Practice Profile - Make

Practice Name and Location: Make, London

Practice Website: https://www.makearchitects.com/

Contribution by: Paul Miles, Modelshop manager

Practice Statement: At Make physical models are a key part of our design process. We have a dedicated model shop staffed by three professional modelmakers, equipped with advanced digital fabrication tools (3D printers, CNC ) alongside traditional hand tools and a full workshop.

The construction of models at Make is a close collaboration model shop team, architects and often includes the visualisation and graphics teams.

• While the model shop team builds the majority of models, all staff at Make receive training to use the assembly space, hand tools, and foam cutters. This allows experimentation and quick sketch models to be made directly by architects.
• Often, the model shop team works closely with architects to create a variety of models, from initial site/context studies to detailed design development models and final presentation pieces. We also build 1:1 mock-ups for spatial understanding.
• Beyond internal design, the model shop takes on commissions for clients, creating models for public consultations, planning applications, and marketing purposes.

This emphasis on physical models reflects our belief in the value of "learning through making." Models offer a unique ability to:

• Facilitate Spatial Understanding: They provide a tangible way to explore and refine design ideas in three dimensions.
• Enhance Communication: Models effectively communicate design intent to clients, collaborators, and the public.
• Spark Creativity: The hands-on process of modelmaking can unlock new design possibilities and lead to unexpected solutions.

In-house professional modelmakers: 3

Machines/equipment/workspace available for modelmaking activity:

The Modelshop is made up of a few areas, laser room, spray booth, workshop and assembly space

Equipment: Trotec laser, Spray booth, Compressor / spray gun, 2 x Hot wire cutters, 14 x ultimaker 2+ Extended, 1 x Form 2 (+ cure and wash station), 1 x Carvey desktop cnc, Molding and casting , Vac pump, Hand tools

Traditional Machines: 2 x disc sanders, 1 x bobbin sander, 1 x bandsaw, 1 x table saw, 1 x pillar drill, 1 x mini table saw, 1 x thicknesser, Full extraction system

Materials/processes used:

We use a wide library of materials and a mix of processes. Ranging from quick foam sketch models and 1:1 mock ups to design development models as well as finished ’portfolio’/ exhibition models, gifts as well as marketing models. We use a mix of hand craft techniques using the workshop and combine this with digital fabrication.

How modelmaking activities take place within the practice:

· Architects make models – sometimes

· Architects work with in-house professional modelmakers to make models - sometimes

Architects ask in-house professional modelmakers to make models for them – most common