Custom Web Design

Every website I design is fully custom — never built from a template — and shaped to reflect the personality, priorities, and voice of the business behind it.

With a background in both writing and visual communication, I think carefully about how people move through a site: what they notice first, how information unfolds, and how clearly the work is understood. Design and language work together so the site feels cohesive, intuitive, and purposeful.

I also believe a website should continue working for you after launch. That’s why every project includes live training, essential SEO setup, and a clear Squarespace reference guide, so clients feel confident managing and evolving their site over time.

A custom website is a strategic, built-to-purpose tool designed to support your business. The cost reflects the time, strategy, and expertise required to create a site that is clear, functional, and well-designed, not just visually, but also structurally. Done well, a website is a business asset that builds credibility, supports growth, and guides people to take action.

Custom website projects typically start at $2,000, with most falling in the $2,000–$4,000 range, depending on scope, complexity, and level of support. Projects at the lower end of the range are usually streamlined, content-ready sites with a clear structure and defined goals. Larger or more complex projects, including expanded page counts, advanced functionality, integration, or work for professional firms and enterprise teams, fall toward the higher end.

I work with clients across a wide range of needs, from focused strategy sessions and templates to fully custom, multi-page builds and more complex projects. Because every project is different, all proposals are scoped and quoted individually, based on what the website needs to do.

For those just starting out or working within a tighter budget, these options offer professional guidance without the cost of a full custom build:

• Design Session: A one-hour, hands-on working session on Zoom where we review and refine your existing site together in real time. Ideal for getting professional eyes, clarity, and practical improvements without a full redesign.

• Template Library: A collection of custom Squarespace templates designed for efficiency and strong foundations. You can DIY or add a designer’s touch later if needed.

Story and structure are always part of my design process, but original copywriting is not automatically included in every project.

I work closely with clients to shape messaging, clarify hierarchy, and ensure the content supports the overall narrative and goals of the site. Writing new content is a separate, highly variable service and is quoted based on scope.

Starting from an existing site doesn’t usually reduce the scope or cost of the work. Even when content or structure is already in place, I still need to review, reorganize, and refine everything to ensure the final result feels cohesive and professional.

In many cases, reworking an existing site requires as much — or more — time than starting fresh. Regardless of the starting point, the goal remains the same: a website that is clear, well-designed, and aligned with your work.

Timelines depend on project size and complexity. Once all content and branding materials are received, most projects begin within 2–3 weeks. From there, websites typically take 3–7 weeks to design and build, including feedback and refinement.

For context, Squarespace’s State of Design report shows experienced designers average about 33 business days for a custom site. My timelines are slightly longer because each site is designed from scratch with careful attention to structure, messaging, and detail.

If helpful, I can also set up a polished “Coming Soon” page early in the process to establish your online presence while the full site is underway.

The design process begins with the homepage, which establishes core decisions around layout, visual direction, messaging, and flow. Once the homepage is approved, the remaining pages are designed using that foundation.

This approach keeps the process efficient and minimizes the need for large revisions later. If a significant change in direction is requested after homepage approval, additional time and cost may apply depending on scope. The goal is a process that’s clear, collaborative, and respectful of everyone’s time.

Squarespace offers a wide range of design and functionality options, and in many cases I can closely match the look and feel you’re aiming for. When needed, I may use custom code or carefully chosen third-party tools to support more advanced functionality.

Smaller enhancements are typically included, while more complex features may require additional time or cost. Identifying these needs early helps us determine what’s achievable within Squarespace — or how to capture the essence of a design while staying within the platform’s strengths.

Yes. I offer a focused one-hour pre-design strategy session to establish clarity before design begins. This session can include defining goals, identifying your audience, reviewing messaging and branding, discussing imagery, and outlining site structure through a rough sitemap or wireframe.

It’s a practical way to set direction, clarify scope, and make informed decisions before moving into a larger project.

Every website is built with SEO best practices integrated throughout so search engines can crawl and understand it effectively.

During your training session, we’ll craft page titles and meta descriptions together and discuss strategies for maintaining SEO as your site evolves. The goal is an optimized site and the confidence to manage it moving forward.

I work primarily in Squarespace because it offers a powerful balance of flexibility, stability, and ease of use. It allows clients to manage their own sites confidently while Squarespace continually monitors performance and security. You also have the option to customize with code, if desired.

If another platform is a better fit, I’m happy to recommend trusted colleagues who specialize in Webflow, Shopify, Wix, and other systems.

Yes. I regularly work with professional firms and enterprise-level organizations that require a strategic, collaborative approach. These projects often involve multiple stakeholders, established brand guidelines, and more complex requirements.

I bring a structured process designed to keep projects aligned, clear, and on track — from strategy and content planning through design and launch.