Rushed projects usually have to be re-done later, meaning that the initial investment in time and money is essentially wasted. For a web project, you should anticipate a minimum of 8-12 weeks, depending on the scope of your project. A corporate identity project typically requires 5-6 weeks, but depends a great deal on the quality of the communication between the design firm and the client. Poorly defined objectives and vague aesthetic direction will negatively impact the project timeline. On the other hand, clearly defined goals and specific aesthetic direction can speed things up.
Communication is the key.
Other projects like print advertising and collateral vary widely depending on scope and objectives. Talk to your prospects for more information. In the end, you'll end up with a superior result. In our experience, geography is not relevant to a successful design relationship. It contains numerous case studies, as well as invaluable information about how to intelligently choose an agency.