How I Work (Process)

The process is simple on the surface, but under the hood it’s driven by solid engineering practices, clear communication, and a focus on long-term stability.

Discovery & Technical Review

I start by understanding your current situation:

- existing systems, integrations, and constraints
- content and commerce requirements
- performance, security, and compliance needs
- internal teams, workflows, and ownership

Where relevant, I’ll review your current platform to identify risks, quick wins, and opportunities for reuse.

Architecture & Experience Design

Before any code is written, we define:

- the overall system architecture and hosting approach
- data models, integrations, and content structure
- key user journeys and editorial workflows
- non-functional requirements (performance, security, scalability)

Wireframes or prototypes are used selectively — not just for visuals, but to validate structure, flows, and edge cases.

Hardening, Launch & Handover

Before launch, we focus on:

- performance, load, and reliability checks
- security and infrastructure configuration
- content migration and final data validation
- monitoring, logging, and operational readiness

You get clear documentation, knowledge transfer, and — if needed — ongoing support so the platform remains stable and adaptable after go-live.

Let's have a talk about your platform

Drop me an email about your project - I’d love to hear from you.

BOOK A CALL

Architecture

Architecture First, Not Templates First

Good web platforms start with architecture, not page layouts.

I design systems around:

Clear separation of concerns so features can be changed without breaking everything.

Robust data and content models that match how your business actually works.

Safe integration boundaries for payments, shipping, CRMs, and other services.

Hosting and deployment strategies that support updates without downtime.

For you, this means fewer unpleasant surprises later — and a platform that you can realistically maintain, extend, and own..

The Role of Design

Design That Serves the System and the Business

Design is still important — but not as decoration.
On complex platforms, design has to:

- support clear user journeys and conversion paths

- work with real content and data, not just sample text

- remain consistent and maintainable over time

- respect performance and accessibility constraints

I focus on design as part of the overall system — ensuring editors can work efficiently, customers can complete tasks easily, and the visual layer doesn’t make the platform fragile.

Requirements Vary...

Client’s requirements vary considerably from project to project, but there are always three similarities: Ease of use, value for money and designed to the highest standard. I always strive to meet these demands with every project I create.

With careful planning, consideration and recognition of the needs of your visitors we are well on the way to creating a stylish, user-friendly, customer-led website.

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Real-World Integrations & Engineering Depth

Alongside client platforms, I build and maintain .NET libraries and integrations that solve the kinds of problems modern web systems face every day, including:

Payment gateway integrations using Elavon APIs for secure, reliable eCommerce transactions.

Smart device and IoT integrations with tado° systems, including OAuth flows and strongly-typed SDK design.

Custom API clients and middleware services to connect platforms with external services and internal systems.

These projects follow the same principles I apply to client work: clear architecture, typed contracts, maintainability, and production-focused engineering.

You can review selected technical work on GitHub if you’d like to dig into the detail.

Brands I've produced work for

I've worked with and for a great deal of well known brands over the years.

Who I Work With

I typically work with organisations where the website is a critical part of how the business operates, not just a marketing asset.

01

Funded Startups & Product Teams

Startups and product teams that:

- are moving beyond MVPs and need a robust platform

- require a reliable content and/or commerce foundation

-need senior engineering input without hiring full-time too early

The focus here is getting to a stable, scalable platform that can support rapid growth and a growing internal team.

02

Growing and Established Businesses

Businesses that rely on their site for leads, sales, or operations, and need:

- to replace fragile, outdated platforms

- to introduce proper content and commerce workflows

- to improve performance, reliability, and security

- to connect the site with other core systems

These are often SMEs with internal teams who need a senior partner to define and deliver the platform properly.

03

Digital & Creative Agencies

Agencies that need senior .NET engineering support for:

- complex Umbraco or nopCommerce builds

- high-risk migrations and rebuilds

- external system integrations and custom functionality

- technical discovery, architecture, and oversight

I can work as a visible partner or quietly under your brand, helping you deliver technically demanding projects with confidence.

Get in Touch

Whether you’re planning a new CMS or eCommerce build, rebuilding a legacy platform, or need senior engineering input on a complex project, I can help you design and deliver something that will last.

Like a Chat?

  • 07712 288478
  • craig@untiedshoes.co.uk

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