Chris Petersen builds more than miniature houses—he builds memory.

In this episode, Lara talks with the artist behind Scale Model Homes, who transforms real homes into intricate, hand-crafted replicas filled with meaning. What began with childhood blocks and evolved through a career in healthcare has become deeply personal work rooted in nostalgia, loss, and storytelling.

From recreating homes that no longer exist to crafting pieces that hold a loved one’s ashes, Chris shares the emotional weight behind his commissions and why no two builds are ever the same.

They explore creativity later in life, the intersection of craftsmanship and art, and the surprising ways our homes stay with us long after we leave them.

We talk about:

The emotional power of recreating childhood homes
Why people cry when they receive their miniature houses
The challenge of turning architecture into art
His process—from Google searches to laser-cut precision
What happens when a custom commission doesn’t go as planned
The most meaningful builds he’s ever created (including homes lost to fire and models that hold ashes)

This conversation is about more than miniatures. It’s about memory, identity, and the places that shape us.

✨ If you’ve ever loved a home, lost a home, or longed to hold onto a moment—you’ll feel this one.

WATCH ON YouTube: https://youtu.be/UeGcPSxykjM

https://www.instagram.com/tinyworldsbigstories

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🔗 Find Chris:
Website: scalemodelhomes.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/scalemodelhomes

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Chris Petersen of Scale Model Homes