Building an Architecture Modeling Business
It all started with a funny name and the idea that architecture models could be ordered online and the physical model show up on a client’s desk. The birth of Sweet Onion Creations…
Seems a bit late to be making a blog post about rolling into 2008 but we’ve been buried in projects around here. 2007 finished up with a bang and 2008 is looking to be even better. As we come off our espresso buzz, we thought we’d take a few moments to ponder what has shaken down in the past 12 months.
First off, we’d like to say a big thank you to all our clients across the country who trusted us in 2007 to bring their architecture designs to life. As a startup company, we’re truly grateful for architects and their firms that are willing to take a chance on a new company and a new technology and turn over their 3D and 2D CAD digital data to us for making physical architecture models. Having faith that a model with correct scale, color, and detail will show up is a big risk, especially with their own clients demanding perfection and moving up timelines. We hope we’ve helped ease that headache.
So, how did we get here exactly?
- We knew we wanted to build a company that was fun to work with, used cutting edge technology, and built architecture communication tools with the least amount of environmental harm. Our mantra is simply “Ideas You Touch” with the belief that great design should be touched physically or move you emotionally. Getting that across from 2D blueprints or 3D data is our mission. Period.
- We finally got the website launched in early 2007 after spending time down in LA with some cutting-edge firms. We were busy learning about 110 different software programs for everything from CAD to website design. Thankfully, our web designer did a beautiful job setting up the site and working with us to get the feel just right.
- Our big break came when a local firm here in Bozeman hired us to build a presentation architecture model for the design review board at the Yellowstone Club this past spring. Working off their 2D AutoCAD drawings we were able to produce the topography, building materials, and everything using our 3d printer. You can read the architecture modeling case study here.
- We put together a short YouTube video on 3d printing and architecture models to help explain to our clients how exactly this whole thing works. Look for more of these in 2008 relating to our green modeling practices, and how to use Google Sketchup and Google Earth for building physical models.
- Our friends at CMH Architects in Burningham, Alabama became our first out of state clients. They were a joy to work with and we were excited that our web project management tools performed beautifully for remote collaboration. The experience gained allowed us to fine tune the process and go forward to work with firms across the country. Thanks guys!
- In November, we read an article in the New York Times about small business startups. They were also calling for entries for StartupNation.com’s annual Top 100 contest. We jotted down our green business practices, fired off the email, and promptly forgot all about it. We were thrilled to be chosen as the winner and the award announced on MSN.com in an article titled, “The Smallest Green Buildings in America“. The award carries with it a lot of responsibility as well and we’re working on improving our practices by being evaluated by a sustainability expert out of Boulder, Colorado. In the meantime, check out our new LEED Program to see how you can earn 10% off LEED visual presentation tools for US Green Building Council’s certification.
What’s Ahead for 2008?
To all the readers of our blog, thanks for tuning in and following along. We plan to focus more on posting some cool stuff in the coming months as well. Here’s to 2008!
Jake and Lee
Bozeman, Montana