ModelMakers Doomed?

An interesting thread at pushpullbar.com debates the future of professional architectural modelmakers. These are the guys that take the blueprints or designs from the architects and create miniature 3D representations in cardboard or other materials. The proposition posed by poster Curlz says:

As a current student of a modelmaking degree and hoping to get a job at the end of it I have found myself asking the question; "with the rapidly improving technology's in areas such as 3D printing and rapid prototyping, is the need for skilled workshop modelmakers becoming obsolete?"

A debate ensued, and it seemed to me that there will be a need for modelmakers, but their work will likely change significantly as 3D technology is introduced. Just like art illustrators did not disappear when digital 2D technology appeared, we suspect modelmakers aren't exactly doomed either.

Via pushpullbar