Physical models for confident decisions

Turn
Digital Designs
Into
Physical
Evidence

Carve Model creates architectural models, product prototypes, film miniatures, and art maquettes that help teams present ideas, evaluate designs, and verify physical outcomes before moving to the next stage.

Carve Model architectural scale model Mixed Use Development · 1:144 · ABS
PROJECTS DELIVERED 500+ models
12+
Years of craft
Any scale
Built to your requirements
U.S. + Canada
Delivered across North America
Tracked
Live in your client portal
Trusted by teams that need confidence when decisions matter.
Gensler
Populous
Turner Construction
Fentress Architects
Chicago Fire FC
Mackenzie
Saltz
Why physical verification matters

More design possibilities create
a greater need for physical evidence.

AI and digital design tools are making it faster to generate, visualize, and revise ideas. But producing more options does not necessarily make the right decision clearer.

Before a design moves into approval, fabrication, construction, or production, teams still need to understand how it works in physical space—its scale, proportion, relationships, materials, assembly, and effect on the people who experience it.

A physical model gives teams something tangible to examine together. It helps make complex ideas easier to understand, reveals questions that may be missed on a screen, and builds confidence before committing to the next stage.

Side-by-side comparison — physical model vs. Revit digital model
What we build

Built for the decision it needs to support.

All services
01 / Architecture

Architectural & Real Estate Models

From early massing studies to detailed sales-gallery models—for design reviews, planning approvals, investor presentations, and marketing environments. Scale, circulation, context, façades, and structural relationships are represented at the right level of detail.

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02 / Product

Product Prototypes & Mockups

Physical prototypes that transform sketches and CAD files into objects teams can present, evaluate, and refine. Built for form studies, material reviews, investor demonstrations, and fabrication planning.

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03 / Film

Film & Commercial Miniatures

Miniature sets and physical models for previsualization, camera planning, and production. Built with lightweight, film-grade materials for presentation, transport, and on-location use.

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04 / Art

Art Maquettes & Prototypes

Physical maquettes and prototypes that help artists and cultural institutions evaluate scale, proportion, placement, materials, and fabrication direction before producing the final work.

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What "confident decisions" means

Physical models for confident decisions.

About us
01

A model the room can understand

Before fabrication begins, we define the model's purpose, audience, and the decision it needs to support. We align on what should be emphasized, what can be simplified, and the appropriate boundary, scale, detail, materials, and finishes. The result is a model designed to communicate the right information clearly across technical and nontechnical audiences.

02

A process you can trust

Every project follows a structured process—from file and scope review through approvals, fabrication, quality control, packaging, and delivery. That process is digitized through the Carve Studio Portal, giving clients clear milestones, organized files, documented approvals, and visibility into where the project stands.

How it works

A clear path from scope to delivery.

Full process
STEP 01

Goal & Audience

We define how the model will be used, who needs to understand it, and what it must help communicate, evaluate, or test.

STEP 02

Scope & Constraints

We confirm the scale or dimensions, detail, materials, lighting, display requirements, schedule, and delivery plan. Access, power, handling, transportation, and installation constraints are resolved before production.

STEP 03

Digital Preparation

We review the available drawings, 3D files, sketches, and references, then clean, simplify, or rebuild the geometry required for fabrication.

STEP 04

Samples & Approval

When required, physical samples or mockups confirm materials, colors, finishes, lighting, connections, or function before full fabrication begins.

STEP 05

Fabrication & Quality Control

The approved model is produced using digital manufacturing and skilled handcraft, with key stages reviewed for accuracy, appearance, and function.

STEP 06

Delivery & Setup

The finished model is inspected, securely packaged, and delivered ready for use. On-site assembly, installation, and setup are included when required.

Selected work

Built for the decision it supports.

View portfolio
Single Family Villa

Single Family Villa

1:96 · ABS
Single Family Villa

Single Family Villa

1:96 · ABS
Community Center

Community Center

ABS
Construction Site

Construction Site

N/A · ABS
Apartment

Apartment

1:70 · ABS
Why teams choose Carve · The Studio Portal
● IN PARTNER TESTING · LAUNCHING JANUARY 2027

A shared view from approval to delivery.

Every Carve project now comes with a shared workspace. Follow milestones, review files, provide approvals, and message the studio—all in one organized workspace.

  • Live milestone timeline — design review to install
  • Approve scope, scale, and finishes online
  • Share CAD files, photos, and invoices securely
  • Client and studio views — one source of truth
Getting started

Two ways in.

Whether this is your first Carve project or you already have a Studio Portal account, start in the place that fits you.

01 / New to Carve?

Request a preliminary estimate

Send your drawings, renderings, or 3D files and tell us how the model will be used. We'll review the information, recommend an appropriate scope, and reply within one business day. No account is needed to begin.

  • Share available files and project goals
  • We review the scope and recommend an appropriate scale
  • Receive a free, no-obligation preliminary estimate
Get a Preliminary Estimate
02 / Returning client?

Continue in the Studio Portal

Sign in to access your Carve workspace, review estimates, follow active projects, exchange files, approve milestones, and manage invoices in one place.

  • Access existing project information
  • Review estimates and approvals
  • Follow milestones, files, messages, and invoices
Open the Studio Portal
Common questions

Good to know.

How much does a physical model cost?

Carve Model projects start at US$4,000. Final pricing depends on the model's size, scale, level of detail, source information, materials, features, schedule, packaging, and delivery requirements.

How long does it take to build a model?

Most architectural models require approximately two to four weeks of production after the scope, design information, and key specifications are confirmed. Larger, highly detailed, illuminated, or technically complex models may require more time. The complete schedule also includes approvals, packaging, transportation, and installation when required.

Where are Carve models built?

Client communication and project coordination are handled by our Los Angeles team, with production completed by our established team in China. Scope, approvals, fabrication, quality control, packaging, and delivery remain connected through one coordinated Carve process.

How do you ship the finished model?

Packaging is designed around the model's size, fragility, destination, and handling requirements. Depending on the project, this may include protective crating, a fitted transport case, or sectional construction. We coordinate delivery throughout the United States and Canada, with on-site assembly and installation available when required.

How does the quotation process work?

Send us your project details, intended use, approximate dimensions, schedule, delivery location, and any available files or references. We review the information and provide a preliminary estimate or identify what is needed to clarify the scope. A formal quotation and proposed timeline are issued once the project requirements are sufficiently defined.

Start a project

Tell us what decision your model needs to support.

Tell us what your audience needs to understand, evaluate, or approve. We'll recommend the appropriate scope, scale, and level of detail—and prepare a preliminary estimate.