First of all welcome..
Second I don't think it's been mentioned but decide which version of Boba/Mandalorian you want to make as each version be it Empire, Jedi, Book of Boba, Special editions or even the various prototypes and stick to it..
Research will save you many a pain further down the road. Not only paint schemes but if you are going for screen accuracy there are cracks folds creases to be taken into account.
When I started my build I was Amazed how much the gauntlets changed film to film and the EE-3 blaster lost pieces during filming.
There are also various materials you can use to make the Armour with Amazing templates on here from both WOF and Rafael..
You can use paper, cardboard or fan favorite Sintra(foam PVC board) or go hard and use metal/Aluminium, another is Vac form which are readily available for sale as is 3D printed pretty much everything and with your background might be an option..
Depending how deep you want to go it will be a thing of beauty a real talking point and something that will evolve get updated over time..
And something you made.
A lot of people display on mannequins which look great and really help when sizing and building. You could buy one or make one but another thing to consider.
Time wise is really down to how you are with your hands and what skills and tools you have, your a designer so I'm guessing your a dab hand.
I built mine in a little under a month, metal armour and metal gauntlets for a Con with my kids, yes I've cut corners but it's still evolving.
I went deep and went Cartoon Holiday Special, still a WIP with things to alter change but that's the beauty with a project like this and the fun you have making it..
Good luck and enjoy the process
Mott
View attachment 240099
( It looks a bit wonky as Its currently on a Fem mannequin and misplaced the diamond chest piece )