het model waar we naartoe zouden werken

16:41 Apr 21, 2017 

I don't see why you have a problem with "model". The concept is exactly the same in Dutch and English. It means principle, idea, template, pattern.

15:12 Apr 21, 2017 

"period" and/or "original features" or "original design"

as in:

"a wealth of Victorian and Edwardian period features including original tiles"
"But restoring your property according to its period can be tricky. "
"We have many more examples of restored period pine floors that we are able to"
"A guide to repairing and restoring original features. Includes ... Avoid replacing period windows with plastic versions"
"For those period properties that have not fared well with the passing phases of fashion Wheathills carefully research and returned the interior back to the original design, often re-creating entire staircases, panelled walls, floors and doors, thus rejuvenating the true period atmosphere."

14:58 Apr 21, 2017 

Is 'original state' an option?

I mean:

oorspronkelijke staat achterhalen: meteen **het model waar we naartoe zouden werken** ...

14:32 Apr 21, 2017 

It is a model in the same sense as an artist's model, a real person who sits before him in the pose and clothing he intends to portray. In this case they may have tracked down photographs, pictures, or descriptions of what such a building traditionally looked like and they are working from that as their model.