Frequently Asked Questions

The process starts with a brief — you share your architectural drawings, renderings, or building plans along with information about how the model will be used (sales gallery, investor presentation, planning submission, etc.), the required scale, and your timeline. We review the brief and return a detailed scope and fixed-price quotation, typically within 48–72 hours. Once you approve the quote and confirm the commission, we begin digital preparation and fabrication.

You can start by contacting us via WhatsApp, email, or the contact form on our website.

To prepare an accurate quotation we typically need:

• Architectural drawings or plans (PDF, DWG, or Revit files)
• Renderings or reference images showing intended finish
• Required scale (or the dimensions of the base/plinth available)
• Intended use (sales gallery, investor meeting, planning)
• Specific finish requirements (colour, materials, LED lighting, landscape)
• Required delivery date

If you do not yet have detailed drawings, we can work from conceptual plans and adjust specifications as the design develops. We are experienced in working at all stages of the design process.

Yes. We share progress photographs at key milestones throughout production — typically at the completion of digital preparation, after fabrication of major components, and during finishing. For larger or more complex projects we offer video updates. You are also welcome to visit our Lagos studio during production by arrangement.

Design changes during model production are common, particularly on projects where design development is ongoing. We handle design changes on a case-by-case basis depending on the stage of production at which the change is requested. Minor changes (colour, landscape elements, labels) can often be accommodated without additional charge. Significant structural changes after fabrication has begun may require a revised quotation. We advise clients to confirm design freeze before authorising production to begin wherever possible.

Model costs vary significantly based on scale, complexity, finish level, size, and the fabrication technologies required. A simple massing model for a single building might begin from ₦500,000. A fully-detailed, LED-lit, landscaped presentation model for a large residential estate or master plan development typically ranges from ₦1.5 million to ₦8 million or more depending on scope.

We provide fixed-price quotations after reviewing your brief, so you know the full cost before committing. There are no hidden charges.

ODK Models consistently delivers 30–50% cost savings compared to equivalent commissions from UK and European architectural model studios. Our production cost structure is anchored in Lagos — where studio, equipment, and skilled labour costs are lower — while our fabrication technology and quality standards are equivalent. This makes us a particularly compelling option for international developers and architects who need global-quality models without European studio pricing.

Yes. We require a 50% deposit on confirmation of commission to begin production, with the balance due prior to delivery. For larger projects, payment schedules can be discussed. We accept bank transfer (NGN and USD) and can provide invoices in either currency for international clients.

Production timelines depend on the complexity and size of the model:

• Simple massing or concept model: 2–4 weeks
• Mid-complexity presentation model (single building): 4–7 weeks
• Full estate or master plan presentation model with LED: 7–12 weeks
• Large-format complex models: 10–16 weeks

These timelines begin from the date that final, confirmed drawings are received and the commission is confirmed with deposit. We advise all clients to commission as early as possible — the model is not an item to be ordered at the last minute before a launch date.

We structure every commission around the client's required delivery date. If your deadline is fixed — a launch event, investor presentation, or planning committee — tell us upfront and we will confirm whether the timeline is achievable before you commit. We do not take on commissions we cannot deliver. Where expedited production is required and feasible, this may be reflected in the quotation.

Yes. We offer post-delivery updates and repairs for all ODK Models commissions. Common updates include marking sold units, adding new phase information, updating landscape, or repairing damage from transit or display. Contact us with details of the required update for a scope and quotation.

Yes. We deliver to clients across West Africa, East Africa, the Middle East, Europe, and other regions. We have developed custom packaging systems for international shipment of fragile scale models, and have experience with the export and import documentation required for architectural models shipped across borders.

International delivery costs and timelines are factored into the project quotation.

We engineer custom packaging for every model shipment. Models are typically housed in a rigid outer crate with foam-cut interior supports that hold each component in position without contact stress. Particularly fragile elements — fine landscape trees, thin facades, small components — are removed, individually wrapped, and packed separately with assembly instructions. Every model is photographed before and after packing for insurance documentation.

Yes — the majority of our international project communication is managed remotely via email, WhatsApp, and video call. We share progress photographs and video updates throughout production so you can review quality and give feedback without being physically present. We have successfully completed projects for clients in the UK, UAE, Ghana, Kenya, and Cameroon on a fully remote basis.

We use a range of professional model making materials selected for their stability, appearance, and longevity:

• Buildings: Acrylic (clear, frosted, or painted), 3D-printed resin or PLA, laser-cut MDF and card
• Massing volumes: Painted foam, CNC-milled MDF, painted cardboard
• Landscape: Model grass, resin trees, cast terrain, painted foam contours
• Water features: Resin, clear acrylic, blue-tinted gel
• Base: MDF or plywood, wrapped in vinyl or painted to specification
• Roads and paths: Painted card, printed vinyl

We produce all models from the architectural drawings provided. Our digital preparation stage converts your plans and sections into fabrication-ready files, which are reviewed against the original drawings before any material is cut. The result is dimensional accuracy consistent with the scale of the model — at 1:100, a 1mm deviation represents 100mm on the built structure, which is within acceptable tolerance for all presentation purposes. We do not produce freehand models; everything is drawn and fabricated to scale.

With appropriate handling and storage, ODK Models scale models are designed to last indefinitely. The primary risk factors are physical impact, moisture, and prolonged direct sunlight (which can fade painted surfaces over time). We advise keeping gallery models under a clear acrylic cover when not in active use. LED components are rated for 50,000+ hours of operation.

We produce models for a wide range of project types:

• Residential estates and housing developments
• Mixed-use developments (residential + commercial)
• Commercial office and retail buildings
• Urban master plans and large-scale development sites
• Industrial facilities and infrastructure
• Topographic and site models
• Hospitality (hotels, resorts)
• Civic and institutional buildings

We also produce models for conceptual and early-stage design work, not only finished presentation commissions.

Yes. We produce massing and context models specifically for planning applications. These models are typically monochromatic — white or light grey — and show the proposed development in the context of the surrounding built environment. They are designed to communicate bulk, scale, and relationship to neighbouring buildings clearly to planning committees and authorities. We can advise on appropriate scale and level of detail for your specific submission requirements.

Yes. We produce both gallery-scale presentation models and smaller, transportable investor presentation models. The investor format — typically a 1:500 or 1:1000 master plan model in a custom presentation case — allows developers to bring the project to the investor rather than requiring the investor to travel to a sales gallery. These models are particularly effective for international investment road shows and one-on-one investor meetings.

ODK Models is based in Lagos, Nigeria. Our studio and fabrication facilities are located in Lagos, and we serve clients across Nigeria, West Africa, and internationally. All production takes place in our Lagos studio — we do not outsource fabrication.

ODK Models was founded in 2015 by Ajayi Gilbert. The studio has been producing architectural scale models for over a decade, serving real estate developers, architects, and investors across Nigeria and internationally.

We operate a full digital fabrication stack in-house:

• 3D Printing: FDM and resin printers for complex geometries, custom components, and fine detail work
• CNC Machining: For precision milling of terrain, massing volumes, and structural components in acrylic, foam, MDF, and wood
• Laser Cutting: For facades, floor plates, landscape features, and fine detail work across multiple materials

All three technologies are operated in-house and in parallel, reducing lead times and maintaining quality control throughout production.

Yes. We welcome client visits to our Lagos studio by appointment. Visiting during production is a good opportunity to review progress in person, discuss any adjustments, and see our fabrication capabilities firsthand. To arrange a visit, contact us via WhatsApp or email to schedule a time.