Exhibit features Design Concepts models

Kelley New and Michael Teffeteller can build a racetrack or arena, an office block or condos complex. It just might take a few weeks.

They are partners in Design Concepts and build architectural models, the 3-D realization of architectural dreams. An exhibition of their work, running in conjunction with the Westobou Festival, is on display today at the White's Building on Broad Street.

Many of their models, such as the large scale rendition of historic North Augusta buildings on display in North Augusta's new municipal building, are commissions. Others are speculative projects inspired by a desire to see the Augusta area develop and grow.

Those models include a condo project built around an abandoned bridge in North Augusta, a shopping district downtown and a free-standing museum dedicated to James Brown.

"There's a lot of dreaming," said Mr. New, a retired interior designer. "It's something we can do and really let our imaginations go crazy."

Mr. Teffeteller said that while he and Mr. New have a vision for Augusta, they understand that most of the structures built in miniature will never be translated as buildings.

But some have been.

Among the models on display is a miniaturized Sutherland Mill. The tabletop version imagines the former industrial site being utilized as professional space. Construction is nearing completion on the real building, planned as medical offices and condominiums.

Many architects have moved from building miniatures, opting for digital imaging instead. Mr. New and Mr. Teffeteller contend there will always be a market for what they do.

They said the North Augusta project took six months, working six hours a day. Smaller models, such as the White's Building model on display, take less time. The White's Building took them about three weeks.

Mr. Teffeteller approaches Design Concepts as something on the side. His full-time job is distribution manager for United Brokerage.

"This started as a hobby, but it is what I would like to do when I retire," he said. "This is what I love."

Reach Steven Uhles at (706) 823-3626 or steven.uhles@augustachronicle.com.