Custom Software Development
Software shaped around your business — not the other way round.
Off-the-shelf tools force your business to bend around someone else's assumptions. Custom software does the opposite: it fits the way you actually work, removes the manual steps that slow your team down, and becomes an asset that compounds in value over time.
I design and build bespoke applications end to end — from the data model and API up to the interface your team uses every day. You work directly with the person writing the code, so nothing gets lost in translation between a salesperson, a project manager, and an offshore team. That means fewer misunderstandings, faster decisions, and software that does exactly what you need.
What's included
- Full-stack web applications — internal tools, dashboards, customer portals, and line-of-business systems
- Robust API design and integration with the services you already use
- Database architecture that stays fast and correct as your data grows
- Performance optimisation — profiling, query tuning, and caching where it actually matters
- Automated tests and clear documentation so the system stays maintainable
- Deployment, monitoring, and ongoing support after launch
How it works
- Discover. I take the time to understand your goals, constraints, and users before writing a single line of code — including an honest conversation about whether custom software is even the right answer.
- Architect. I design the right technical solution: the data model, the architecture, and the technology choices that fit your needs and budget over a multi-year horizon.
- Build. I build in tested increments, using AI to move faster on routine work without cutting corners, with regular demos so you always know where things stand.
- Deliver. I launch your software, make sure it runs smoothly in production, and remain available for support and iteration.
Typical tech stack
Go · PHP · TypeScript · React · PostgreSQL / MySQL · REST & WebSocket APIs · Docker
Who it's for
- You're paying for several SaaS subscriptions that don't talk to each other.
- A core part of your business runs on spreadsheets that have outgrown themselves.
- You're hitting the limits of an off-the-shelf platform and paying enterprise pricing for basic features.
- You have a product idea and need a technical partner to build the first real version.
Frequently asked questions
How much does custom software cost?
It depends on scope, but most projects are priced as a fixed quote per milestone after a short discovery phase, so there are no open-ended hourly surprises. Because you work directly with the developer, you're not paying agency overhead on top of the engineering.
How long does a custom software project take?
A focused internal tool or MVP is typically a few weeks; a larger system is a few months, delivered in working increments you can use along the way rather than one big-bang launch.
Will I own the code?
Yes. You own the full source code and all the intellectual property. There's no lock-in to a proprietary platform — you can take it elsewhere at any time.
What if I'm not sure custom software is the right choice?
Then I'll tell you. If an off-the-shelf product genuinely fits your needs better, I'd rather give you that advice than sell you a project. See my guide on custom software versus off-the-shelf for an honest breakdown.
Related work & reading
- Jeeves — Local AI Agent Playground (v1) — portfolio project
- OOATS — Ad Campaign Platform — portfolio project
- Custom Software vs. Off-the-Shelf: A Practical Guide for Business Owners — from the blog
- Why I Build High-Performance Backends in Go — from the blog