Services → Web Development
Websites built by hand.
Not assembled from a template. Not slowed down by a page builder. I write the code myself: custom websites for Chicago businesses and nonprofits that load fast, rank well, and actually convert visitors into clients or donors.
95+
Target Lighthouse score (mobile)
<1s
First Contentful Paint target
0
Unnecessary JavaScript shipped
Performance built in, not bolted on
I write the HTML, CSS, and JavaScript myself, no bloated plugins, no generic layouts, no technical debt. You get a site that is fast, clean, and built to last.
- Fully custom design and development, no templates
- Mobile-first, responsive across all devices
- Performance-optimized (target 95+ Lighthouse score)
- SEO-ready semantic HTML from day one
- Accessibility best practices (WCAG 2.1)
- CMS integration if you need to manage content
- Analytics, conversion tracking, and deployment setup
Who custom development is built for
Good fit if you...
- Are serious about your web presence and want it done right the first time
- Have content ready or are willing to invest in copywriting
- Want to own your site outright, no platform lock-in
- Are prioritizing page speed, SEO, and conversion from day one
- Can give clear feedback within a reasonable turnaround
Might not be right if you...
- — Need something live in under 2 weeks (a template will be faster)
- — Have a very limited budget for a project engagement
- — Want full drag-and-drop editing control after launch
How we build it
Discovery
We align on goals, audience, content, and what success looks like. I ask the questions most developers skip, before writing a single line of code.
Design & scope
You get a clear proposal: page count, tech stack, timeline, and a fixed price. No scope creep, no surprise invoices.
Build
I build in the open: you can see progress and give feedback before the final review, not after launch.
Launch & handoff
Full deployment, cross-device testing, and a walkthrough so you know how to manage your own site going forward.
Custom sites I've built
Web Development
Society for the Prevention of Infanticide
Custom advocacy website with data visualization, built for a nonprofit fighting infant mortality. Fast, accessible, and built to convert visitors into supporters.
View case study →
Full-Stack Digital
The Carbon Underground
Web, brand, and campaign work as marketing lead for a climate nonprofit, built for reach, search visibility, and mission clarity.
View case study →
Website guides and advice
Web Development · 7 min read
How Much Does a Custom Website Cost in 2026?
The honest breakdown: what drives website pricing, what you get at different price points, and why the cheapest option usually costs more in the long run.
Read the guide →
SEO · 6 min read
5 SEO Fixes for Small Business Websites
Five fixable problems I see most often when auditing small business websites, with examples and a sensible order to fix them in.
Read the guide →
Common questions about web development
How long does it take to build a custom website?
Most projects take 4–8 weeks from kickoff to launch. The biggest variable is content: projects with copy and images ready at kickoff move significantly faster. I keep you updated throughout so there are no surprises at the end.
Should I use a website template or go custom?
Templates get something online fast, but they carry hidden costs: platform bloat that slows page speed, generic layouts that look like everyone else, and SEO limitations baked into the platform. A custom build is leaner, faster, and built exactly around your goals. For any organization serious about its web presence, custom usually pays for itself within a year.
What tech do you build on?
Primarily Astro and React, a modern static site framework that ships minimal JavaScript and scores consistently in the 95–100 range on Google Lighthouse. This site you're reading right now is built with it. If you have specific CMS requirements (WordPress, Sanity, Contentful), I can advise on the best integration path.
Do you handle hosting and deployment?
Yes. I handle the full deployment to Netlify or Vercel, set up the domain, configure caching headers, and make sure the site goes live without issues. After launch, the site is yours, you own everything and I hand over full access.
Let's build your site right.
Free discovery call. No pressure. I'll tell you exactly what I'd build and what it would cost.