Originally, the homeowner wanted to use large brass letters for the compass, so they would stand out against the surrounding natural stone. Through design consultation, the homeowner later decided to use black granite letters, based on the durability of natural stone, cost comparison of stone and brass, and also to maintain the marble and granite flow throughout the compass and the surrounding natural stone in which the compass was to rest, according to Rinda Myers of AFA.
Soon after the initial introduction between Sherry and AFA, the designers received an aerial view sketch of the driveway layout and some rough dimensions. Myers said that in just two weeks, Sherry and AFA representatives decided on design alterations, color choice and material use. After final decisions were made, AFA was challenged to program the numerous functions required for the waterjet machine to precisely cut 1 ¾-inch-thick pieces of marble and granite.