Architectural models for communication using 3D printers

Posted by FIT THAI on August 10, 2026

When architect Paul Choi joined the Los Angeles design firm Laney LA, he wanted to bring 3D printing in-house. While Laney LA didn't regularly use physical models, they now constantly create them to test ideas, communicate with clients, and aid in decision-making.

“As photorealistic rendering and VR technology advance, physical models are becoming less common. However, these models allow architects to test spatial qualities in a way that digital models cannot,” says Choi.

“I think if we weren't using a 3D printer, we'd spend a lot more time visualizing designs through renderings and drawings. Since we can create physical models of complex designs from 3D CAD models, we can have multiple compelling visualizations in a short amount of time,” he explains.

We spoke with Choi about how Laney LA got started with Formlabs SLA 3D printers and how they've since integrated 3D printing into the company's workflow.

Integrating 3D Printing into Architectural Software Workflow

The firm Choi previously worked for had been using 3D printing for 20 years. When he began looking for ways to continue using this technology at Laney LA, a smaller company, he considered which type of printer would be best suited for the firm's specific workflow.

“I did some research and heard how excellent the Form 2 was. In terms of size and ease of use, it was a great fit for our company,” says Choi.

Since Laney LA already had a digital modeling workflow, the transition from CAD to 3D printing was seamless.

“Companies that already use 3D modeling have an advantage. Formlabs printers make the transition from a 3D model to an actual 3D print very easy, so try to gradually integrate it into your workflow and make it part of the design process,” he advises.

Today, the team continues to develop ways to leverage 3D printing. With every print and every iteration, the team makes subtle design changes and intentionally tries to push the limits of the technology.

Laney LA already uses digital modeling software in their daily workflow, so the transition to 3D printing was seamless.

Choosing a Path from CAD to Physical Models

Laney LA aims to expand its use of 3D printing throughout all stages of design, but initially, the company started by printing models to represent key milestones in the design process and using those models to communicate with clients and evaluate ideas internally.

“With 3D printing, we can present designs in a physical form, and from there, we can come up with more creative approaches,” says Choi.

“We are thinking about how to use 3D printing in ways that differ from how we use other tools like renderings or virtual models. 3D printed models help us see projects from a fresh perspective, and at the same time, they can give us an advantage.”

Stereolithography (SLA) 3D printing allows for detail even in the smallest models. This miniature city model is at 1/32 scale and was entirely printed with a Formlabs SLA 3D printer.

Since most of Laney LA's projects are custom-built homes, conveying the scale of the house and its structure is particularly important. Typically, at the end of the design process, architects 3D print the entire design to evaluate the next steps internally and use it as a communication tool to present to clients. In many cases, the team designs the models or performs post-processing to highlight valuable aspects of the structure.

“It's fun to always sketch out some ideas for a project, like a room or space you want to highlight by cutting a cross-section of the model, or the topography of the building site, and then cutting that out in the model,” says Choi.

The Laney LA team divides models along fault lines to highlight interesting internal details. For this Culver City project, each section is a single model formed with Formlabs Gray Resin and then spray-painted white and black.

Choi and the team also use 3D printing to present specific areas of a project that are difficult to communicate with traditional 2D drawings. For example, architects can cut out and print parts of a virtual model to help contractors better understand a spatial and three-dimensional aspect of the design. In addition, architectural elements that are normally not easily visible in a completed building, such as the framing structure,

can be explained more comprehensively with 3D printing.

For one project, because it was important to help the client understand the sloping building site, Laney LA 3D printed a topographical model that highlighted a 2-foot difference in elevation.

“Trying to get the most out of 3D printing is very beneficial. This is a valuable asset, not just for the design process but also for helping the business grow,” says Choi.

Advice for Adopting 3D Printing

For Laney LA, the transition from digital design tools to 3D printing was natural. Choi believes that 3D printing can benefit companies with all types of workflows, including those starting with traditional techniques.

“Many large firms have more complex projects and need to deliver projects at a higher level, so it seems many are transitioning to a fully 3D workflow. But we wanted to change quickly and be able to provide excellent service to our clients, so we decided to join in,” says Choi.

“Investing time and money in new technology, even if you don't feel you need it yet, can be challenging and a bit intimidating. But if you try to make that technology part of your process, you'll need to try to be more creative. Compared to the time spent and the value that can be gained from it, the sooner you integrate it into your workflow, the better.”