Zach Witherick

Since 2019, I have worked at Foster + Partners, advancing to Senior Model Maker in 2025 to lead the production of highly detailed models under strict deadlines. I hold a 2:1 degree in Furniture and Product Design from Nottingham Trent University. I have worked for several architecture and design practices, contributing to a wide range of projects. Driven by material capabilities and construction techniques, my work combines attention to detail with an exceptionally high level of finish.

Senior Model Maker at Foster + Partners (2025-01 – Present)

• I take a leading role in producing highly detailed models under strict deadlines.
• Work closely with architects and designers to ensure final models accurately match project briefs and reflect evolving designs.
• Develop models using CAD software, including AutoCAD, Rhino, and Adobe Suite programs.
• Prepare files for laser cutting, CNC production, and 3D printing.
• Apply a range of advanced manufacturing techniques in model production.
• Create new models and restore archival models for exhibitions, including the Norman Foster retrospective at the Centre Pompidou in Paris and The Vertical City at the Transamerica Pyramid in San Francisco.
• Travel internationally to install and set up models for meetings and exhibitions, with trips to New York, San Francisco, Seoul, and Paris.

Model Maker at Foster + Partners (2019-01 – 2024-12)

Scholar - Model Making Summer Internship at Norman Foster Foundation (2019-06 – 2019-08)

• Selected as one of four scholars for the 2019 Model Making Summer Internship.
• Researched past projects using historical documents and drawings from the Norman Foster Archive.
• Built high-quality models for the Norman Foster Archive based on archival research.
• Worked alongside Metricaminima, a professional model-making studio based in Madrid, to produce models for the foundation's permanent collection.

Designer and Maker at Hand & Eye Studio (2017-09 – 2018-09)

• Developing a range of different lights and lighting components. Researching materials and manufacturing methods. Applying this research to the design by developing it in CAD programs such as Rhino and Vectorworks. Finally, modelling and testing the design to see where it can be improved before manufacturing.
• Contacting manufacturers for quotes and organising samples of a design.
• Visiting manufacturers to discuss and test different techniques. For example, waterjet cutting terracotta tubes for a light.
• Working on the stand at design shows including 100% Design and Clerkenwell Design Week.
• Helping design the stand for shows including Maison & Objet, Clerkenwell Design Week, and International Contemporary Furniture Fair.
• Making graphic content such as the instructions for the lights and GIFs for social media.

Model Maker at Outpost London (2017-09 – 2018-09)

• Building models at various scales to help in the development of the design and to communicate the design to the client.
• Using Rhino to design parts of the model and 3D printing these components.
• Helping build the model for the winning scheme of the RIBA Gasholder Bases national competition.

BA (Hons) in Furniture and Product Design – Nottingham Trent University (2015-01 – 2019-06)