The best museum models are made in the good ole USA

They are made by Creek hands and they are well made!

Richard L. Thornton, Architect and City Planner

Periodically, I receive promotional letters from Chinese architecture firms, offering to build my architectural models for me. They all assume that North Americans have forgotten how to building anything with their hands . . . or more recently . . . alternatively propose to build my models with 3D printing technology. The letters are accompanied by photos of what they think are their firm’s best models.

My response? Paraphrasing that famous line by Crocodile Dundee . . .

“You call that a model? . . . these are models!”

The first request for me to build a model of a Native American town, came from a judge in Oklahoma during 2005. It was so well received that the Muscogee-Creek Nation began contracting with me to do architectural research for our Creek heritage and the construction of 12 models (varying sizes and time periods) of Creek towns.

Then museums in other states began contracting with me to build models of Native American towns, villages, farmers and hunters then other museums began contracting with me to build models of Early American architecture. Model building is actually a lot more fun that contemporary architecture practice. Also, I don’t have to maintain an architecture license in the state, where the model is being exhibited.

Technological advancements, since I first began building museum models for clients have radically expanded the creative possibilities for exhibits. My state-of-the-art computers, virtual reality software and video editing software make it possible to merge photos/videos of physical models with animated videos of virtual reality computer models into exciting multi-media documentaries.

And now you know!