Lee Robinson transforms real-life properties into breathtaking scale models. Whether it’s a miniature replica of a forever home or a heartfelt tribute to a childhood house, each piece is meticulously handcrafted to capture every cherished detail.

It's fair to say, Lee’s creations preserve the magic of special memories, turning them into timeless family heirlooms for generations to treasure. 

Click or scroll below to discover how each model comes to life... 

Graphic designer Lee, who is based in Huddersfield in the UK, started his journey as a scale model maker back in 2010, thanks to his children, or, more specifically, their toy train set.  

“I wanted to get involved and build out a landscape for their toy, teaching myself to create miniatures in 1:76 scale for model railways,” he says. 

Lee then moved on to model houses a few years later, transitioning to 1:50 scale model making as he started to do more detailed work. Drawing on his graphic design skills, he'd create models in 2D computer packages, then teach himself how to translate the scales from the real world. 

Lee started taking commissions, making scale models for railways around 2017 and really enjoyed the process. But it was when Covid hit and he was on furlough from his day job, that things really took off.

“My passion for the craft really took hold, so I started advertising my services as a bespoke miniature model maker to the wider world in 2020.” 

Currently, Lee fits in his model-making side hustle around his day job, but with a three-bedroom cottage taking around 80 hours, with larger dioramas clocking in at 100-120 hours, it’s not a speedy process.  

But Lee prides himself on making as many parts of his miniature models as he can, with around 85% of the finished piece being completely handmade, with a few readymade items used for detailing, such as 3D printed chimney pots. 

Over the years, Lee has had to get creative to replicate some aspects of his builds, and currently uses laser-cut MDF, lightweight foam PVC to make and carve parts like stone walls, and other model-making supplies, such as styrene strip for finer details.

But what's Lee’s number one tool? "My scalpel and my engineer’s scribe are my most trusty tools, plus a good eye and a very steady hand!” 

With plenty of experience, he now takes on commissions for any architectural models, the more complex, the better!

He says: “I love the challenge presented by any style of miniature model, but have a particular soft spot for stone buildings and their character. They’re really fun to build!” 

Lee usually works from customers' photographs alone, a rewarding challenge that demands both precision and creativity. But to capture every subtle feature, he often turns to Google Earth for extra angles and architectural details that photos can’t always provide. 

One of his standout creations is a stunning French chateau, though it proved to be one of his most ambitious projects yet. “I approached this model build with excitement and trepidation, so much detail and only photos to go off,” Lee shared on Instagram.

The result? A masterpiece that perfectly balances artistry, patience, and an incredible eye for detail. 

Working from measurements and photographs, Lee treats every scale model house project with genuine passion and enthusiasm. Spending sometimes over a hundred hours on each model, every aspect of a home’s exterior is covered with precision. 

With scale model houses starting at around £1,200 ($1.6k), and given their fragility, the craftsman understandably prefers to hand-deliver models, where possible.

Lee’s favourite project so far was a house model he created for a client in Northern Ireland. He says: “I live-streamed the whole build, and while I was making it, his whole family was invested in watching its progress.”

A lot of his regular viewers enjoyed the project and the live build experience. But Lee also made a friend in the process. He reflects, “I not only gained a client, but a really good friend too.” 

As a self-taught model maker, Lee's undoubtedly picked up a lot of knowledge through studying other model-making experts.

Over the years, he's refined these techniques and developed some new skills of his own, in his own words, “to solve issues and find smart solutions to elevate my models.” 

Today, he's proud to “use a range of methods and materials, with everything crafted by my own fair hand to the tiniest detail.”

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What started as a hobby and a bit of fun with his young daughter soon became a genuine passion. 

These days, he can build almost anything. But what's his dream project? “I would absolutely love to make a castle. I've built a small, residential French chateau, but I'd love to get my hands on a castle,” he muses.

Lee’s attention to detail extends beyond the buildings themselves to the surrounding gardens and outdoor spaces. He meticulously recreates hedges, flowerbeds, and even children’s play areas with remarkable accuracy.

Some of the clever tricks behind his craft include using ordinary kitchen sponges, dyed with paint, and then ground in a coffee grinder to create realistic miniature hedges. He's also made trees from teabags.

Lee has recently extended his skillset to the design and production of laser-cut parts, which he sells to other miniature model makers.

He also shares his creative process online, hosting a popular stone hut build-along on TikTok, where he’s gathered more than 40,000 followers. Viewers can even download a free template from his website to follow along with the project.

When asked about the trickiest thing he’s ever been commissioned to recreate, Lee doesn’t hesitate: a butcher’s bicycle.

“The client came to me through a recommendation,” he recalls. “Although my speciality is architectural models, I relished the chance to take on something different and even ended up weaving the basket from scratch!”

Lee’s custom-made model sheds offer a budget-friendly alternative to a full-scale model house. Each one is a meticulously crafted replica, typically built at a 1:76 scale.

He also creates miniature versions of other small buildings, including summerhouses, log cabins, and garden offices. Prices vary depending on the level of detail and hours of work required, but as a guide, a custom-made model shed, summerhouse, or cabin at 1:50 scale ranges from £110–£150 ($150–$200).

So, how about any famous clients? Lee divulged that he's made a full-scale doll's house replica for Siobhan Murphy (known as Interior Curve on social media), who was a finalist on the BBC's Interior Design Masters show, and is now an interior designer.

"Siobhan asked me to make a 1:12 scale version of her own Art Deco home so that she could fit it out and decorate it in her own unique style, which meant making an opening front and lift-off floors." We think it looks dreamy!

Lee has also taken on a variety of unique commissions. One memorable project was the Toretto house from the Fast & Furious series, created for a client whose partner is a huge fan of the films and an avid collector of the die-cast cars.  

He's also created more unusual commissions, including the spooky Amityville house, which was made as a low-relief framed model for a friend to gift to her partner.

Alongside his commissioned pieces, Lee loves creating fun, imaginative models to share on his social channels.

From a spooky witch’s cottage built especially for his YouTube channel to unique miniature giveaways featured on TikTok, his playful side shines through in every project, blending creativity, storytelling, and a touch of magic. 

The model maker also enjoys creating natural scenes, including a model of Sycamore Gap, pictured. "A tribute to what was, in miniature," he wrote on his Instagram.

Photography is key to showcasing Lee’s models, and he takes great care to make his scenes look as realistic as possible. He photographs them at ‘eye level’ and often shoots outdoors in natural sunlight, enhancing the illusion of reality.

So, what’s next for the talented model maker? “I want to continue to bring more people's memories back to life in miniature form and recreate people's cherished homes," he says.

Lee goes on to say: "I also want to expand into more commercial avenues, working with architects and brands.” He also revealed that he's got an exciting announcement to make... You can follow Lee on socials at Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube or visit his website to keep up to date with the news. We can’t wait to see what’s next! 

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