diff --git a/model/build.gradle b/model/build.gradle
index 5030ef8bebf..d0538e8224d 100644
--- a/model/build.gradle
+++ b/model/build.gradle
@@ -3,7 +3,12 @@ apply plugin: 'com.google.protobuf'
 
 protobuf {
   protoc {
-    artifact = 'com.google.protobuf:protoc:3.8.0'
+    // To build protoc in M1 mac. For context, see: #3912.
+    if (project.rootProject.hasProperty('protobuf_platform')) {
+      artifact = "com.google.protobuf:protoc:3.8.0:${project.rootProject.property("protobuf_platform")}"
+    } else {
+      artifact = "com.google.protobuf:protoc:3.8.0"
+    }
   }
   generateProtoTasks {
     all().each { task ->