How To Select Best Architectural Model Making Industry The architectural model could be a tool often won’t to express a building design or master plan. The model represents architectural ideas, and might be used the least bit stages of design. An architectural model shows the size and physical presence of a proposed design. The model may be a 3 dimensional replica or expression of the planning, usually at a scale much smaller than full size. Traditionally, architectural models were made exclusively by hand using materials like foam board, balsa and card, but newer developments in technologies have seen the employment of digital methods like laser cutting and 3D printing.