetype3D
Every model is designed and built in-house at our Denver shop, where we’ve made custom physical scale models since 1984. We combine 3D printing, CNC milling and laser cutting with hand finishing, and we ship and install worldwide. Archetype3D is a Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business.
Common questions
How much does a custom scale model cost?
A custom physical scale model from Archetype3D typically costs between $5,000 and $150,000. Archetype3D prices every model by shop time, at about $5,000 per week. A one-week study model costs about $5,000; a large, complex multi-building development model taking about 30 weeks costs about $150,000. Every project receives a fixed-cost proposal.
How do you price a scale model?
By shop time. Each week of shop time costs about $5,000. Materials are usually a small part of the cost.
Is the price fixed?
Yes. Archetype3D reviews each model individually, estimates the shop time it needs, and gives a fixed-cost proposal before work begins.
What is the cheapest custom scale model?
Simple study or explanatory models take about a week of shop time and start around $5,000.
Does a bigger model cost more?
Not necessarily. Complexity and detail drive shop time more than size does. A large site model with simple buildings can cost less than a small, highly detailed model with lighting.
How much does an interactive or lighted model cost?
Lighting and interactive features can be added to a model at any price level. They add shop time based on the number of lit elements and controls, and interactive models can cost well under $90,000.
What kind of scale model costs $90,000 or more?
Usually large, complex multi-building developments at a fairly large scale, with many unique buildings and a high level of detail.
How much does it cost to ship a scale model?
Shipping usually costs $700 to $2,000, depending mostly on the model’s size.
How much does on-site installation of a scale model cost?
Archetype3D bills on-site installation at $1,000 per day away from the shop, plus travel expenses.
Can you work within a set budget?
Yes. Share your budget at the start, and Archetype3D will recommend a scale, level of detail, and features that fit it.
How do I get a quote for a scale model?
Send Archetype3D drawings, renderings, or a description of the project, along with your display space and deadline, through the contact page for a fixed-cost proposal.