Design work is done from my office. Communication on the design is extremely important, and tied to it is an understanding of the markets that your project aims at and what makes you successful. For this purpose we aim to work with people in communities that I'm familiar with as the design process is generally tied to understanding which includes being able to relate to your end goals. Once the design is finished we'll validate the design and get your approval on it. We generally suggest caution on prototyping; far too often people rush into the goal of making a prototype only to be disappointed in learning that virtually all prototypes are made in alternative materials by alternative processes and have different dimensions. Before prototyping we figure out what it is that you want to prove or discover with your prototype - that teaches us what type, if any, prototype you need. Keep in mind that most large companies prototype in order to shift blame if something goes wrong, on a small project you don't need to do that and your goal is to reach the market saving as much time and money as you can - don't let a prototype distract you from the full goal, make sure it's needed and we'll make it happen.