Frequently
Asked

Fill out the project brief form on the homepage. Include as much detail as you can — project type, materials, timeline, quantity, and any reference files. We'll review everything and respond within 24–48 hours with next steps.

Yes. Initial consultations are complimentary. Once we have a clear picture of your project, we'll outline scope, timeline, and a fixed quote — before any work or commitment begins.

AXYZ is based in Southern California. We work with clients locally and remotely. Design work is handled entirely digitally. For fabrication, shipping is available anywhere in the US.

AXYZ Design & CNC is an independent design practice operated by Augustin Cortez. We are not yet a registered LLC — that's in progress. All project agreements are made directly with Augustin Cortez. If your project requires a formal business entity, reach out and we can discuss how to structure the engagement.

Our core services:

• Industrial design — concept development, ideation, sketching, CAD modeling
• CNC machining — precision milling, routing, and custom fabrication
• Prototyping — functional and presentation-grade prototypes
• Design for Manufacturability (DFM) — engineering your design for real-world production
• Design consultations — feedback, direction, and scoping sessions

Yes. One of AXYZ's core strengths is the overlap between design and manufacturing. We can take a concept from sketch to functional prototype without handoffs to external vendors — which means faster turnarounds, fewer communication gaps, and designs built with fabrication already in mind.

We work across product design, consumer electronics, furniture, automotive components, architectural elements, tooling, and custom one-off fabrication. If it can be designed and machined, we can help.

Absolutely. Reverse engineering, design modifications, tolerance refinement, and DFM optimization for existing parts are all common requests. Send us your current files and describe what needs to change.

We integrate AI tools into the design workflow — for faster ideation, generative form exploration, simulation assistance, and data-informed decision-making. AI accelerates the process; engineering judgment drives every outcome. The result is a faster path from concept to production-ready design without sacrificing quality or rigor.

See the full File Submission Guidelines page. In brief:

• 3D files — STEP, IGES, STL, SolidWorks (.sldprt / .sldasm), Fusion 360 (.f3d / .f3z)
• 2D drawings — DXF, DWG, PDF
• Reference & concept — JPG, PNG, PDF sketches, photos

That's fine — most projects start that way. Describe what you're trying to build in the contact form and attach any sketches, reference photos, or rough drawings you have. We'll take it from there and create the CAD geometry as part of the engagement.

Files under 25 MB can be attached directly in the contact form. For larger files, include a download link (Google Drive, Dropbox, or WeTransfer) in the project brief, or email it to multiaxyz@icloud.com after submitting your inquiry.

Timeline varies significantly by scope and complexity:

• Initial consultation — same week
• Design concept or quick iteration — 1–2 weeks
• Full product design (concept to final CAD) — 3–6 weeks
• Design + fabrication (concept to finished part) — 5–10 weeks

We'll provide a specific timeline estimate in our response to your brief before any work begins.

Pricing is project-based, not hourly. After reviewing your brief, we'll provide a fixed quote covering scope, deliverables, and timeline. No scope creep surprises — if requirements change, we discuss and agree before proceeding.

Yes. Projects are confirmed with a 50% deposit before work begins. The remaining 50% is due upon delivery of final files or fabricated parts. Payment terms are outlined in the project agreement.

We work with long-term clients and larger scopes on a case-by-case basis. Reach out and let's talk — ongoing relationships are something we genuinely value.