Let's talk about your next line

Pick a time for a free consultation, or send us a note below. It helps to tell us what you're developing, which services you need and your timeline.

Send us a note

  • 1. Pick a time or send a note

    Book a free consultation online, or tell us about your project with the form above.

  • 2. Talk it through

    We'll go over your product, your timeline and where 3D can save you samples.

  • 3. Get a plan

    We'll follow up with a proposed scope and next steps for your project.

Frequently asked questions

What types of products does Design Works develop?

We specialize in technical outdoor apparel, and our experience extends across flame-resistant (FR) garments, scrubs and medical apparel, men's shirting, workwear, cotton basics and sweaters. We also develop accessories such as gloves, bags and hats, along with other consumer products and soft goods.

Do you work with startups or only established brands?

We partner with brands of every size, from founders developing a single product to established brands managing thousands of SKUs.

Is there a minimum project size?

No. We take on full product lines, individual styles, or a specific portion of a single style.

How is pricing structured?

Pricing depends on scope. Larger engagements, such as full product development or multi-month standards updates, are typically quoted per project. Individual styles and smaller requests may be billed hourly, and some projects combine both. We provide a quote after a free consultation.

How long does a typical project take?

Timelines depend on the scope, the complexity of the product and the materials you are starting with. Tech packs are usually the quickest deliverable, while sampling and full product development typically take several months. We outline an expected timeline during your free consultation.

Do you sign NDAs, and who owns the work?

Yes, we sign NDAs. Clients own all deliverables defined in the project quote.

Do you work remotely or on-site?

We work primarily remotely and can be on-site when a project calls for it.

Can 3D development reduce sampling?

Results vary with garment complexity and design changes. When a tech pack is finalized and approved before sampling, it is common to eliminate one to two samples and reduce the need for size set samples used to check grading.

What software and PLM systems do you use?

We work in CLO 3D, Browzwear, Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop and InDesign. We have extensive experience with Centric PLM, including setting up systems and libraries for clients, and also work in Backbone, Techpacker, FlexPLM and other PLM platforms.

Can you work with our existing factory or help us find one?

Either. We usually work with a brand's existing factory, and we also have experience with factories, mills, logistics providers and trim and label suppliers in many countries when sourcing support is needed.

What is included in your tech packs?

Our tech packs typically include a summary page, technical sketches, label placements, a bill of materials (BOM), a measurement sheet, a how-to-measure (HTM) sheet and comment pages.

Do you provide grading and size development?

Yes. Grading is a core part of our work, including updating grade rules to better fit a brand's target consumer and expanding size ranges to include extended and tall sizes.

Can you take over tech packs started by someone else?

Yes. We regularly work from tech packs at every stage of development and level of completeness.

What sets Design Works apart?

We are a small team of experienced product developers. We combine current tools, including 3D and PLM systems, with established standards, and our fit and grading recommendations are supported by data.

What happens during a free consultation?

We discuss your goals and current challenges, then outline recommended next steps, typically in a proposal. Helpful materials include a design brief for new styles, or grade rules and customer reviews if you are seeing size-related returns.

Do you offer quality control and inspections?

Yes. We have performed quality control and inspections where production issues arose, and we can review delivered product and recommend corrections.