Modelart
Modelart, founded in 1988 in South Africa, is a specialist model builder producing bespoke CAD/CAM-produced architectural, engineering, and presentation scale models for real estate developers, architects, government agencies, and engineering firms across Africa and the Middle East.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded1988
- HeadquartersGauteng, South Africa
- Headcount11–50
- GTM typeB2B
- OfferingHardware or Manufacturing
What Modelart does
Modelart is a privately held, founder-owned specialist model building company established in 1988 and headquartered in Roodepoort, South Africa. The company produces bespoke architectural, engineering, industrial, and presentation scale models for real estate developers, architects, engineering firms, government agencies, and corporate clients. Its underlying technology stack is CAD/CAM-driven, leveraging CNC machining to tolerances within twenty microns, 3D printing (PLA, ABS, and resin), laser engraving and cutting, and digital printing, supported by a capital base of 9 CNC machines and 7 3D printers housed in 900 square meters of dedicated industrial floor space. The company applies proprietary base systems for modular transport, bespoke lighting installations, and in-house production of scaled accessories to deliver presentation-grade models for high-profile projects.
The business model is project-based, with revenue generated primarily through one-time custom commissions priced by project complexity, scale, and detail requirements. Direct enterprise field sales targeting real estate developers, architects, government agencies, and engineering firms across Africa and the Middle East serve as the primary go-to-market motion, supported by an online portfolio across website and social media channels. Marquee customer references include Burj Al Arab, Palm Jumeirah, Total LNG Mozambique, Standard Bank, Nedbank, Discovery Life, ACSA, Denel, Ivanplats Mine, and South African government departments (Stats SA, DRDLR, Tshwane BRT). The company operated a tactical adjacent product line during COVID-19 (3D-printed face shields) leveraging its additive manufacturing capacity. The business is owner-operated by Mark Samuelsson with no disclosed institutional investment, subsidiaries, or M&A activity.
Modelart firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- Modelart
- Legal name
- Modelart
- Website
- https://modelart.co.za
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 1988
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 11–50 employees
- Short description
- Modelart, founded in 1988 in South Africa, is a specialist model builder producing bespoke CAD/CAM-produced architectural, engineering, and presentation scale models for real estate developers, architects, government agencies, and engineering firms across Africa and the Middle East.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Modelart industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Architectural Scale Models
- NAICS
- Industrial Design Services (541420), Industrial Design Services (54142)
- SIC
- Services-Mailing, Reproduction, Commercial Art & Photography (7330), Pens, Pencils & Other Artists' Materials (3950)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Architecture & Construction Scale Models (Additive) (IMAAAFAL)
- akta.pro secondary industries
- 3D Design & CAD for Additive Manufacturing (IMAAACAA), Prototype Jigs, Fixtures & Assembly Aids (Additive) (IMAAAFAE)
Keywords
Where Modelart is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Gauteng
- HQ country
- South Africa
- HQ region
- Africa
Offices1 record
Markets served
Modelart business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B
- Offering type
- Hardware or Manufacturing
- Cost components
- Personnel, Technology or R&D, Infrastructure, Supply Chain, Marketing or Sales, Operations
Revenue model
- Custom Scale Model Manufacturing: Bespoke scale model production for architectural, engineering, and industrial projects. Pricing based on project complexity, scale, and detail requirements. One-time project fees determined through client briefs.
- 3D Printing Services: 3D PLA, ABS, and resin printing services offered to clients, including face shields during COVID-19 pandemic
- Packaging and Flight Cases: Bespoke designing fit-for-purpose packaging, crating, flight cases and freight protection solutions for dispatched models
- Corporate Gifts: Custom scale models produced as corporate gifts and memorabilia for various companies and projects
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | Small Kiddies Face Shield |
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | Medium Scholars Face Shield |
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | Large Adult Face Shield |
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | Peak Cap Clip-on |
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | Bulk Order Discounts |
Go-to-market motion1 record
Distribution channels1 record
Marketing channels6 records
Modelart product offering
Product offeringCore offering
Modelart designs and manufactures bespoke architectural, engineering, industrial, and presentation scale models from its Johannesburg facility, using CNC machining and 3D printing to deliver physical visualizations for real estate developers, architects, government agencies, and corporate clients. The company also offers related manufacturing services including 3D PLA/ABS/resin printing, laser cutting, CNC routing, and CAD design, alongside corporate gift models and bespoke packaging and flight cases.
Product overview
Modelart is a specialist model building company offering architectural scale models and related manufacturing services. The company operates with a core portfolio of scale model categories (architectural, engineering, exhibition, presentation, industrial, masterplan, landscape, maritime, commercial, residential, interior, product, construction, and structural models) supported by manufacturing capabilities including 3D printing (PLA, ABS, Resin), CNC router cutting, laser cutting, UV printing, and CAD design services. The product offering also includes proprietary model base systems, lighting installations, and bespoke packaging solutions. Established in 1988, the company serves real estate developers, architects, and engineers with both physical model production and rapid prototyping services.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Products and services
- Architectural Scale Models Bespoke detailed 3D scale models of architectural projects produced in advance of construction, used by real estate developers, architects, and government agencies for project launches, investor briefings, and marketing collateral.
- Engineering & Industrial Scale Models Scale models for engineering projects including mines, bridges, power plants, oil rigs, and industrial facilities, used for project presentations and client briefings.
- Corporate Gift Scale Models Miniature scale model replicas of client assets, equipment, and facilities produced as corporate gifts, commemorative items, and branded memorabilia.
- 3D Printing Services (PLA, ABS, Resin) Additive manufacturing services using PLA, ABS, and resin materials for producing model components with precision and durability, including high-resolution resin printing for clear or white finishes.
- CNC Router Engraving and Cutting Computer numerical control machining for precise cutting and engraving of model materials with tolerances within twenty microns, executed around the clock for timely delivery.
- Laser Engraving and Cutting Laser-based precision cutting and engraving services for detailed model components.
- CAD Design and Rapid Prototyping 3D modelling and product development services converting project drawings to CNC-compatible files, plus quick-turn model development for concept testing and rapid prototyping.
- Bespoke Packaging, Crating, and Flight Cases Fit-for-purpose packaging, crating, flight cases, and freight protection solutions designed for safe dispatch of completed models.
- 3D Printed Face Shields 3D printed face shields for COVID-19 protection, available in Small (Kiddies 3-6 years), Medium (Scholars 7-13 years), and Large (Adult) sizes, with a Peak Cap Clip-on variant.
Quantifiable outcome
- Reduced project costs - clients have noted that when suppliers and contractors are briefed in the presence of the model, clearer understanding results in lower contingency cost allowances being levied in tender
- +2 more outcomes
Companies that use Modelart
Customer profileNamed customers12 records
Segments5 records
Ideal customer profiles4 records
Modelart technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Feature5 records
Modelart partnerships and signals
Strategic signalScale indicators4 records
Recent moves5 records
Expansion highlights5 records
Modelart competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect peers
- G2 Modelmakers: UK-based architectural model maker producing detailed presentation and masterplan models for developers, architects, and government. Comparable in bespoke craft scale model production with international clientele.
- Ingarden Modelmaking: European specialist architectural model maker focused on luxury real estate and high-profile development projects. Comparable craft, customer base, and project-based model.
- RJ Models: London-based specialist architectural and urban scale model maker serving global real estate, infrastructure, and museum clients. Direct comparable in bespoke architectural presentation models with similar customer mix and project-based model.
- Architectural Models Inc. North American architectural model maker serving developers and architects with presentation and masterplan models. Comparable scale model production capability and customer type.
Emerging players
- Hubs (Protolabs Network): Global manufacturing platform connecting customers with CNC and 3D printing service providers. Adjacent competitor for Modelart's standalone 3D printing and CNC services line.
- Shapeways: Global on-demand 3D printing service bureau offering industrial-grade additive manufacturing. Overlaps with Modelart's 3D printing service line and could expand into architectural model production.
- Protolabs: Digital manufacturing service provider offering CNC machining, 3D printing, and rapid prototyping. Comparable manufacturing services arm but targets broader industrial customers than Modelart's developer/government mix.
Regional players
- Modelcraft: Australia-based architectural and industrial model maker serving property developers and engineers. Comparable craft specialty and customer base, but primarily serves Australasia rather than Africa/Middle East.
Others
- Enscape: Real-time rendering and VR plugin for architectural visualization integrated with CAD/BIM tools. Substitute offering for project presentations that competes with physical scale models for marketing budgets.
- Lumion: Real-time architectural visualization software for 3D rendering and walkthroughs. Not a direct model maker, but a substitute that competes for the same architectural presentation/marketing budget.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat5 records
Key risks6 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
Modelart social profiles
Digital presenceModelart financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Modelart leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles1 record
Modelart funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Modelart M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about Modelart
What does Modelart do?
Modelart designs and manufactures bespoke architectural, engineering, industrial, and presentation scale models from its Johannesburg facility, using CNC machining and 3D printing to deliver physical visualizations for real estate developers, architects, government agencies, and corporate clients. The company also offers related manufacturing services including 3D PLA/ABS/resin printing, laser cutting, CNC routing, and CAD design, alongside corporate gift models and bespoke packaging and flight cases.
Is Modelart a public or private company?
Modelart is a private company. It is classified as founder individual operated bootstrapped and is currently operating.
When was Modelart founded?
Modelart was founded in 1988. It employs 11 to 50 people.
Where is Modelart based?
Modelart is headquartered in Gauteng, South Africa, in the Africa region.
How does Modelart make money?
Four revenue lines are on record. Custom Scale Model Manufacturing is the primary driver. The others are 3D Printing Services, packaging and Flight Cases and corporate Gifts.
Who are Modelart's main competitors?
Direct peers on record are G2 Modelmakers, Ingarden Modelmaking, RJ Models and Architectural Models Inc.. Emerging players are Hubs (Protolabs Network), Shapeways and Protolabs. Modelcraft is listed as a regional player. Others are Enscape and Lumion.
Does Modelart have an API?
No public API is recorded for Modelart.
What industry is Modelart in?
Modelart's product category is Architectural Scale Models. Its primary akta.pro industry code is IMAAAFAL, Architecture & Construction Scale Models (Additive), with a secondary code of IMAAACAA, 3D Design & CAD for Additive Manufacturing. Its NAICS code is 541420 and its SIC code is 7330.