![#](https://make-arch.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fwww.makearchitects.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2020%2F06%2FPodium-TheoPalworth-2-scaled.jpg?auto=format&crop=center&fit=crop&h=128&ixlib=php-1.2.1&w=210&s=10eb15fabdff8da92d6f25470e702750 210w,https://make-arch.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fwww.makearchitects.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2020%2F06%2FPodium-TheoPalworth-2-scaled.jpg?auto=format&crop=center&fit=crop&h=256&ixlib=php-1.2.1&w=420&s=db15b27b3f3d0827f1557e5d010e0cfb 420w,https://make-arch.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fwww.makearchitects.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2020%2F06%2FPodium-TheoPalworth-2-scaled.jpg?auto=format&crop=center&fit=crop&h=468&ixlib=php-1.2.1&w=768&s=b01dc2f2d77e31f19ab452c752e529d7 768w,https://make-arch.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fwww.makearchitects.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2020%2F06%2FPodium-TheoPalworth-2-scaled.jpg?auto=format&crop=center&fit=crop&h=624&ixlib=php-1.2.1&w=1024&s=f41e014d1221b4d8351d2e89a8b83214 1024w,https://make-arch.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fwww.makearchitects.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2020%2F06%2FPodium-TheoPalworth-2-scaled.jpg?auto=format&crop=center&fit=crop&h=853&ixlib=php-1.2.1&w=1400&s=c7199ef10f93610ba5edfa2b82f02789 1400w,https://make-arch.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fwww.makearchitects.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2020%2F06%2FPodium-TheoPalworth-2-scaled.jpg?auto=format&crop=center&fit=crop&h=975&ixlib=php-1.2.1&w=1600&s=ab0694cd132c05aa36b69284940be913 1600w,https://make-arch.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fwww.makearchitects.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2020%2F06%2FPodium-TheoPalworth-2-scaled.jpg?auto=format&crop=center&fit=crop&h=1170&ixlib=php-1.2.1&w=1920&s=b08cda6f0ed9b0274d1b1a61d8ff6b10 1920w)
![#](https://make-arch.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fwww.makearchitects.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2020%2F06%2FPodium-TheoPalworth-1-scaled.jpg?auto=format&crop=center&fit=crop&h=116&ixlib=php-1.2.1&w=210&s=6eade88a6a2ec0238199691b05dba7dc 210w,https://make-arch.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fwww.makearchitects.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2020%2F06%2FPodium-TheoPalworth-1-scaled.jpg?auto=format&crop=center&fit=crop&h=233&ixlib=php-1.2.1&w=420&s=2f9f94d9fd7a72fd11f9ddc4770483ee 420w,https://make-arch.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fwww.makearchitects.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2020%2F06%2FPodium-TheoPalworth-1-scaled.jpg?auto=format&crop=center&fit=crop&h=426&ixlib=php-1.2.1&w=768&s=eb61fa298aff2b293e1317a54f4f76ea 768w,https://make-arch.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fwww.makearchitects.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2020%2F06%2FPodium-TheoPalworth-1-scaled.jpg?auto=format&crop=center&fit=crop&h=568&ixlib=php-1.2.1&w=1024&s=7f45994cf47469c4c7852b43847e8d88 1024w,https://make-arch.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fwww.makearchitects.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2020%2F06%2FPodium-TheoPalworth-1-scaled.jpg?auto=format&crop=center&fit=crop&h=776&ixlib=php-1.2.1&w=1400&s=015b786139eab8206faaf8898e487e5c 1400w,https://make-arch.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fwww.makearchitects.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2020%2F06%2FPodium-TheoPalworth-1-scaled.jpg?auto=format&crop=center&fit=crop&h=887&ixlib=php-1.2.1&w=1600&s=4ed4307c169fc261773fa0eea5452ab9 1600w,https://make-arch.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fwww.makearchitects.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2020%2F06%2FPodium-TheoPalworth-1-scaled.jpg?auto=format&crop=center&fit=crop&h=1064&ixlib=php-1.2.1&w=1920&s=a2cff8bc8c25041ff8053404bd64b0c6 1920w)
What sort of models do you make in your spare time?
I make a mix of scale military and civilian models along with some Warhammer, which means I also get to employ my architectural modelmaking skills to make the terrain for various projects.
If you could make a model of any building, what would it be and why?
I’d love to have another attempt at making the Geisel Library by William Pereira. I made it in second year at 1:150 with incomplete plans and a lot of eyeballing. Now that I have a lot more experience gained working in industry, I’d love to make it again at 1:100 with all the skills, techniques and technology I now know how to use.
Do you listen to any particular music while you’re working? Any favourite artists or genres?
I listen to a mix of music or audiobooks. Mainly it’s a mix of indie and rock by artists such as Bleachers and Frank Turner.
![#](https://make-arch.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fwww.makearchitects.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2020%2F06%2FIMG_20200603_170850-scaled.jpg?auto=format&crop=center&fit=crop&h=280&ixlib=php-1.2.1&w=210&s=aab5aa1d6820342c1164f4b625a96ee6 210w,https://make-arch.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fwww.makearchitects.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2020%2F06%2FIMG_20200603_170850-scaled.jpg?auto=format&crop=center&fit=crop&h=560&ixlib=php-1.2.1&w=420&s=e94f67b29fd100aced08e2afabe1001f 420w,https://make-arch.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fwww.makearchitects.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2020%2F06%2FIMG_20200603_170850-scaled.jpg?auto=format&crop=center&fit=crop&h=1024&ixlib=php-1.2.1&w=768&s=39c07c68d929df5ae564fac0f2a3bf8f 768w,https://make-arch.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fwww.makearchitects.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2020%2F06%2FIMG_20200603_170850-scaled.jpg?auto=format&crop=center&fit=crop&h=1365&ixlib=php-1.2.1&w=1024&s=acd2cbd3da6a903a82355eae1573fab0 1024w,https://make-arch.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fwww.makearchitects.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2020%2F06%2FIMG_20200603_170850-scaled.jpg?auto=format&crop=center&fit=crop&h=1867&ixlib=php-1.2.1&w=1400&s=a4025ac72219e27c041111fc7a18f042 1400w,https://make-arch.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fwww.makearchitects.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2020%2F06%2FIMG_20200603_170850-scaled.jpg?auto=format&crop=center&fit=crop&h=2133&ixlib=php-1.2.1&w=1600&s=434597c8fa81596e7b4de94aac94bac8 1600w,https://make-arch.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fwww.makearchitects.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2020%2F06%2FIMG_20200603_170850-scaled.jpg?auto=format&crop=center&fit=crop&h=2560&ixlib=php-1.2.1&w=1920&s=d36556e2d58fe7c9c6c41f1a24ab57fe 1920w)
![#](https://make-arch.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fwww.makearchitects.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2020%2F06%2FMadison-TheoPalworth-5-scaled.jpg?auto=format&crop=center&fit=crop&h=280&ixlib=php-1.2.1&w=210&s=dbfc68660c7fa3d30a2f265399b8f81a 210w,https://make-arch.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fwww.makearchitects.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2020%2F06%2FMadison-TheoPalworth-5-scaled.jpg?auto=format&crop=center&fit=crop&h=560&ixlib=php-1.2.1&w=420&s=0c34e672fd05cf3e259dc35cf650ed79 420w,https://make-arch.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fwww.makearchitects.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2020%2F06%2FMadison-TheoPalworth-5-scaled.jpg?auto=format&crop=center&fit=crop&h=1024&ixlib=php-1.2.1&w=768&s=2ffdbaad6ec4c4d38df0a74fc233c9c6 768w,https://make-arch.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fwww.makearchitects.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2020%2F06%2FMadison-TheoPalworth-5-scaled.jpg?auto=format&crop=center&fit=crop&h=1365&ixlib=php-1.2.1&w=1024&s=cbbeaf97982425055552fc21bdf17cdb 1024w,https://make-arch.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fwww.makearchitects.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2020%2F06%2FMadison-TheoPalworth-5-scaled.jpg?auto=format&crop=center&fit=crop&h=1867&ixlib=php-1.2.1&w=1400&s=b0f7dc1edc515a2fa0ef821668367a22 1400w,https://make-arch.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fwww.makearchitects.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2020%2F06%2FMadison-TheoPalworth-5-scaled.jpg?auto=format&crop=center&fit=crop&h=2133&ixlib=php-1.2.1&w=1600&s=86faf4123cacd1bc92148d7d9ad8c941 1600w,https://make-arch.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fwww.makearchitects.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2020%2F06%2FMadison-TheoPalworth-5-scaled.jpg?auto=format&crop=center&fit=crop&h=2560&ixlib=php-1.2.1&w=1920&s=fd26bafcad9874feefe6c22a9fe1ca76 1920w)
What do you think are the key skills or personal attributes of a successful modelmaker?
Obviously there needs to be a level of attention to detail, but I would say the most important skill a modelmaker can have is a willingness to learn, because modelmaking is an ever-changing profession that adapts constantly to bring new techniques and technology to the set of tools a modelmaker uses, best exemplified by the ever-growing use of 3D printing.
Any tips for keeping your hands steady and staying concentrated when working on a difficult model or at very small scales?
I find that having music on in the background helps me stay concentrated as it keeps me focused only on what is in front of me. As for keeping my hands steady, I try to reduce the chance of accidents occurring by using metal blocks and engineer’s squares to weigh down and position pieces in the right place.
About your placement at Make. Do you feel it changed your outlook and understanding of working as a modelmaker?
Working at Make gave me the opportunity to see how modelmakers work within an architecture firm and helped me understand what modelmakers can really do in the context of architecture. It also helped me shift into a more professional mindset in terms of materials and techniques when making models that helped me push my skills further.
![#](https://make-arch.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fwww.makearchitects.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2020%2F06%2FIMG_20200603_170916-scaled.jpg?auto=format&crop=center&fit=crop&h=280&ixlib=php-1.2.1&w=210&s=5074dceb9207d639008265346ccf2129 210w,https://make-arch.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fwww.makearchitects.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2020%2F06%2FIMG_20200603_170916-scaled.jpg?auto=format&crop=center&fit=crop&h=560&ixlib=php-1.2.1&w=420&s=791c9a6a18613508d9d0d2c7992f692b 420w,https://make-arch.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fwww.makearchitects.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2020%2F06%2FIMG_20200603_170916-scaled.jpg?auto=format&crop=center&fit=crop&h=1024&ixlib=php-1.2.1&w=768&s=e01f3ddcb6c0948bc30c3562e86d9cce 768w,https://make-arch.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fwww.makearchitects.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2020%2F06%2FIMG_20200603_170916-scaled.jpg?auto=format&crop=center&fit=crop&h=1365&ixlib=php-1.2.1&w=1024&s=a9e217afb8fb76c89bc796f2c5c9fb14 1024w,https://make-arch.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fwww.makearchitects.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2020%2F06%2FIMG_20200603_170916-scaled.jpg?auto=format&crop=center&fit=crop&h=1867&ixlib=php-1.2.1&w=1400&s=353fd16cf54df3dbfc2dd1acff1da8e2 1400w,https://make-arch.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fwww.makearchitects.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2020%2F06%2FIMG_20200603_170916-scaled.jpg?auto=format&crop=center&fit=crop&h=2133&ixlib=php-1.2.1&w=1600&s=76882d5fd25e1a8b05a3e61d222bae57 1600w,https://make-arch.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fwww.makearchitects.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2020%2F06%2FIMG_20200603_170916-scaled.jpg?auto=format&crop=center&fit=crop&h=2560&ixlib=php-1.2.1&w=1920&s=793a9503decab634f70efc418b31630c 1920w)
What skills did you feel you developed?
My placement at Make has helped push not just my practical skills – through the opportunity to work on a large variety of projects, from small-scale foam design development models through to projects like the Madison – but also my design and problem-solving skills. As a modelmaker, you need to be able to think on your feet to solve any design problems that might arise while also staying true to the vision of the architects.
How was it different to university work?
There are different expectations at university compared to working in a model studio. This mostly comes down to the time frames you have to make the models – my main projects at university lasted upwards of six weeks, whereas it would be rare to have more than two weeks at Make. Both my university course and Make were highly collaborative spaces where you could easily turn to someone for help or a second opinion. Working with the architects of all levels, from Part 1s to project leads, provided a great opportunity to see and understand the design process, while also giving you the chance to have a level of input as the modelmakers are the first people architects turn to help realise their concepts.
This post forms part of our #futuremodelmakers campaign, celebrating the work of the 2020 student modelmaking graduates. Tag your work on Instagram to take part.