Why should we (still) make Physical Models? Ft. Sophie and Max from Atomik Architecture

With AI, virtual environments and increasingly realistic visualisation changing architecture, where does that leave the physical model?Stephen Drew speaks with Sophie McCarthy and Max Fraser from Atomik Architecture about why physical models still matter, how they support design thinking, and what they can do that a screen cannot.The conversation covers: Why physical models are still relevant in architecture practice How models help clients, teams and students understand design ideas The relationship between hand-making, digital tools and architectural judgement How models can test details, materials, scale and construction thinking Atomik Architecture: atomikarchitecture.com____▶️ Watch this episode on YouTube:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8D-xYihsLVc📝 Read the full write-up, with the key takeaways:https://architecturesocial.com/podcast/why-should-we-still-make-physical-models-ft-sophie-and-max-from-atomik-architecture/Architecture Social is where architects and designers find honest career advice, insight from practice, and live roles worth applying for:https://architecturesocial.com/The fastest way to get hired is to be better at the things practices actually ask for. Revit, Rhino, rendering, BIM, portfolio work. Our learning partner ArchAdemia is built by architects, for architects:https://archademia.com/architecture-social/Use code ARCHSOCIAL10 for a discount on monthly or annual membership.____Chapters 00:00 Why physical models still matter 05:00 Atomik Architecture projects and studio context 10:00 Details, interfaces and what models reveal 15:00 Materials, weight and making things real 20:00 Shadow gaps, setting out and client understanding 25:00 Real photography, physical context and virtual limits 30:00 3D printing, optioneering and model-making methods 35:00 Using models to bring everyone into the same room 40:00 Sketching, thinking and working through ideas 45:00 Studio location, workflow and project access 50:00 Portfolios, industry experience and showing design skill