We’ll start with a conversation to get to know each other better. You share with us your goals and we’ll share with you how we can help. This meeting determines whether our philosophies and work styles mesh and if there’s a good fit. If we’re both in agreement, we’ll write a proposal suggesting a work plan, deliverables and deadlines.

Yes, but we do have to exercise care. What is your business plan? Do you have a unique idea, sufficient business experience, manufacturing resources, development capital and a keen understanding of your consumer? If you can answer yes to all of these, then let’s talk.

All projects are different, but typically a senior designer, engineer or model maker would be assigned as your project manager. That person will oversee coordination of your project and act as your lead contact. On larger-scale projects these PMs are assisted by additional designers, engineers and model makers, who phase in and out from other projects as needed. Our open structure allows us to be extremely flexible and scaleable, ensuring that all our clients have access to the best talents within our group. We also try to have at least two people up to speed at all times on your project, to ensure a consistent communication link for you.

No problem. Some clients want start-to-finish product development and marketing, while others seek specific services only. We pride ourselves on being flexible and are happy to mold ourselves to fit where we can be of most value to you.

We care deeply about creating a positive work environment and hire only when it’s a great fit. Subsequently, our turnover rate is exceptionally low.

We have a well-rounded staff: 50% has 10+ years of experience. 30% has 15+ years experience. The rest are made up of experts with 20+ years of experience who are balanced by a few fresh faced juniors who are still bright eyed and bushy tailed.

We use Mac and Windows platforms with the following software:

2D Software: 

Adobe Creative Suite • Corel Painter • MS Office Suite

3D Software:

Pro/E/PTC CREO • SolidWorks • Keyshot • HyperShot • HyperMove • Maya • Solid Edge

We regularly work with overseas vendors. (Domestic, too.) Our experience ranges from delivering hand sketches all the way to fully engineered, production-ready CAD data. It really depends on the needs of the vendor, and the wishes of our client.

Typically, we use the vendors selected by our clients. We also have experience sourcing vendors, so we can provide you with introductions or recommendations if you need. We work closely with vendors to verify issues such as software compatibility (specific file formats and release versions), key contacts, their needs for documentation, etc. Each case is unique and we adjust according to circumstances.

Because of our specialty in soft goods design, we keep a short list of preferred manufacturers and material vendors in this category. We have experience traveling overseas to work with them, and those relationships are solid. For quick reference, we maintain a large soft goods materials library in our Columbus studio.

We understand confidentiality is paramount to you. We hold all work in the strictest of confidence until it is made public by you. We limit knowledge of your work to only those directly involved on your project. Additionally, we can house your work in secure areas when required.

We interact with I.P. legal issues in a number of ways including:

• receiving briefings from counsel early in projects to guide concept direction (usually with respect to existing patent or vacant areas)

• presenting concepts or design proposals for review throughout the development process

• completing forms and issuing statements to support I.P. protections

• supporting legal activities with depositions and testimony (both fact and expert) as required

We are prepared to work with you according to your legal needs. It has been the case, however, that most of our clients manage many intellectual property issues (such as researching and obtaining patents) with their own legal counsel.

Our fees are fundamentally based on the time it takes to do the job, multiplied by our hourly rates. We have different hourly rates depending on the experience of our employees and the technology they may use for your project. We estimate the time it takes to do a project and express that number, with associated expenses, in a summary quote. Product development is rarely an exact science, and often our working arrangements are best organized with a time and cost tracker that reflects actual costs usually with agreed upon milestones or not to exceed specified limits.

Yes. In these instances payment terms and deliverables are negotiated on an individual basis

Typically, we bill monthly. For new clients, we also ask for a percentage up front before starting.

We are always on the look out for talented professionals who share our priorities. If you’re interested in working with us, head over to our Jobs page to see our current openings. If you don’t see the job you’re looking for, send your resume / portfolio through the general inquiry listing, and be sure to send us a cover letter telling us why you’d be a good fit!