About Me
Ian Dennewald
Thanks for visiting the Austek Model making website.
The guy developing this website says I have to say something about myself and the business so it will get seen more, I tend to like hiding in the shed and making cool stuff, not talking myself up on Google but here goes 😊 he also says I need to say lots…… Sorry.
Ian Dennewald has been building top quality models for over 30 years.
Born in Newcastle, Australia, I grew up in Sydney's St Ives and started my apprenticeship at Arcmod Models in 1979 right after high school. I worked in Adelaide for Woods Bagot Architects, but Sydney called me back in 1985 to found Austek Models. I began with architectural models, then branched into maritime and industrial ones during the late '80s recession.
After training others, I now work solo in Manly Vale for full control on quality. When not building, I'm sailing Sydney's waters.
If he is not in his workshop in Manly Vale Ian can be found on a yacht sailing somewhere in Sydney or off Australia’s east coast.
2500
+
Models Built
Since 1979, I've built around 2,500 models—from small gifts to 3m helicopters—staying fully booked except for a brief '80s dip. Some work's confidential, but my portfolio shows the range. I mix old-school handmade skills with modern tools like 3D printing. It's more than work; I've collaborated with architects, engineers, naval pros, and everyday folks worldwide.
Each project challenges me, using materials from plastic to titanium. I deliver anywhere, evolving with customer needs.
Our Impact
What I can provide customers – who need models
Experience
40 years of hands-on experience means I know how to deliver the model you need, on time and at a fair price.
Quality
I use the best materials and build everything locally in Sydney, ensuring lasting quality you can see anytime.
Service
I work the way you prefer—face to face, online, or by phone—and keep you updated every step of the way.
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What makes a good model?
The key to providing you a good model is making clear your requirements. The better you can describe what it is you need (I can help you through this process) the better the results we’ll get.
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Trends in Modelmaking – and how they help you
3D printing now plays a key role in my work, speeding up repetitive parts, lowering costs, and making previously impossible detail achievable. With 2 FDM and 4 resin printers in my workshop, I can produce large, complex, and highly detailed models faster and more affordably than ever.
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If you can describe it, I can build it for you.
I can also work with very specific and limited requirements including photographs and / or sketches, 2D or 3D drawings, any file type you can imagine (I can convert between formats if you need that) or, if you’re after something fantastical where you only have a rough concept, I can make a start and we can develop it together.
What sort of models do I make and who buys them?
- Architectural models:
- I work with developers, architects, councils, and government departments to create models for DA submissions, marketing campaigns, design reviews, and pre-sales. These projects often run on tight deadlines, with evolving drawings that need careful management to keep budgets and timelines on track.
- Transforming goals into tangible realities.
- Engineers, innovators, and businesses often come to me for models that showcase new products or initiatives, especially for exhibitions. This sector is fast-moving and experimental, and advances in 3D printing have made it possible to bring even the boldest ideas to life with greater accuracy and efficiency.
- Maritime Models:
- From private boat owners to cruise lines, shipping companies, and the military, I’ve built models ranging from handcrafted wooden boats to large-scale commercial and naval vessels. Many of these projects require discretion for personal, commercial, or security reasons, which I always respect.
- Specialty Models:
- These projects are as varied as the people who commission them. I’ve created prototypes, trophies, counter displays, advertising pieces, and one-of-a-kind objects. Specialty work is always unique and often calls for creativity, problem-solving, and a bit of imagination—which is why I enjoy them so much.
How I Build Them
- Pattern making / moulding
- In some ways, pattern making and moulding is the part of model making which has been most disrupted by 3D printing. It is where I started and is still a useful tool.
- Laser cutting
- Complex 2D shape requirements are often best generated through 2D laser cutting. It’s a computer monitored process which means repetitive components can be made reliably at a low cost.
- Resin casting & Silicon Moulding
- Resin casting & silicon moulding is a process where I can make a complex flexible mould of pretty much anything and reproduce these in quantity using resins. 3D printing is doing a lot of this work now but there is often a use for this procedure. # D printing can be slow where resin casting can be quite quick.
Contact Austek Models
Austek Models is committed to delivering high-quality Maritime models to collectors, boat owners, naval architects, defence agencies and the maritime industry
Get in touch with our team to discuss your project requirements.
