Massing and site models
Simple volumes on a site base to study height, setbacks and context. Fast to print and easy to rearrange.
3D printed architectural models · New York
Architectural 3D Printing Service
PrintAWorld 3D prints architectural models for architecture and design firms, developers and agencies: building, site, massing, section and interior models for client presentations, competitions, trade shows and displays. Send an STL, OBJ or 3DM export with the scale you need. We print in-house in Queens and Brooklyn on resin and FDM printers, print large models in sections, and sand or paint them when you ask. There's no setup fee for 3D printing, prints start around $30, and each model is quoted after a person checks the file. We deliver by courier in NYC and ship to all 50 states.
Architecture 3D printing
What is architectural 3D printing?
Architectural 3D printing turns the model you already have in Revit, Rhino, SketchUp or ArchiCAD into a physical scale model. Instead of cutting and gluing every wall, the printer builds the geometry layer by layer, so curved roofs, stairs, lattices and façade detail come out the way you drew them.
We check the file before anything prints: wall thickness at your scale, loose surfaces, parts too thin to survive handling. Then we print, clean and finish the model, and you get it at your office or presentation. See all our 3D printing services, or our 3D print shop in NYC.
The facts
Our architectural 3D printing service at a glance
- Studios
- Glendale, Queens (74-12 88th Street) and Brooklyn (616 Berriman Street), New York. Visits by appointment.
- Who it’s for
- Architecture and interior design firms, developers, agencies and exhibit teams
- Model types
- Massing, site, building, façade, section and interior models; presentation and competition models
- Production
- In-house, in our Queens and Brooklyn studios
- Processes
- SLA resin for fine detail; an FDM print farm for large and repeat models
- Largest size
- 6 feet and more, printed in sections and assembled
- Finishes
- Raw white, sanded and primed, or painted
- Files
- STL, OBJ or 3DM, plus the scale or finished size you need
- Setup fee
- None for 3D printing
- Price
- 3D printing from about $30. Each model is quoted per project.
- How you get a price
- A written quote after a person reviews your file
- Turnaround
- Many jobs can print next day; large-format builds usually take 1–2 weeks. Your quote confirms the date.
- Delivery
- Courier to your NYC office, pickup by appointment, or shipping to all 50 states
Selected models
01 / THE WORK3D printed architectural models from our studio
Spiral stair study
A stair and structure model printed in one piece to show the core.
Two-foot tower model
A presentation tower with setbacks and balconies printed to scale.
Interior section model
A cut-away model that opens the interior to show the stair.
Tower and podium
Two buildings printed separately so the site can be rearranged.
Boat house concept
A curved lattice roof that would take days to build by hand.
Stair from above
Fine resin detail holds the treads and the rail.
Model types
02 / THE MODELSWhich architectural models can we 3D print?
Building and façade models
A single building with windows, balconies and façade rhythm, printed in resin so small detail holds.
Section and interior models
Cut-away models that open to show stairs, floors and rooms, or a removable roof.
Presentation and competition models
Finished models for a client meeting or a jury: sanded, primed or painted to your colors.
Large and multi-part models
Site models and towers bigger than one printer, split into sections that key together.
Repeat and urban models
The same unit many times, or a city block of buildings, printed on our FDM farm.
Before you export
What file and scale do you need for a 3D printed building model?
Export a closed mesh as STL, OBJ or 3DM, and tell us the scale (1:100, 1:200, 1:500) or the finished size. At small scales, walls and mullions can end up thinner than a printer can make; we flag those and suggest what to thicken or leave out.
Large sites and tall towers are split into sections that we print and assemble, so they fit the printer and travel safely. No 3D file yet? We can model it from drawings; 3D modeling starts at $250.
From file to model
03 / THE PROCESSHow our architectural 3D printing service works
Send the file and scale
STL, OBJ or 3DM, the scale or finished size, the finish, and your presentation date.
We check it
A person looks at wall thickness, fragile parts and how to split a large model, then sends a written quote.
We print and finish
Resin or FDM, cleaned, assembled and sanded, primed or painted if your quote includes it.
You get the model
By courier to your NYC office, pickup by appointment, or packed and shipped to any of the 50 states.
Is it the right fit?
Is architectural 3D printing right for your model?
PrintAWorld is a good fit for
- Presentation, pitch and competition models for architecture and design firms
- Developer and real-estate models for sales and investor meetings
- Curved, complex or detailed geometry that’s slow to build by hand
- Large site models and towers printed in sections
- Repeat models and multiple copies for a team or an exhibit
Another service may suit you better for
- A quick foam or chipboard massing study you can cut at your desk
- A student model on a tight budget: your school’s fabrication lab will usually cost less
- Models made mostly of flat sheet material, where laser-cut board is quicker
- Certified dimensional inspection or engineering tolerances (we don’t offer metrology)
Budgeting your model
04 / THE PRICEHow much do 3D printed architectural models cost?
3D printing starts around$30
For a simple print from a ready file. Architectural models are quoted per project.
What sets the price of an architectural model
Size and scaleBigger models use more material and machine time
DetailFine façade detail usually means resin; simple massing can be FDM
Sections and assemblyLarge models are split, printed and joined
FinishRaw white costs least; sanding, priming and paint add labor
File preparationA clean, closed mesh avoids repair time
3D modeling from drawingsFrom $250
Send the file and your date and we’ll quote it. There’s no setup fee for 3D printing.
Get an architectural model quote
Send what you have and we’ll reply with a price. No payment to ask.
From client emails
What clients wrote to us.
Our clients rarely leave online reviews, so these are from the emails they sent us after their projects, quoted as written.
“Working against very tight deadlines you absolutely excelled & the bottles you produced were amazing. … Our Client was so impressed with the results that they’re shipping one of the bottles back to the UK to have pride of place in the Reception of their main office!!”
“Beautiful Work! Thank you Vince and Team! You have a client for life!”
“Your work and quotes continue to blow away the competition and I want to work with you.”
Delivery
Where do we deliver architectural models?
We print in-house in New York. In the city, a courier can bring the model to your office or presentation; you can also pick it up by appointment at the studio named in your quote. Outside New York, we pack the model for the trip and ship it to all 50 states, with next-day shipping available once it’s ready.
Glendale Studio
74-12 88th Street, Glendale, NY 11385
Brooklyn Studio
616 Berriman Street, Brooklyn, NY 11208
Before you ask
What do architects ask about architectural 3D printing?
How much do 3D printed architectural models cost?
Each model is quoted per project. 3D printing starts around $30 for a simple print from a ready file, with no setup fee; size, scale, detail, sections, finish and file repair set the final price. 3D modeling from drawings starts at $250. Send the file and the scale for a written quote.
Who offers architectural 3D printing in New York?
PrintAWorld 3D prints architectural models in its studios in Glendale, Queens and Brooklyn. Send an STL, OBJ or 3DM file with the scale; a person checks it and sends a written quote, and the finished model goes to your NYC office by courier, is picked up by appointment, or ships to any of the 50 states.
What file do you need for an architectural 3D print?
An STL, OBJ or 3DM export of a closed model, plus the scale (for example 1:100 or 1:200) or the finished size. Most architecture software (Revit, Rhino, SketchUp, ArchiCAD) can export STL or OBJ. If the file is too large to attach, send a download link.
What 3D printing technology is best for architectural models?
SLA resin gives the finest detail and smoothest surface for façades, stairs and presentation models. FDM is better for large massing and site models and for many copies; we run an FDM print farm in-house. We pick the method for your model and list it in the quote.
Can you 3D print a large architectural model?
Yes. Large site models and towers are split into sections, printed and assembled; finished projects have reached 6 feet and more. The quote confirms how the model is split, joined and packed.
Can you paint an architectural model?
Yes. Models can come raw white, sanded and primed, or painted in your colors. Tell us the finish when you ask for a quote; finishing is priced with the print.
How fast can you 3D print an architectural model?
Many 3D printing jobs can print next day, and large-format builds usually take 1–2 weeks. Same-day isn’t standard. Tell us your presentation date and the written quote confirms the schedule.
Do you ship architectural models outside New York?
Yes. We pack models for the trip and ship to all 50 states, with next-day shipping available once the model is ready. In NYC we can also deliver by courier.
Can you make a model from drawings instead of a 3D file?
Yes. We can build the 3D model from plans, elevations or a sketch, send it for your approval, then print it. 3D modeling starts at $250.
Let’s print your modelSend us your model.
Send us your model.
We’ll send a price.
Send the file, the scale and your date. A person checks it and replies with a written quote and next steps.
Get an architectural model quotePrefer email? Write to contact@prtwd.com or call 929-213-9604.
What to send
- STL, OBJ or 3DM file (or a download link)
- Scale or finished size, and the base size
- Finish: raw white, primed or painted, with colors
- Parts that must come apart, like a removable roof
- Quantity, delivery address or ZIP, and presentation date
Service details reviewed by PrintAWorld ·