In Memory, In Craft
Polaris Models was founded on more than skill — it was shaped by love for the craft, and the strength of legacy. What started between father and son now lives on in every detail, every commission, every finished masterpiece.
A Historian’s Hands
My father, Plamen Krastev, was more than a skilled craftsman — he was a historian, a maker, and a man who pursued perfection with quiet conviction. Modelmaking began as his hobby while still at school, but over the years, he transformed it into something extraordinary.
Working with little more than a handful of surgical tools, traditional woodworking instruments, and a laptop, he brought historical vessels to life with unmatched detail. His deep knowledge of naval history, combined with time-honoured techniques, made him a rare kind of modelmaker — and a sought-after restorer of period ship models. Every commission was treated not simply as a replica, but as a tribute to maritime heritage.
A Legacy Begins
I’m Kaloyan Kolev — naval architect, modelmaker, and founder of Polaris Models.
As my father began working as an independent modelmaker, I was still in school. But I was drawn in from the beginning. I studied naval architecture and marine technology at university, and during my studies, I spent every spare moment helping him. I brought in engineering methods: CAD design, 3D modelling, structural precision — tools that complemented his old-world techniques.
We worked side by side in a cramped garage, where space was tight and tools were few — but the vision was already clear. It wasn’t until we moved into our larger workshop that we named the business Polaris Models, designed the first logo, and began shaping the foundations of what would become a studio dedicated to excellence.
From the spirit of sailing ships to the stillness of a workshop
tradition finds its future in the quiet craft of modelmaking.
From Garage to Boutique Studio
Polaris Models has grown far beyond its beginnings. Today, our studio reflects the scale of our ambition — equipped with advanced tools, CAD workstations, custom machinery, and techniques we’ve developed in-house to achieve flawless finishes and structural perfection.
From producing each model by hand over months, we now deliver museum-grade pieces with greater speed and precision — without compromising on quality. What began with just two pairs of hands has become a dedicated team of craftsmen, engineers, and visionaries.
But the spirit remains the same.
The People, The Passion, The Path
Everyone who joins our team is chosen for more than just skill. We look for something deeper — a spark, a spirit, a reverence for detail. Because no matter how advanced the equipment, true excellence begins in the heart. Passion cannot be taught, but it can be nurtured. That’s how we continue to grow — not just in size, but in soul.
We work with clients from every scale: from families wishing to honour a loved one’s vessel to some of the world’s most recognised names in yachting, shipping, and offshore energy. We restore heirlooms, preserve heritage, and create centrepieces that command attention in the finest interiors.
True craftsmanship leaves a mark — not just on the model, but on those who make it.
Moments that shaped our path — and still guide our hands.
What We Stand For
Polaris Models exists to do more than build beautiful scale models. We exist to preserve stories, raise standards, and carry forward a craft that might otherwise be forgotten.
We believe a model is more than a technical achievement — it is an artistic expression, a record of design, and a bridge between generations. Some of the pieces we restore were built before the real vessels ever touched water. Others outlived the ships they represent. In every case, the model becomes the most enduring version of the story.
Our goal is not simply to recreate — but to elevate. To set a standard in the modelmaking world where accuracy meets emotion, precision meets presence, and craftsmanship meets meaning.
Because in the end, what we create isn’t just a model. It’s legacy — made visible.
