Work through your architect to find someone that will 3D print their design.

Great model Chispa!

Thanks Mark!

I picked up old boxes from an appliance store. We used space in the basement to mockup a full size layout of my kitchen design. We made small clearance changes, and the build came out correct. I'd 100% repeat that process.

I believe a 3D computer model is more useful than a printed model or rendering because you can rotate it and zoom in and out with shadows and different materials with people and cars. It’s also easier to modify.
I haven’t designed a building without a SketchUp model in 22 years.
It’s a big help with zoning and historic review board presentations too.
I’ve only seen printed models at design schools.

I provide really good 3d renderings to my clients mostly for kitchen design I do them by hand I would think getting an actul 3D model wouldbe pricey and IMO your architect does not know someone or they would have shared that with you. I actully find 2D floor plans a much easier way to get a feel for a space so not sure what it is you are worried about .

I assume the printed model would be of the exterior. The ones I’ve seen were tiny and a dusty pink color. I wasn’t impressed with the models but the machine was incredible.

Thanks everyone! I really appreciate your input!

Very impressive Chispa!!!

A 3D model is better than a flat 2D blueprint. For a major use area like a kitchen, full size modelling is that much better.

The 3D printer models I've seen were expensive, although pricing may have come down. Your architect would need to supply a 3D file suitable for transforming into the printer's format, which could be an issue.

I prefer to create "study" models from cardboard at a scale that can convey the project. Then changes can be made to show alternatives and progression. Very often these are not presentation quality, but do the trick.