How Professional Models Are Made (Very Satisfying)
This video takes us inside a professional model-building shop in Chicago called Presentation Studios International (PSI). They make models for all kinds of clients, but mostly for developers and architects. We get a tour of the shop from Robert Becker, an architectural designer and former employee. He helps us understand how models are conceptualized a little differently here than within an architectural office or in school. Here, they are almost strictly miniature buildings with the job of faithfully depicting a building design and serving as a persuasive tool to motivate investment. Then, we hear from Martin Chadwick, a life-long model builder to talk through the process of making high-quality miniature buildings and landscapes.
_Membership_
Join this channel to get access to perks:
/ @stewarthicks
_About the Channel_
Architecture with Stewart is a KZhead journey exploring architecture’s deep and enduring stories in all their bewildering glory. Weekly videos and occasional live events breakdown a wide range of topics related to the built environment in order to increase their general understanding and advocate their importance in shaping the world we inhabit.
_About Me_
Stewart Hicks is an architectural design educator that leads studios and lecture courses as an Associate Professor in the School of Architecture at the University of Illinois at Chicago. He also serves as an Associate Dean in the College of Architecture, Design, and the Arts and is the co-founder of the practice Design With Company. His work has earned awards such as the Architecture Record Design Vanguard Award or the Young Architect’s Forum Award and has been featured in exhibitions such as the Chicago Architecture Biennial and Design Miami, as well as at the V&A Museum and Tate Modern in London. His writings can be found in the co-authored book Misguided Tactics for Propriety Calibration, published with the Graham Foundation, as well as essays in MONU magazine, the AIA Journal Manifest, Log, bracket, and the guest-edited issue of MAS Context on the topic of character architecture.
_Contact_
FOLLOW me on instagram: @stewart_hicks & @designwithco
Design With Company: designwith.co
University of Illinois at Chicago School of Architecture: arch.uic.edu/
I spent 40 years in the model-making industry. Made everything from architectural, technical, industrial design, medical devices, museum dioramas, commercial props, and toys. The best years was in the toy industry. It was a hard and rewarding career. Nothing better than working with creative people that love their craft more than money
Very proud to have worked there! The opportunity to dissect and rebuild some amazing projects had been invaluable to my development as an architect.
I've had the pleasure of blowing up models like this, larger scale and often made with slightly different materials that were frangible.
I used to watch your videos
@@randomguy1017 You must love Thomas the Tank and spiders because that's all he's posted in 10 years.
@@randomguy1017 same lol
Making models in architecture school was a delightful part of the education process because you got to build the physical representation of your design and therefore you learned more about the practical and impracticalities of your proposal. A favorite part of the review process was having a professor savage a pristine model to make destructive /constructive point about how the design could be better in some way.
It's nuts
Currently in Architecture, looking forward to building these
LOL…I had a architecture school professor who told me that when he attended the AA in the early 1960s his thesis project received an “incomplete” because the faculty said his project “wouldn’t stand up”. He said: “I know…I can’t even get the model to stand up”. Fast-forward…he kept resubmitting the project year after year until they finally passed him. By then he was already well known in the wild and woolly late-60s world of “unbuilt conceptual architecture”.
When we lived in China, it was fun to go into the shopping centers and see the latest models for new 'luxury' properties being built. They were grand displays set up in rich areas to entice 'regular rich folk' to invest for exclusive access... usually to substandard concrete buildings with foundation and plumbing problems. But the models were BEAUTIFUL.
Really enjoyed this, though I did notice a conspicuous absence of balsa wood and x-acto knives😊
Haha, I cut out some of the snobby remarks about hot glue...
..and talk about all the finger scars? lol
Lazy cutters only
@@stewarthicks too artsy classy for their technical portfolio maybe..
Balsa and exacto are my domain for theatrical sets
Hearing Martin talks about the sad story behind each model left unwanted inside the workshop brings the same vibe as the brick of Chicago video and i smile throughout the video just thinking about it.
I feel like interning at a place like that during architecture school would have been an invaluable experience.
last video I commented about how my dad used to own a model shop and someone asked if I would like to continue it, and that is exactly why it's not possible to simply "continue"something like this. is a huge operation, especially when it comes to marketing material, such as these hyper detailed buildings. also, the 2008 recession, when every real-estate company broke, the marketing departments were cut off, letting a lot of projects on hold, bringing down a lot of shops like this. it's a fascinating world, to say the least, but a very complex one and envolves a LOT of money and investment
You make a great point. Side note, I love your name.
Hello! My dream is to become a Architectural Model Maker, but I don't know what I need to become one. Since your father had a company for model making, I hope that you know a little about it and would know what a person needs to get there. I hope to hear from you soon!
@@esmeraldaramirez-td8gj hi, Esmeralda! Well, back in the day it was a little bit easier, since digita wasn’t a thing. He started it in the early 90’s. He actually made himself a model he could carry around and scheduled meetings with the enterprises (I don’t actually know the English word, but in Portuguese we call it “construtoras”) to present his work. The model was a real building in a smaller scale, so he could carry around. He had to put some money he was saving on it. Nowadays I believe it’s easier to approach such companies through the internet, using photos and sketches. It sure is a niche business, so it all depends on you giving everything you can to stand out and pitch your work. Best wishes for you and I hope tou get to work with what you want to (:
Hello! I want to do creative work but don't want to sit at a computer whole day, so I was looking into this. How much your father earned by doing this? What is the cost of making these models now and how much they are sold for?
Martin's going to have enough buildings to found his own city. Then he can put on a Godzilla suit and walk through it. I love this channel so much, by the way.
😂😂😂😂
Mr. Chadwick. It was an honor watching you work. THANK YOU so much for taking the time. I'm in aw.
I had the opportunity to work at a firm that built all their models in house- it really changed the dynamic between client and architect.
I started my love for architecture in 3D modelling. However I've gotten really into making the physical models themselves now and I don't think there's any turning back! It takes a lot more time and work but it's so much easier to visualise and "feel" the space of the building!
Yes! you can see how the light hits the floors and you can just imaging yourself living/working/shopping in the building you made!
Oh wow. One of my fascinations when i was a kid and up to now it gives excitement to me seeing these in person..
He is *LITERALLY* one of the best
the quality of these just keeps increasing! thank you so much for such amazing content, Stewart!!
I love seeing physical architectural models. I work in BIM so seeing digital models all the time is pretty normal, but there is something much more real about a physical model.
“It’s actually nitrogen assisted. (Pause) I don’t know what that actually does” 😂 love it
Jeisler!!! I should send you the outtakes...
@@stewarthicks YESSSS PLEASE DO :)
I took out an entire 2 minute scene of Robert wrestling with a sandblasting machine. It's hilarious...
I worked for Howard Architectural Models in Toledo for 5 years and the owner there was hands on and he did most of the work, he really knew what he was doing. seeing this is saddening to me.
@@stewarthicks That sandblaster had it out for me! .. I'm going to need to see those as well :)
Models show more than what a computer will,this would be a fun job
Wow! More video's like these ;-) They are like little novels with interesting characters. Mr. Chaswick is phenomenal
architecture models, and models in general are such beautiful things!!
Your filmmaking and storytelling is getting better with every video! Always great work!
Very cool, indeed! A window onto an unusual profession that most people would never even guess exists. I love multidisciplinary work that involves brainwork with “manual” work (I am an art conservator). So, thank you for this video!
I'm a retired architect..... building models is in our DNA.... the techniques used today are very advanced..... thanks for sharing
playing D&D with these guys must be awesome.
I've always loved these more than the actual buildings. I guess that explains my bottomless pit of Lego expenditures.
thank you for taking the time to make & upload this! really enjoyed it
After watching videos on motion picture miniatures, this one was equally interesting. PSI appears to have more resources than any Hollywood model shop!
Oh wow! So glad I stumbled upon your video. Back in 2005 through 2007, I worked for PSI and Wielgus Product Models, who shares that space with them. I see not much has changed over the years. Lots of great memories there! Working in that building was like being with a second family. Too bad I didn't see it at the time. Thanks for making this video!
So proud to be a model maker, in France we use to make lots of models for sellers. Funny that every workshops are similars
I'm so glad the content is unique and the quality is outta the world!
Leave it out! Your videos are mind-blowing, thanks a lot for sharing this content, I’m about to kick off architecture school and these sorts of videos help a lot, greetings from Ecuador 🇪🇨
Your channel is super inspiring for me as a designer. Thank you for the awesome content.
I liked this video the second I opened it because I know it will be a great one as always. I was really hoping for some model making content and you read my mind!! Thank you Stewart.
Good lord that looks like a fun place to work! Thanks for the video!
Hey Stewart! I absolutely am digging your videos bud. They’re so good and fun. I have two recommendations for you for your filming. The first is to get a gimbal which will help in your hand held shots to keep them smooth, and if you do get one, to actually turn the gimbal itself and not use the joystick, which tends to lead to robotic movements. The second suggestion would to use a tripod. You can still get movement in there by panning etc. but it helps a lot in keeping your shots steady. Over all, great work bud and keep it up!!!
This is inspirational and Heart filling. Love your Podcasts and content.
This is a great channel. Your videos are always very entertaining, informative, and very well produced. What more could you ask for?
Thanks for making this super informative video! Very fascinating and great to get a small peek into the model-making world.
Thank you again for the wonderful video. It is amazing to sit back and think of how design and model building have evolved over the last couple decades due to advances in technology. A professor once told us that our designs are influenced by the types of models or drawings or renderings that we make. An example given was the design choices influenced by the use of a copy machine, along with its inherent strengths and weaknesses. I wonder how advances in physical and virtual model materials and the tools with which we build them have influenced changes in design decisions over the last couple decades. Thank you again. As always, you do important and fascinating videos.
This is an interesting one. I work in BIM and have seen a lot of models, the majority being schools, and you can see how the architects level of ability to use the software influences the design, often negatively. I don't want the technology of the design tools to change the designs in a negative way, but I do understand that there is a lot asked of architects and the efficiencies of these technologies are not realised in most practices.
Absolutely a massive passion for this stuff.I would mop floors and deliver coffee and whatever else i could do to be of help to work here. And hopefully one day be able to build something here. You guys and girls have a great job.
It is absolute cool and satisfying! Love the brilliant details much much more than digitally 3D-presentations. I want to work there 👍😀✌️🤞
Chicago is so cool, places like this are amazing.
Thanks Stewart and the team very insightful
I used to work as a Lab Technician at Apple in Cupertino. This type of job is something I've been dreaming of my entire life.
If I had this skill, I would do an entire miniature model of Disneyland.
Really great work! A lot of time, effort and investment goes into the model making business. Perhaps the 'concept' models built by the architects themselves, can be featured the next time. Thanks for sharing.
I love this. I’m currently in Alabama A&M for urban and regional planning but I’m transferring next year to UT Knoxville for architecture. Also very cool to see some models from my hometown of nashville TN as I’ve been following the project of those towers for a while. It called The Nashville Yards and is expected to be completed by 2027 👍
really interesting . I built a scale model of my house and land about 30 years ago. Worked out the fall of the land, the house was made of good quality cardboard and finished with a mixture of a dust from brick or concrete mixed with pva glue, my back yard has a hedge all the way round, I used ground up leaves with pva and the same for grass. Since then, there has been many additions - Granny flat, Large Playroom and increased the size of the garage. And a bigger pool, so its no longer strictly a complete model more a 3d photo of 30 years ago. glad i made it when I had time before kids. Cheers👍🏼
Beautiful Miniature Model. Thanks for sharing. Proud model Maker here, watching from Singapore.
Martin's worked there for 40 years! Makes sense a lot would be left behind
I couldn't help but dance with you into music. Loved it. Hahah
I am a model maker! I do love architecture, and the built environment is a huge part of my practice, but I went down the fine art route.
Great video and beautiful work! I loved model making during arch. school.... sometimes too much. I remember the first time I got use use a laser cutter 🤩😍🤩.
I wanna try working there. I have an old uncle in Glenview and he'd really need a nephew there. Currently, I'm employed in documentations and renderings (7 years more now), so I'm fairly detail oriented and technical.
Thanks Stewart - - this video is great! 👍🏻
Hi Stewart. I always enjoy your videos - thanks so much for presenting architectural ideas with depth and detail but in a way that is still accessible to lay-people like me - I appreciate it the education. Just on this video I found the soundbed made it hard to hear the dialogue - I mention this for your future videos. Keep up the great work!
I SAW THE PHILIPPINE FLAG WOOOHOOOOO!!!! PHILIPPINES #1
It is interesting that I thought some of the models look like the designs came from the 80's or 90's and not recent. The explanation of how they stayed in the shop makes sense.
That's a very cool job!!!
Amazing vid!! Left me wanting to do some model making myself this summer guess we'll see if I can.
I've always loved these types of models, I hope CGI never causes these to become obsolete.
Respect to Martin for his inner trooper...
this is the equivalent to the six year old me , walking through and around my fathers custom Hot Wheels work shop , 😂 all the tools except the really cool ones with the lasers , awesome video and thanks for the incredible tour , Stewart Hicks :D
This is amazing! This is my dream job. thanks for sharing this.
I love making architectural models, but I'm self-taught, so they are somewhat primitive but I still enjoy it very much, thank you for showing us this video
Hi am also doing architecture, can we connect
I am pretty sure you know the Lego architecture series sets and this video reminds me of that, but it is more usage of other materials. Very interesting video to see :) (and happy to view as finals are coming up and is a bit stressful currently)!!
New drinking game ….every time this guy says literally
I loved making models as a kid and thought, "I wish there were grown-up jobs for this". If I only knew.
Imagine having him as a professor, that is such a flex
So glad you found a guy to show the printer working. P.S. You’re a handsome man and your moustache is iconic.
Feels like heaven. I would live there :D
That's a dream job. I'd love to work there.
Wow I loves to make models but this models are stunning 😍 ❤😊
Not gonna lie, I though 0:04 Was a transition to a miniature model of a city, then I saw the person walking haha
8:08 ''Saw!" That word alone made the video for me
3:08 *
5:25 rhino is great, I am only a student and use it for small models too
I'm 2nd year architecture student and these works motivate me to study well
It would be genial that you record the whole process of building one of this models until it’s finishing
I went on to become a professional artist, making my own sculptures, that I called Art Furniture. These were semi-nonfunctional, items,...resembling furniture. Most were illuminated pieces. I made my art in the evenings at my studio, but to make money during the day, I worked for a design studio that made models for retail stores. My background in woodworking, meant I made displays, and & point of purchase, product displays. The place I worked had artists sculpting items in styrofoam, that would eventually be used to make molds, for the final project to be cast in plastics, sometimes in fiber glass, and in other cases, vaccu-formed.
Praise the algorithm gods for sending your most excellent channel my direction!
Wow... If any of those model builders have model railroad layouts in their home... Can you imagine what sort of world they could build?
Really love your videos. You’re good. 🙏🏼
1:20 I was like "I have seen this one before", this is the Messeturm in Frankfurt, Germany
Why wouldn't the seller take delivery of the model and give it to the people who just bought the building? They could put it in the lobby for visitors to look at while they wait.
Completely agree - the model of our building was in the Sales office and I'd asked if we could have in our lobby as a display item - but I later found it unceremoniously smashed into pieces in the dumpster.. Such a waste as would have looked great on display. Managed to retrieve the part of it which has my apartment as a memento.
When I heard -this particular model was not needed anymore or never left the building, it brought back so many bittersweet memories - well, mostly bitter - of working on physical models. As a young architect, I used to get PTSD from spending hours and hours, countless sleepless nights working on models, only to be told it’s rubbish, or “The client changed his mind.” But, model building is still one of the most satisfying aspects of architecture. Thank you for this video!
Did some prototype modeling for them awhile back.
It's nice to see the work environment, I wanted to work in this area when I graduated in architecture, I've always been good at models since high school. But the market is not very good here. Who knows, maybe one day I will still work with models.
How were these types of scale models constructed BEFORE high-tech laser/etching machines...and CADD software?
In the 1950s, there were waterjet cutters, but I'm not sure how much those were used for models. Way outside my wheelhouse.
What's the name of the Cuban beat in the beginning of the tour? It's so catchy!
Anyone else getting Mr. Rogers vibes all we need is a model L train
I don’t see how VR can disrupt this industry. You can’t emotionally feel impacted by a 3D projection that is interactive vs a physical model that is placed in front of you. Sometimes you just can’t cut corners to save money.
People how have used good VR glasses with corresponding software dont seem to agree to the most part. Plus, it's way more cost and time effective since you already have digital 3d models as a base from the architect and dont need to spend the time on physically construct it. I dont see many cases when money plays a role where developpers would stick to physical models.
I think the advantage of VR would be that you can see the model at a 1:1 ratio. You can somewhat navigate the space as well. Like walk in and through it, it’s immersion. I would definitely rather have a scale model over AR though.
They don’t even need to be mutually exclusive or trade offs. You can still have the physical model and invite people to experience that space in VR.
I'm jealous. I'm building models of buildings for my model railroad. Mock ups are made of cereal boxes and basswood. Fascinating.
Thank you for the video 😉
Amazing Work!
Another certified banger, ty Stewart!
Thank you for the video!
Drinking game: have a shot every time that one guy says "literally".
I’d love to have some of these buildings for my Hot Wheels to display 😊
What is needed to work in somewhere like that? I love that work and also really good at making plan of buildings and making little models