Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Before diving into these frequently asked questions, please explore our Design Journey & Services section for a complete understanding of our approach and offerings. This will ensure clarity on our process and help streamline your experience with us.
getting started
What do I need to provide to get started?
To begin, you will step into our Predesign Phase. In this stage, we ask you to complete our Deliverables Questionnaire, share a design brief, and offer any mood boards that capture the essence of your vision. Maps, land details, or Google Earth location data can be helpful, though these are more relevant for Stage 1 and can be gathered later. We also recommend arranging a drone scan of the land, as this provides invaluable context, and if it hasn't been organised yet, we can support you with this once the project unfolds.
Why do you have a Predesign Phase?
Before any design journey begins, it is essential to establish a clear, aligned, and actionable vision. The Predesign Phase allows us to listen deeply, refine your ideas, and crystallise them into a cohesive framework. This stage ensures that your aspirations are translated into a clear direction, while also giving you a tangible proposal with insights on how we can best serve your vision, including indicative costs and imagery that reflects how your project could be brought to life through our lens.
How do I get a quote for your services?
The Predesign Phase itself provides this clarity. At the end of the process, you receive a comprehensive Vision Proposal that outlines how we can support your project, with indicative costs for the design journey ahead. With this foundation in place, we can then move confidently into the next stage, ensuring that the scope, investment, and creative direction are fully aligned with your vision.
What's included in the Predesign Phase?
During this phase, we guide you through collaborative conversations and your Deliverables Questionnaire, synthesising your ideas into a structured design direction. From this, we create a Vision Proposal that defines the scope of spaces and functions, highlights the essence of your project through conceptual visionary imagery, and outlines how we can most help, including costs for our services. This is not just a preliminary step but a deeply clarifying process that prevents misalignments later and provides you with a strong and inspiring foundation to carry forward.
What's the best way to communicate with you?
Email is the best in the early stages, and once we begin the design process, we keep all of our communication in ClickUp (project management tool) and our regular Zoom calls.
Why do you use ClickUp instead of WhatsApp?
Imagine WhatsApp as a chaotic restaurant with conversations overlapping and content wandering off. Now, picture ClickUp as a well-organised library where each project has its own aisle. No lost files, no repeated questions, just organised, on-point live communication where all attachments are safe with timelines, and every task is in its place. Plus, you get to peek behind the curtain and see how we're spending our time for you.
Can a project start without land?
A conceptual project can start before land acquisition, but ideally, land is secured first, as it can impact various design elements. For clients who are close to finalising a property, some initial steps can proceed with vision definition, moodboards, branding and pitch decks.
Why is signing an NDA necessary?
An NDA protects the sensitive, proprietary knowledge we bring to each project, as well as any confidential information you share with us. This agreement fosters a trusted and secure working environment.
Why is upfront payment required?
When both sides commit, things move forward beautifully. For us, that commitment lets us dedicate our small, mighty team exclusively to your project. For you, it ensures our full attention and a clear timeline. Smaller projects usually need 100% upfront, while larger ones are broken into milestone-based payments.
Stage 1 - Project DNA
Why is a "deep discovery" process necessary if I already know my vision?
While having a vision is a critical starting point, the detailed "how" to achieve it is often less clear. Many believe they fully understand their vision, yet without practical steps and structured solutions, even the strongest ideas can encounter budget overruns, delays, or a drift from the original intent. Our DNA discovery process addresses this gap by uncovering unique opportunities and essential insights, transforming abstract ideas into actionable strategies. This process aligns the vision with practical feasibility, minimising risks and creating a clear, focused path to bring the project to life successfully.
Can't we go straight to the design stage?
Imagine trying to construct a building without laying a solid foundation. It might look fine at first, but eventually, things start to crack. Jumping straight to design is a bit like that. Without a roadmap, projects can run into budget surprises, costly adjustments, and designs that don't quite fit real-world needs. Skipping this step can also lead to those unwanted "uh-oh" moments, causing frustration and, worse, a loss of trust with investors and partners who expect a clear, steady vision. Stage One is where we lay out all the pieces: confirming materials, aligning with local partners, and setting up smooth user flow. It's our way of ensuring a strong foundation, so the design unfolds without unnecessary twists and turns.
How does this initial stage add value to my project?
Stage One is like setting the coordinates on a sophisticated GPS for your project's journey. It doesn't just chart the path; it considers the landscape, detours, and points of interest along the way, defining how your project stands out in the market. This stage aligns vision with reality by mapping everything from spatial flow to competitive positioning, saving time, and sidestepping obstacles. It's a tailored navigation system that ensures you arrive at your destination with impact, efficiency, and a unique market advantage.
Can I skip certain parts of Stage One, like Trend Analysis or SWOT?
Think of skipping a part of Stage One as leaving a few ingredients out of a recipe. It might seem fine, but the final result may lack the depth or stability it needs. Every part of this phase, whether it's Trend Analysis or SWOT, equips us with insights that go beyond the surface, sometimes catching details even the best-laid plans overlook. Our team is trained to see what others might miss, so if you've provided a wealth of information, we'll move swiftly, applying those insights and allocating more time to later stages. This way, we make sure every element is sound, purposeful, and ready for what's next.
How much will my project cost?
Determining the total project cost requires the insights we gather during Stage One. Estimating an accurate budget isn't feasible until we establish a clear design program, complete research, and understand local factors such as material availability, labour costs, and team requirements. Stage One helps us comprehensively understand all these elements, allowing us to provide a realistic, informed cost estimate.
How long will Stage One take?
The timeline for Stage One depends on factors such as project complexity, scope, and the level of detail required. Typically, this phase is completed within 12 weeks, allowing us to thoroughly explore each element and ensure a solid foundation for the next stages.
I already have my own team of builders and architects. Will we need additional consultants?
Our team collaborates seamlessly with existing teams, and we can advise on whether any additional expertise is needed to meet your goals. Certain projects may benefit from specialised consultants, such as those skilled in sustainable materials, regenerative solutions, or advanced construction techniques, to ensure the design and execution align perfectly.
Do I need a local architect or builder?
Yes, it is essential to have someone on the ground who knows the land, materials, building codes, and technologies. We always partner with a local registered architect and builder, depending on the site regulations or project scope, to acquire project permits, technical sign-off, and to handle local legalities.
Why should I work with both Inphinity and a local architect?
A local architect understands the land and materials well and provides the technical documentation and sign-off your project needs. Our role is different and complementary: we bring the design direction behind our Resonance Tuning methodology, such as sacred geometry, biophilic design, and bioplanning. Together, the two roles cover both the creative vision and the on-the-ground technical delivery.
Stage 2 - Design development
Are you involved in construction?
No, not heavily, as we cannot be on the ground to oversee. We recommend that your local architect be on the ground, and depending on the project scope, we can be in the background to answer questions and help ensure the project is built as per the design. In rare cases, we may relocate for larger developments upon request.
How precise are the 2D schematic designs and elevations provided in this stage?
These schematics serve as a guide for the exact placement of design elements. Depending on your builders' experience, that's generally all they need. However, design documentation with other consultants may be needed for more complex projects, for example MEP plans or BIM development.
What happens if changes are needed after Stage 2 is completed?
Stage 2 aims to finalise the design concept, therefore any additional changes after Stage 2 is complete will be charged at USD$150/h.
Consultation
I have an existing team. Can you support them?
Absolutely. We can work alongside your existing team to provide expertise, collaborate on design solutions, and bring a fresh perspective. Our role can be customised to complement their work, whether we're adding Resonance Tuning elements, helping refine layout improvements, or offering innovative design insights.
How is your consultation different from other studios?
Our Consultation Package is distinct because it combines design expertise with the principles of our Resonance Tuning methodology. We don't just improve functionality; we design spaces intended to support well-being, harmony, and connection, bringing a holistic approach to each consultation.
For a renovation project, what is required to begin?
An initial builder's inspection is necessary to understand the site's dynamics. Floor plans and structural assessments from an engineer are also required to determine which walls can or cannot be removed. A drone scan is beneficial, though not essential, to provide a comprehensive perspective on the renovation.
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