When a CMS is not enough
Drupal and WordPress are the right answer for most content-driven sites. But some projects need more than a CMS can offer. These are the patterns we see most often.
What we build
The full stack of modern web and mobile development, picked for the project rather than for our preference.
How we deliver
A four phase delivery model that keeps you in the loop without slowing the team down.
Discovery and scoping
We map your requirements, constraints, and integrations. You leave with a written scope, an architecture sketch, and a fixed-price quote or sprint estimate.
Architecture and design
System architecture, database schema, API contract, and UI wireframes. You sign off before code is written.
Sprint delivery
Two week sprints with a working demo at the end of every sprint. Deployed to a staging environment for you to use, not just look at screenshots.
Launch and operate
Production deploy, monitoring wired up, documentation handed over. Optional ongoing support to keep the system healthy after launch.
Frequently asked questions
The questions we hear most before starting a custom build engagement.
Should we build custom or use a CMS?
Most of the time, the answer is a CMS. Drupal or WordPress will get you to a working production site faster, cheaper, and with better editorial UX. Custom is the right call when your needs include heavy custom workflows, real-time interactions, complex business logic, or integrations that no CMS plugin handles cleanly. We will tell you honestly which path fits your project.
What frameworks do you use?
Frontend: React, Next.js, Vue, Nuxt, or Astro depending on the project. Backend: Node.js, Laravel, or Drupal as a headless API. Mobile: React Native or Flutter for cross-platform, native iOS and Android when the use case demands it. We pick the framework that fits the team and the long-term maintenance story, not the framework we used last week.
Do you build native iOS and Android apps?
Yes, but we usually recommend cross-platform first (React Native or Flutter) or even a progressive web app if the use case allows. Native is the right choice for apps that need deep OS integration, peak performance, or store-only distribution. Cross-platform is the right choice for the other 80 percent of projects, and it cuts maintenance cost in half.
How do you handle pricing for custom builds?
Two options. For projects with a clear scope, we quote a fixed price after the architecture phase. For projects that will evolve as we build, we run on two week sprints with a per-sprint rate and a working demo at the end of each one. You always know what you are paying and what you are getting.
Can you work with our existing team?
Yes. We do staff augmentation as well as full project delivery. If you have an in-house team that needs senior capacity for a specific phase or specialist skill, we can drop in for as long as you need and hand off cleanly when we leave.
What about ongoing support after launch?
Most clients move into a support retainer after launch. We handle bug fixes, security patches, dependency updates, and feature work on a monthly hours basis with defined SLA response times. See our support and maintenance page for the standard plans.
Have a project that does not fit a CMS?
Book a 30 minute discovery call. We will help you figure out whether a custom build, a CMS, or a hybrid is the right answer.
Book a Discovery CallSee It In Action
How this plays out on real projects, and where to go deeper on the thinking behind it.