Uploaded January 2026 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago
Design Matters explores how thoughtful design enhances daily life. In this episode, Michael Wood, the Chicago Architecture Center's Director of Civic and Industry Affairs, speaks with Catherine Tinker of Columbian Model & Exhibit Works about the design process and how models help bring architectural stories to life.
Go behind the scenes with Columbian Model & Exhibit Works (CMEW), the team that has spent more than 30 years building architectural models that help bring designs to life. From early days of hand-drawing and molding to the introduction of laser cutting and 3D printing, the CMEW team has evolved their craft while staying true to the artistry of physical model making.
In this episode of Design Matters, CMEW owner Catherine Tinker shares how she moved from the legal world into model making, how she and longtime collaborator John Schnull built the business, and why architects continue to rely on physical models. You’ll see everything from hand-painting to machine-carved topography used to create models for major projects including the Obama Center, St. Regis, Tribune Tower, Aqua, 1000M, and many more.
We also explore the making—and remaking—of the Chicago Architecture Center’s Chicago City Model, including how the team added topography, updated buildings over time, and even hid a playful “House Divided” Easter egg for eagle-eyed baseball fans.
architecture.org/visit-the-center/exhibitions/chicago-city-model-experience
Whether you're a designer, architect, maker, or Chicago enthusiast, this deep dive reveals why physical models remain an essential storytelling tool in an increasingly digital world.
Design Matters explores how thoughtful design enhances daily life. In this episode, Michael Wood, the Chicago Architecture Center's Director of Civic and Industry Affairs, speaks with Catherine Tinker of Columbian Model & Exhibit Works about the design process and how models help bring architectural stories to life.
Go behind the scenes with Columbian Model & Exhibit Works (CMEW), the team that has spent more than 30 years building architectural models that help bring designs to life. From early days of hand-drawing and molding to the introduction of laser cutting and 3D printing, the CMEW team has evolved their craft while staying true to the artistry of physical model making.
In this episode of Design Matters, CMEW owner Catherine Tinker shares how she moved from the legal world into model making, how she and longtime collaborator John Schnull built the business, and why architects continue to rely on physical models. You’ll see everything from hand-painting to machine-carved topography used to create models for major projects including the Obama Center, St. Regis, Tribune Tower, Aqua, 1000M, and many more.
We also explore the making—and remaking—of the Chicago Architecture Center’s Chicago City Model, including how the team added topography, updated buildings over time, and even hid a playful “House Divided” Easter egg for eagle-eyed baseball fans.
architecture.org/visit-the-center/exhibitions/chicago-city-model-experience
Whether you're a designer, architect, maker, or Chicago enthusiast, this deep dive reveals why physical models remain an essential storytelling tool in an increasingly digital world.
