Scoping/pitching/quoting

These sites are listed in reverse chronological order, with the most recent at the top.

Case studies in this category

Reno Man Construction

Reno Man Construction

Website: renomanconstruction.co.nz
Client: Chris Routhan
Dates: May 2023, with ongoing support afterwards
My professional status: independent web designer/developer

Chris Routhan is a friend of mine - we're in the same band - and he's a self-employed builder by trade. He had looked at a few other Wellington builders' websites and knew that he wanted a very simple site - probably just a WordPress one-pager - to showcase what he does and the services he provides, and to give potential clients an easy way to get in touch with him.

I changed various aspects of our selected WordPress theme design and then built, content-loaded, proof-read and tested the website, selecting and optimising the photographic imagery from Chris's own collection, and organised webhosting. I also wrote most of the content myself. I now provide Chris with ongoing support and updates as required. Find out more about the Reno Man Construction project

Categories: Scoping/pitching/quoting, Client liaison, Project manager, IA & UX, Website designer, Front-end developer, Writing for the web, Content-loader, Webmaster, Responsive web design/dev, CSS-based layout, CSS3, HTML5, WordPress, Small sites

MacDiarmid Institute

MacDiarmid Institute

Website: macdiarmid.ac.nz
Client: The MacDiarmid Institute
Dates: January - March 2017 and August 2018 - July 2019 with ongoing support after launch
Government status: Centre of Research Excellence (CoRE)
My professional status: independent web designer/developer

The MacDiarmid Institute for Advanced Materials and Nanotechnology is one of New Zealand's oldest Centres of Research Excellence (CoREs). It brings together almost 100 research investigators along with graduate and PhD students from seven institutions across Aotearoa. Their research focus is materials science and new technology, especially the unexplored territory where chemistry, physics, biology and engineering meet.

Their existing website was old, messy, out-of-date and hard to maintain. The navigation architecture wasn't well organised and it had become difficult for visitors to find the information they were looking for. It was time for a new website with a new logical architecture and a much stronger focus on the institute's researchers, with the majority of the pages being re-written prior to launch. We also wanted to migrate and incorporate news articles and magazine items from the old site, as much of this content was valuable as an ongoing archive of the Institution's research projects and progress.

I was responsible for the initial proposal and quote, client liaison, project management, information architecture and UX design, content design, responsive design development and front-end development, browser and device testing, content-loading, post-integration testing, QA, proof-reading, web editor training and ongoing support. I loaded all 800 pages of new content with the help of my developer, and reformatted over 500 news articles migrated from the old site. Find out more about the MacDiarmid Institute project

Categories: Showcase sites, Scoping/pitching/quoting, Client liaison, Project manager, IA & UX, Content designer, Website designer, Front-end developer, Writing for the web, Content-loader, Responsive web design/dev, CSS-based layout, CSS3, HTML5, jQuery/JavaScript, e-govt/WCAG compliance, SilverStripe, Government websites, Large sites

Bee Dawson

Bee Dawson

Website: beedawson.co.nz (site has since been redesigned)
Client: Bee Dawson
Dates: February - April 2018, with ongoing webmaster support until 2023
My professional status: independent web designer/developer

Bee Dawson is a New Zealand author, columnist, public speaker, and a social and oral historian. She writes books and articles about a wide range of New Zealand subjects, from Lady Painters to the history of High Country sheep stations, as well as all things historical and NZRAF-related.

She had had a small themed WordPress website built for her a few years earlier, which had become a bit messy. It needed a tidy-up and for some of the pages to be redesigned and rebuilt so that they looked nicer and were more user-friendly.

Bee also needed help recovering some missing website emails and accessing the control panel of the website's hosting company. Access info had been lost when Bee's previous webmaster moved on to other projects. Find out more about the Bee Dawson project

Categories: Scoping/pitching/quoting, Client liaison, Project manager, Website designer, Front-end developer, Content-loader, Webmaster, CSS-based layout, CSS3, HTML5, WordPress, Small sites

Bloomsbury Associates (2018)

Bloomsbury Associates (2018)

Website: bloomsbury.co.nz
Client: Bloomsbury Associates
Dates: February - July 2018, with ongoing webmaster support after delivery
My professional status: independent web designer/developer

Bloomsbury Associates is an independent financial advisory practice established to provide investment services to clients in New Zealand. In 2010 I designed and built their first website, and have been taking care of it ever since. An office relocation in 2018 combined with a redesign of their logo and branding was the perfect opportunity to create a new, responsive website for them.

All the content was new, written especially for the website by Matai Partners. I liaised with them and together we worked on creating the perfect marriage of website design and content for the new site, taking inspiration from the new logo, typeface and branding colours from Scratch Design.

I was responsible for the initial quote, client liaison, project management, scoping, information architecture, responsive design and front-end development, building the completed website, content-loading, editing, testing, proof-reading, QA and ongoing support. There's no CMS - we don't need one - instead, I code all the content by hand.

I am the webmaster for the site, providing updates as required and have also redesigned and developed new HTML emails using Campaign Monitor, which are sent out quarterly to the company's clients. Find out more about the Bloomsbury Associates (2018) project

Categories: Scoping/pitching/quoting, Client liaison, Project manager, IA & UX, Website designer, Front-end developer, Writing for the web, Content-loader, Webmaster, Responsive web design/dev, CSS-based layout, CSS3, HTML5, jQuery/JavaScript, HTML email, Dreamweaver templates, No CMS, Small sites

Wild Workouts

Wild Workouts

Website: wildworkouts.co.nz (site has since been redesigned)
Client: Karen at Wild Workouts
Dates: October 2017 - January 2018, with ongoing webmaster support until 2020
My professional status: independent web designer/developer

Wild Workouts is an outdoor health and fitness company run by Duck Patten and Karen van Rensburg. They take fitness outside and make it fun. They have been providing training in Wellington’s wild weather since the start of 2010, and are located out and around Wellington as a mobile training outfit.

They had an existing responsive themed WordPress website built for them a few years ago, which had become a bit messy. It needed a tidy-up and for some of the pages to be redesigned and rebuilt so that they looked nicer and were more user-friendly. They also needed some out-of-date content to be updated and changed.

They asked me if I'd be willing to maintain and develop their website - migrating the site to my web host and then taking over as webmaster. Find out more about the Wild Workouts project

Categories: Scoping/pitching/quoting, Client liaison, Project manager, Website designer, Front-end developer, Content-loader, Webmaster, Responsive web design/dev, CSS-based layout, CSS3, HTML5, WordPress, Small sites

NZ Association of Economists

NZ Association of Economists

Website: nzae.org.nz
Client: Anthony Byett at NZAE
Dates: September 2017 - January 2018, with ongoing webmaster support after delivery
My professional status: independent web designer/developer

The New Zealand Association of Economists was founded in 1959 and promotes collaboration and discussion among professional economists in New Zealand. The organisation encourages and publishes research and disseminates information on research projects. It promotes the profession of economics in New Zealand and fosters interest in and understanding of New Zealand's economic problems.

They had an existing responsive themed WordPress website built for them a few years ago, which had become a bit messy. It needed a tidy-up and for some of the pages to be redesigned and rebuilt so that they looked nicer and were more user-friendly. There was also some missing content which needed locating and restoring, and some new plugins and widgets to be added.

They asked me if I'd be willing to work with their editor to maintain and develop their website - migrating the site to my web host and then taking over as webmaster. Initially Anthony requested a number of improvements and alterations to the site, and since then we have continued to work together on whatever updates and additions are required. Find out more about the NZ Association of Economists project

Categories: Scoping/pitching/quoting, Client liaison, Project manager, Website designer, Front-end developer, Webmaster, Responsive web design/dev, CSS-based layout, CSS3, HTML5, WordPress, Large sites

Marlborough Vintners

Marlborough Vintners

Website: no longer online
Client: Acumen Republic
Dates: April - July 2017, with ongoing webmaster support until 2022
My professional status: contractor at Acumen Republic

The Marlborough Vintners Hotel (MVH) was a Heritage Collection luxury boutique hotel located amongst the vineyards near Blenheim in the heart of Marlborough wine country. The hotel consisted of 16 one-bedroom suites overlooking vineyards and gardens, together with the on-site Vintners Room Restaurant. Marlborough Vintners Hotel hosted conferences and weddings as well as providing luxury guest accommodation. Their brand management company was Wellington-based firm Acumen Republic.

Acumen asked me to build a responsive WordPress website for MVH, based on an existing WordPress theme in order to save time and keep the costs down. Acumen selected the theme based on MVH's requirements, and I built, content-loaded and tested the website, optimised the photographic imagery supplied by MVH, changed various aspects of the design, and organised webhosting. I also provided Acumen and, later, MVH staff with WordPress training and ongoing webmaster support and website updates. Find out more about the Marlborough Vintners project

Categories: Scoping/pitching/quoting, Client liaison, Project manager, Website designer, Front-end developer, Writing for the web, Content-loader, Webmaster, Responsive web design/dev, CSS-based layout, CSS3, HTML5, WordPress, Small sites

TEAM Asparona

TEAM Asparona

Website: no longer online
Client: James Fowler
Dates: January - April 2017, with ongoing support until 2020
My professional status: independent web designer/developer

TEAM Asparona was a cloud-based Enterprise Information Management (EIM) company. Their main product was an EIM ecosystem called ContentWorX.

TEAM Asparona's in-house IT staff had begun the build of a new responsive themed WordPress website, and they wanted help to get it finished and launched as quickly as possible. Their GM James Fowler contacted me to see if I could help, and between us we came up with a list of tasks to complete within a fixed-price budget and tight timeline.

I was responsible for reviewing the site, migrating it to my WP hosting platform, tidying up the homepage, populating some pages and reformatting others, adding some new sections to the site - and generally preparing it for launch. After the successful launch I sorted out an SSL Certificate for the site so that we could transfer to an https URL. On a day-to-day level James managed the site, but I was always available to help with anything tricky, as required. Find out more about the TEAM Asparona project

Categories: Scoping/pitching/quoting, Client liaison, Project manager, Website designer, Front-end developer, Writing for the web, Content-loader, Responsive web design/dev, CSS-based layout, CSS3, HTML5, WordPress, Small sites

The Play Press

The Play Press

Website: playpress.co.nz (no longer online)
Client: Jean Betts
Dates: August 2016 - September 2020
My professional status: independent web designer/developer

The Play Press is a small independent New Zealand publisher of plays, and specialises in publishing and promoting new New Zealand plays in New Zealand and overseas; to preserve a range of quality scripts and to make texts more accessible for rehearsal and study; and to help generate productions.

The Play Press grew out of The Women's Play Press collective, launched in 1994, initially to publish plays performed in 1993 in a festival celebrating the centenary of women's suffrage in NZ. In 2001, at a time when no one else was publishing any plays, and feeling that there were still too many good scripts (by both men and women) languishing unpublished that needed to be made available, Jean Betts established The Play Press as well.

The Play Press website was built in Joomla! a few years ago and managed by a developer who was no longer able to continue as webmaster due to other commitments. I was asked to take over as webmaster, and to look after the site - updating website content, improving the website styling and doing CMS version updates as required. Find out more about the The Play Press project

Categories: Scoping/pitching/quoting, Client liaison, Project manager, Website designer, Front-end developer, Content-loader, Webmaster, CSS-based layout, CSS3, HTML5, Joomla!, Small sites

Major Consulting

Major Consulting

Website: majorconsulting.co.nz (site has since been redesigned)
Client: Shelley Major
Dates: April - December 2016, with ongoing support until December 2018
My professional status: independent web designer/developer

Major Consulting Group (MCG) is a Wellington-based health and safety consultancy working with clients across New Zealand and in Australia in a variety of sectors, making a difference to health, safety and organisational performance. They provide a range of assurance and safety culture audits as well as practical assistance, tailoring enduring health and safety business processes for their clients.

They asked me to quote for a responsive WordPress website, based on an existing theme in order to save time and keep the costs down. Their director and I selected the theme together, based on their requirements, and I built, content-loaded and tested the website, selected all the photographic imagery from iStock, changed various aspects of the design, and organised webhosting. I also provided MCG staff with WordPress training and ongoing support. Find out more about the Major Consulting project

Categories: Scoping/pitching/quoting, Client liaison, Project manager, IA & UX, Website designer, Front-end developer, Writing for the web, Content-loader, Responsive web design/dev, CSS-based layout, CSS3, HTML5, WordPress, Small sites

OFLC (2016)

OFLC (2016)

Website: classificationoffice.govt.nz (site has since been redesigned)
Client: Office of Film & Literature Classification
Dates: September 2015 - April 2016, with ongoing support until December 2021
Government status: Government Agency
My professional status: independent web designer/developer

I built a new version of the Information for Students site in 2015 for the Office of Film & Literature Classification, which left their main website looking a little tired and outdated. The next project was therefore to design and build a new responsive version of the main site.

I was responsible for client liaison, project proposal and quote, project management, scoping, information architecture, wireframes and schematics, responsive design and front-end development, HTML5, CSS3, LESS, jQuery, e-govt accessibility compliance, QA, client training and ongoing support, content coding, formatting and loading, some content writing and editing (Dreamweaver templates). Find out more about the OFLC (2016) project

Categories: Scoping/pitching/quoting, Client liaison, Project manager, IA & UX, Website designer, Front-end developer, Govt web standards tester, Writing for the web, Content-loader, Responsive web design/dev, CSS-based layout, CSS3, HTML5, jQuery/JavaScript, e-govt/WCAG compliance, Dreamweaver templates, Government websites, Medium sites

Grosvenor KiwiSaver

Grosvenor KiwiSaver

Website: in-house online forms, not available to the public
Client: Grosvenor KiwiSaver
Dates: October - November 2015
My professional status: independent web designer/developer

Grosvenor Investment Management Limited is one of the Government's official KiwiSaver providers, with a dedicated KiwiSaver website to cater for their 94,000 members. They wanted to prototype a complete online joining/transfer process, which would initially be used by their KiwiSaver advisers, and which could be rolled out to all users on the website at a later date.

They asked me if I could help them to wireframe and design the various pages and screens that would be required (responsive design), including content design, and then to build these ready for integration by their in-house developers. I ended up working alongside the developer as we restyled his .asp forms together. Find out more about the Grosvenor KiwiSaver project

Categories: Scoping/pitching/quoting, Client liaison, Project manager, IA & UX, Content designer, Website designer, Front-end developer, Responsive web design/dev, CSS-based layout, CSS3, HTML5, ASP or ASP.NET, E-commerce, Small sites

Beer Belly Jellies

Beer Belly Jellies

Website: no longer online
Client: Lindy MacLennan
Dates: September - October 2015, with ongoing support until December 2017
My professional status: independent web designer/developer

Beer Belly Jellies was a small business creating craft beer jellies, handmade with New Zealand craft beer. They had had a responsive themed WordPress website built for them a couple of years earlier, which had become a bit messy. It needed a tidy-up and for some of the pages to be redesigned and rebuilt so that they looked nicer and were more user-friendly.

They asked me if I'd be willing to help by identifying some "quick wins" that would improve the look and functionality of the site within a limited number of hours of work. I was responsible for improving the design, layout and formatting of the website. Find out more about the Beer Belly Jellies project

Categories: Scoping/pitching/quoting, Client liaison, Project manager, Website designer, Front-end developer, Writing for the web, Content-loader, Responsive web design/dev, CSS-based layout, CSS3, HTML5, WordPress, E-commerce, Small sites

BookerMartin Comms

BookerMartin Comms

Website: no longer online
Client: Frances Martin and Mike Booker
Dates: August - November 2015
My professional status: independent web designer/developer

I met Frances Martin through the webmaster work I did for the Zero Harm website. Frances and her business partner Mike Booker needed a website for their communications company, BookerMartin Communications. They do communications work for both business and government, and wanted a very simple, minimal, responsive website that they could update themselves.

They asked me to quote for a single-page website, based on an existing WordPress theme in order to save time and keep the costs down. Mike and I selected the theme together, based on their requirements, and I built and tested the website, improved various aspects of the design and organised webhosting. Find out more about the BookerMartin Comms project

Categories: Scoping/pitching/quoting, Client liaison, Project manager, IA & UX, Website designer, Front-end developer, Writing for the web, Content-loader, Responsive web design/dev, CSS-based layout, CSS3, HTML5, WordPress, Small sites

OFLC - info for students

OFLC - info for students

Website: no longer online
Client: Office of Film & Literature Classification
Dates: October 2014 - March 2015 and June-July 2015, with ongoing support after delivery
Government status: Government Agency
My professional status: independent web designer/developer

The OFLC had contracted a young designer to redesign their information for students website which I had originally designed and built for them back in 2010. Following completion of the design, the OFLC team decided that they needed to have a responsive website rather than a static one. I was invited to make the design responsive and then build the new Dreamweaver templates.

I was responsible for client liaison, project proposal and quote, project management, scoping, information architecture, wireframes and schematics, design development, responsive design and development, HTML5, CSS3, LESS, jQuery, e-govt accessibility compliance, QA, client training and ongoing support, content coding, formatting and loading, some content writing and editing (Dreamweaver templates). Find out more about the OFLC - info for students project

Categories: Scoping/pitching/quoting, Client liaison, Project manager, IA & UX, Website designer, Front-end developer, Govt web standards tester, Writing for the web, Content-loader, Responsive web design/dev, CSS-based layout, CSS3, HTML5, jQuery/JavaScript, e-govt/WCAG compliance, Dreamweaver templates, Government websites, Medium sites

OFLC homepage (2014)

OFLC homepage (2014)

Website: classificationoffice.govt.nz (site has since been redesigned)
Client: Office of Film & Literature Classification
Dates: August - September 2014
Government status: Government Agency
My professional status: independent web designer/developer

The Office of Film and Literature Classification wanted to improve their website homepage - both in terms of its design and also the content that was displayed there. They wanted a number of new elements on the homepage, including a carousel highlighting their videos and a link to their Facebook posts, as well as rearranging the existing content on the page.

I was responsible for putting together a quote for the work, wireframing the homepage, redesigning and rebuilding it, accessibility and browser testing. Find out more about the OFLC homepage (2014) project

Categories: Scoping/pitching/quoting, Client liaison, Project manager, IA & UX, Website designer, Front-end developer, Govt web standards tester, CSS-based layout, CSS3, HTML5, jQuery/JavaScript, e-govt/WCAG compliance, Dreamweaver templates, Government websites, Medium sites

Hearts n Roses

Hearts n Roses

Website: no longer online
Client: Deborah Harris
Dates: November 2013 - April 2015
My professional status: independent web designer/developer

Deborah Harris made and sold handmade heart pendants and felt the time was right to branch out and put her artwork online. The website needed to be a fully-functioning e-commerce site where she could display and sell the individual heart pendants. She also wanted a weddings section where she could showcase her custom-made bespoke hearts that were made to order to match the flowers and colours chosen by the wedding and bridal party.

I was responsible for client liaison, project management, hosting and Domain name management, scoping, information architecture, site schematics, content design, selection and re-styling of the WordPress e-commerce theme, HTML5, CSS3, LESS, some PHP wrangling, building the skeleton site, testing, CMS training, QA and ongoing support, some content production management, writing and editing, creating product and portfolio graphics. Find out more about the Hearts n Roses project

Categories: Scoping/pitching/quoting, Client liaison, Project manager, IA & UX, Content designer, Website designer, Front-end developer, Writing for the web, Content-loader, Responsive web design/dev, CSS-based layout, CSS3, HTML5, WordPress, E-commerce, Small sites

OTNZ

OTNZ

Website: nzaot.com (site has since been redesigned)
Client: Occupational Therapy New Zealand
Dates: July 2013 - March 2015, with ongoing support after delivery
My professional status: independent web designer/developer

An occupational therapist is a registered health provider who uses the theory of occupation to improve well-being and quality of life. Occupational Therapy New Zealand Whakaora Ngangahau Aotearoa is the national association representing occupational therapy professionals in New Zealand.

I was responsible for the initial quote, information architecture, site schematics, ongoing project management and client liaison, design, HTML5 and CSS, testing, accessibility and e-govt compliance, SilverStripe CMS training, QA and ongoing support. Find out more about the OTNZ project

Categories: Scoping/pitching/quoting, Client liaison, Project manager, IA & UX, Website designer, Front-end developer, Govt web standards tester, Writing for the web, CSS-based layout, CSS3, HTML5, jQuery/JavaScript, e-govt/WCAG compliance, SilverStripe, Large sites

EWRB

EWRB

Website: ewrb.govt.nz (site has since been redesigned)
Client: Electrical Workers Registration Board and the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment
Dates: July - December 2013
Government status: Government Agency
My professional status: Web consultant with Insight Consultants Ltd

The Electrical Workers Registration Board ensures the competence of electrical and electronic workers. Its work is overseen by the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE). Their old website was very old and out of date, and Insight Consultants Ltd was invited to design a new site, which was to be built using an instance of the Government's new Common Web Platform (CWP) in SilverStripe as a starting-point.

I was responsible for helping with the initial pitch/quote, wireframing including responsive UX design, and advising the designers how best to design the website within the framework of the CWP. I then developed the design across a range of breakpoints, and built the templates in HTML5 and CSS3 (designing the responsivity in-browser as I built). I was responsible for browser and device testing and was also asked to do a thorough proof-read and QA of the site prior to launch. Find out more about the EWRB project

Categories: Scoping/pitching/quoting, Client liaison, Project manager, IA & UX, Website designer, Front-end developer, Govt web standards tester, Writing for the web, Content-loader, Responsive web design/dev, CSS-based layout, CSS3, HTML5, jQuery/JavaScript, e-govt/WCAG compliance, SilverStripe, Government websites, Medium sites

Licensed Building Practitioners

Licensed Building Practitioners

Website: lbp.govt.nz (site has since been redesigned)
Client: Building Practitioners Board and the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment
Dates: April - May 2013
Government status: Government Agency
My professional status: Web consultant with Insight Consultants Ltd

Insight Consultants Ltd was invited to design a new website for Licensed Building Practitioners, supported by MBIE. The website was to be part of the much larger business.govt.nz website, built in Plone, and the design was restricted by the requirements and capabilities of this larger site.

I was responsible for helping with the initial pitch and then working through user testing, sitemapping and wireframing with them. I also advised the Insight designers on how best to tackle the modular and restrictive nature of the Plone infrastructure while still bringing a level of BPB branding and styling to the design. Find out more about the Licensed Building Practitioners project

Categories: Scoping/pitching/quoting, Client liaison, IA & UX, Website designer, Plone, Government websites, Medium sites

Zumo Coffee

Zumo Coffee

Website: zumo.co.nz (responsive web design wireframes)
Client: Zumo Coffee Roasters
Dates: February 2013
My professional status: independent web designer/developer

Zumo is a coffee roasting company and coffee house based in Nelson. I was approached to put together a quote for an online web application which would allow Nelsonians to order their cup of Zumo coffee via their smartphone, tablet or desktop computer, ready for pickup/takeaway, in-house enjoyment or home delivery.

As part of the quote, I put together a full set of wireframes to demonstrate the responsive layout, the web app's functionality, and the ordering process itself; across the 11 templates that I had identified as being necessary for the app to function as required. This included doing the content design for the whole application. The project was put on hold a short while after I delivered my wireframes, but I'm including it in my portfolio because it was a great piece of work! Find out more about the Zumo Coffee project

Categories: Scoping/pitching/quoting, Client liaison, Project manager, IA & UX, Content designer, Responsive web design/dev, E-commerce, Small sites

Kirkaldie & Stains

Kirkaldie & Stains

Website: no longer online
Client: Kirkaldie & Stains
Dates: August - October 2012
My professional status: contractor at Heyday

Kirkcaldie & Stains is an icon of the New Zealand retail industry with a singularly distinctive character, and is renowned for its consistent standards of excellence. The existing website was in need of refurbishment - and the company felt it was time to develop part of the website into an e-commerce Online Store, as well as re-designing their brochure and news content.

Heyday were invited to design and develop the new website, and I was asked to join the team for a few weeks to carry out the front-end development. I was responsible for the HTML (HTML5), CSS (CSS3 and LESS) and some of the jQuery, and also for integrating my new code into SilverStripe, building the CMS's layout and include files which were then programmed by Heyday's Glenn Bautista. Find out more about the Kirkaldie & Stains project

Categories: Showcase sites, Scoping/pitching/quoting, Website designer, Front-end developer, CSS-based layout, CSS3, HTML5, jQuery/JavaScript, SilverStripe, E-commerce, Large sites

Pacific Island Affairs

Pacific Island Affairs

Website: mpia.govt.nz (site has since been redesigned)
Client: Ministry of Pacific Island Affairs
Dates: July - December 2012, with ongoing support and updates after delivery
Government status: Government Ministry
My professional status: independent web designer/developer

The Ministry of Pacific Island Affairs is Government's premier adviser on policies and interventions to promote the social, economic and cultural development of Pacific peoples in New Zealand. A recent survey had indicated that visitors found the website confusing and difficult to navigate, and the Ministry also felt that they were unable to feature and highlight the most important areas of the site on their existing homepage; so wanted to remedy both these issues with a website upgrade.

I was responsible for producing five initial quote options, client liaison, project management, information architecture, schematics, partial site re-design, XHTML, pure CSS, jQuery, testing, site proofing and re-styling within the existing SilverStripe CMS. Find out more about the Pacific Island Affairs project

Categories: Scoping/pitching/quoting, Client liaison, Project manager, IA & UX, Website designer, Front-end developer, Govt web standards tester, Writing for the web, Content-loader, CSS-based layout, CSS3, jQuery/JavaScript, e-govt/WCAG compliance, SilverStripe, Government websites, Large sites

Te Rito Wellington

Te Rito Wellington

Website: teritowellington.org.nz (site has since been redesigned)
Client: Te Rito Wellington Family Violence Network
Dates: May - August 2012, with ongoing support until March 2017
My professional status: independent web designer/developer

Te Rito Wellington Family Violence Network is a diverse group of 25 government and non-government organisations working in family violence prevention and service provision. The website uses an existing WordPress theme, re-designed to match the Network's branding.

I was responsible for designing their logo, writing the initial quote, information architecture, site schematics, ongoing project management and client liaison, selection and re-styling of the WordPress theme, CSS, jQuery, some PHP wrangling, webhosting management, building the skeleton site, testing, CMS training, QA and ongoing support - as well as some content production management, writing and editing. Find out more about the Te Rito Wellington project

Categories: Scoping/pitching/quoting, Client liaison, Project manager, IA & UX, Website designer, Front-end developer, Writing for the web, Content-loader, CSS-based layout, CSS3, jQuery/JavaScript, WordPress, Small sites

NZ Netherlands Foundation

NZ Netherlands Foundation

Website: netherlandsfoundation.org.nz (no longer online)
Client: New Zealand Netherlands Foundation
Dates: March - November 2012, with ongoing support and updates until December 2013
My professional status: independent web designer/developer

The Foundation has a wide-ranging brief to foster pride in the Dutch contribution to New Zealand. Its goals are to promote links between the Netherlands and New Zealand, to encourage the Dutch in New Zealand to keep their heritage alive through cultural and educational exchanges, and to celebrate the contribution the Dutch have made and continue to make to New Zealand's economic and social fabric.

I was responsible for the initial quote, information architecture, site schematics, ongoing project management and client liaison, design, XHTML and CSS, testing, accessibility compliance, CMS training, QA (including some writing and editing of content) and ongoing support. Find out more about the NZ Netherlands Foundation project

Categories: Scoping/pitching/quoting, Client liaison, Project manager, IA & UX, Website designer, Front-end developer, Writing for the web, Content-loader, CSS-based layout, jQuery/JavaScript, SilverStripe, Medium sites

NZ Artificial Limb Service

NZ Artificial Limb Service

Website: nzals.govt.nz (site has since been redesigned)
Client: New Zealand Artificial Limb Service
Dates: February - June 2012, with ongoing support until 2016
Government status: Crown Entity
My professional status: independent web designer/developer

The NZALS is a Crown Entity that helps meet the rehabilitation needs of New Zealand amputees and is the national provider of artificial limbs in New Zealand. They had developed the concept of a 'health hub' to act as a first place to come for New Zealand amputees and needed a new website in order to achieve this.

I was responsible for the initial quote, information architecture, site schematics, ongoing project management and client liaison, design, XHTML and CSS, testing, accessibility and e-govt compliance (including the production of an e-govt test report), CMS training, QA and ongoing support - as well as content production management and some writing and editing. Find out more about the NZ Artificial Limb Service project

Categories: Scoping/pitching/quoting, Client liaison, Project manager, IA & UX, Website designer, Front-end developer, Govt web standards tester, Writing for the web, Content-loader, CSS-based layout, CSS3, jQuery/JavaScript, e-govt/WCAG compliance, SilverStripe, Government websites, Medium sites

Snapper

Snapper

Website: snapper.co.nz
Client: Snapper
Dates: December 2010 - March 2011
My professional status: independent web designer/developer

Snapper is New Zealand's leading contactless payment system and can be used for a wide range of transactions including shopping, taxis and public transport. Registered Snapper users have online access to their Snapper transaction history and current balance.

The Snapper team wanted to upgrade the functionality of the transaction history page, and asked me to design and build a new version with enhanced functionality and ease of use. I was responsible for client liaison, project management, reviewing and refining the information architecture, content design, visual design, XHTML and CSS, jQuery, testing, QA and ongoing support. Find out more about the Snapper project

Categories: Scoping/pitching/quoting, Client liaison, Project manager, IA & UX, Content designer, Website designer, Front-end developer, CSS-based layout, jQuery/JavaScript, Other CMS, E-commerce, Small sites

Bloomsbury Associates (2010)

Bloomsbury Associates (2010)

Website: bloomsbury.co.nz (site has since been redesigned)
Client: Bloomsbury Associates
Dates: October - December 2010, with ongoing support until 2018
My professional status: independent web designer/developer

Bloomsbury Associates is an independent financial advisory practice established to provide investment services to clients in New Zealand. They wanted a website that would provide general information about their services and their philosophy, together with case studies and testimonials from existing clients.

I was responsible for the initial quote, client liaison, project management, scoping, information architecture, web design, HTML and CSS, jQuery, building the completed website, content-loading, testing, proof-reading, QA and ongoing support. I am the webmaster for the site, providing updates as required and have also designed and developed HTML emails using Campaign Monitor, which are sent out quarterly to the company's clients. Find out more about the Bloomsbury Associates (2010) project

Categories: Scoping/pitching/quoting, Client liaison, Project manager, IA & UX, Website designer, Front-end developer, Content-loader, Webmaster, CSS-based layout, jQuery/JavaScript, HTML email, No CMS, Small sites

Museums Wellington

Museums Wellington

Website: museumswellington.org.nz (site has since been redesigned)
Client: Museums Wellington
Dates: July - December 2010, with ongoing support after delivery
Government status: funded by Wellington City Council
My professional status: independent web designer/developer

Museums Wellington are responsible for three Wellington museums - the Museum of Wellington City & Sea, the Cable Car Museum and the Colonial Cottage Museum. Each museum had its own website, none of which matched each other or the new Museums Wellington branding. Their aim was to bring all three museums plus Plimmers Ark under the same umbrella website, and to use their new branding as the basis for the overall site design.

I was responsible for the initial quote, client liaison, project management, scoping, information architecture, design development, HTML and CSS, jQuery, accessibility and e-govt compliance, testing, putting together the skeleton site in SilverStripe, CMS training, QA, HTML emails and ongoing support. Find out more about the Museums Wellington project

Categories: Scoping/pitching/quoting, Client liaison, Project manager, IA & UX, Website designer, Front-end developer, Govt web standards tester, Writing for the web, CSS-based layout, jQuery/JavaScript, e-govt/WCAG compliance, HTML email, SilverStripe, Government websites, Small sites

Salters Cartage

Salters Cartage

Website: salters.co.nz (site has since been redesigned)
Client: Salters Cartage
Dates: June - August 2010
My professional status: contractor at Plan A

I was asked by Plan A in Auckland to develop their homepage design into a set of design templates for the new Salters Cartage website, to build these templates and then to put together the finished website, using all-new content which Plan A had written.

I was responsible for the original project proposal and quote, client liaison, project management, scoping, information architecture, design development, HTML and CSS, jQuery, accessibility compliance, building the completed website, content-loading, testing, proof-reading, QA and ongoing support. Find out more about the Salters Cartage project

Categories: Scoping/pitching/quoting, Project manager, IA & UX, Website designer, Front-end developer, Writing for the web, Content-loader, CSS-based layout, jQuery/JavaScript, No CMS, Small sites

Climate Change

Climate Change

Website: climatechange.govt.nz (site has since been redesigned)
Client: Ministry for the Environment
Dates: May - June 2010, with ongoing support after delivery
Government status: Government Ministry
My professional status: independent web designer/developer

The Ministry for the Environment's Climate Change website, originally designed as a portal site, was becoming difficult to navigate, and was lacking styles for pages with more detailed content at multiple levels. With the introduction of the Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS) in June 2010, the Ministry needed to expand the capabilities of the website, while still retaining the existing header and footer and some of the original HTML structure.

I was responsible for the timeline, ongoing project management and client liaison, HTML and CSS, jQuery, e-government and accessibility compliance, testing, site delivery and ongoing support. Find out more about the Climate Change project

Categories: Scoping/pitching/quoting, Client liaison, Project manager, Front-end developer, Govt web standards tester, CSS-based layout, jQuery/JavaScript, Dreamweaver templates, Government websites, Medium sites

Bamford Medical

Bamford Medical

Website: no longer online
Client: WM Bamford & Co Ltd
Dates: May - July 2009 and March - May 2010 with ongoing support until 2015
My professional status: independent web designer/developer

Following the successful launch of the Bamford website, we were asked to create a companion website, Bamford Medical, which would allow the company to sell a selection of their medical products online. The templates and CMS backend of the new site were based on the original Bamford site, with a completely different look and feel so that they were easily distinguishable from one another.

I was responsible for the initial quote, information architecture, ongoing project management and client liaison, web design, HTML and CSS, jQuery, testing, CMS and photoshop training, QA/proof-reading and ongoing support. Find out more about the Bamford Medical project

Categories: Scoping/pitching/quoting, Client liaison, Project manager, IA & UX, Website designer, Front-end developer, Writing for the web, CSS-based layout, jQuery/JavaScript, ExpressionEngine, E-commerce, Medium sites

Holmes Consulting Group

Holmes Consulting Group

Website: holmesgroup.com (site has since been redesigned)
Client: Holmes Consulting Group
Dates: September 2009 - April 2010, with ongoing support until December 2013
My professional status: independent web designer/developer

The international structural engineering firm Holmes Consulting Group asked for a completely new photography-centered design, new HTML/CSS templates, and a new CMS, which would be populated with all-new content.

I was responsible for the initial quote, information architecture, site schematics, ongoing project management and client liaison, web design, HTML and CSS, jQuery, testing, putting together the skeleton site in SilverStripe, training, QA and proof-reading, and ongoing support. Find out more about the Holmes Consulting Group project

Categories: Showcase sites, Scoping/pitching/quoting, Client liaison, Project manager, IA & UX, Website designer, Front-end developer, Writing for the web, Content-loader, CSS-based layout, jQuery/JavaScript, SilverStripe, Medium sites

OFLC - info for students (2010)

OFLC - info for students (2010)

Website: censor.org.nz (site has since been redesigned)
Client: Office of Film & Literature Classification
Dates: August 2009 - January 2010, with ongoing support after delivery
Government status: Government Agency
My professional status: independent web designer/developer

The OFLC wanted a new website aimed at students doing projects on censorship in New Zealand. The website needed to be accessible, e-govt compliant, and the design had to appeal to young people.

I was responsible for the initial quote, information architecture, site schematics, ongoing project management and client liaison, web design, HTML and CSS, jQuery, e-govt accessibility compliance, testing, building the skeleton site using Dreamweaver templates, training, QA and proof-reading, and ongoing support. Find out more about the OFLC - info for students (2010) project

Categories: Scoping/pitching/quoting, Client liaison, Project manager, IA & UX, Website designer, Front-end developer, Govt web standards tester, Writing for the web, Content-loader, CSS-based layout, jQuery/JavaScript, e-govt/WCAG compliance, Dreamweaver templates, Government websites, Medium sites

EPA

EPA

Website: epa.govt.nz (site has since been redesigned)
Client: Ministry for the Environment
Dates: July - September 2009, with ongoing support after delivery
Government status: Government Ministry
My professional status: independent web designer/developer

Following our successful redesign of the Ministry for the Environment website, we were asked to design and build a website for the new Environmental Protection Authority. The HTML would be based on the MfE Dreamweaver templates within a completely different design, and we were also asked to build and content-code the initial 77-page website. The HTML/CSS needed to be best-practice e-government compliant and the site was to be tested for accessibility once it was built.

I was responsible for the initial quote, information architecture, site schematics, ongoing project management and client liaison, HTML and CSS, jQuery, e-government and accessibility compliance, site build and content-coding, testing, site delivery and ongoing support. Find out more about the EPA project

Categories: Showcase sites, Scoping/pitching/quoting, Client liaison, Project manager, IA & UX, Front-end developer, Govt web standards tester, Content-loader, CSS-based layout, jQuery/JavaScript, e-govt/WCAG compliance, Dreamweaver templates, Government websites, Medium sites

Optimation

Optimation

Website: optimation.co.nz (site has since been redesigned)
Client: Optimation
Dates: May - November 2009, with ongoing support after delivery
My professional status: independent web designer/developer

Optimation's existing website was looking old and tired, and no longer represented the company as well as it could. In contrast to the old website, which was largely passive and not well integrated with Optimation's other marketing activities, the new site needed to work much more actively as well as being an interactive space between the company and its clients - and it had to be designed to enable busy clients to get what they need in the minimum time possible.

I was responsible for the initial quote, information architecture, site schematics, ongoing project management and client liaison, HTML and CSS, jQuery, accessibility compliance, testing, QA and proof-reading, CMS training and ongoing support. Find out more about the Optimation project

Categories: Showcase sites, Scoping/pitching/quoting, Client liaison, Project manager, IA & UX, Front-end developer, Writing for the web, CSS-based layout, jQuery/JavaScript, SilverStripe, Medium sites

Master Plumbers

Master Plumbers

Website: masterplumbers.org.nz (site has since been redesigned)
Client: Master Plumbers, Gasfitters and Drainlayers Inc
Dates: April - October 2009, with regular ongoing support until March 2016
My professional status: independent web designer/developer

Master Plumbers had an old website that needed redesigning and integrating within a more user-friendly CMS. We identified three main sections of the site - Public, Trade and Members - which led to a four-colourway design solution.

I was responsible for the initial quote, information architecture, site schematics, content design, ongoing project management and client liaison, web design, HTML and CSS, jQuery, accessibility compliance, testing, content-loading, CMS training and ongoing support. Find out more about the Master Plumbers project

Categories: Scoping/pitching/quoting, Client liaison, Project manager, IA & UX, Content designer, Website designer, Front-end developer, Writing for the web, Content-loader, CSS-based layout, jQuery/JavaScript, SilverStripe, Large sites

Ministry for the Environment

Ministry for the Environment

Website: mfe.govt.nz (site has since been redesigned)
Client: Ministry for the Environment
Dates: April - June 2009, with ongoing support after delivery
Government status: Government Ministry
My professional status: independent web designer/developer

The 13,000-page Ministry for the Environment website was looking old and tired, and the Ministry wanted a medium-term website redesign solution that would allow them to keep their old legacy content, while bringing the look & feel up to date. The Ministry web team needed to be able to transfer their entire website into our new design and set of best-practice e-government compliant Dreamweaver templates as painlessly as possible, and the CSS also had to include matching styles for all their old content code.

I was responsible for the initial quote, some information architecture, site schematics, ongoing project management and client liaison, HTML and CSS, jQuery and JavaScript, e-government and accessibility compliance, testing, site delivery and ongoing support. Find out more about the Ministry for the Environment project

Categories: Showcase sites, Scoping/pitching/quoting, Client liaison, Project manager, IA & UX, Front-end developer, Govt web standards tester, CSS-based layout, jQuery/JavaScript, e-govt/WCAG compliance, Dreamweaver templates, Government websites, Large sites

Round Peg

Round Peg

Website: roundpeg.co.nz (site has since been redesigned)
Client: Linda Ashton, Director, Round Peg
Dates: January - February 2009
My professional status: independent web designer/developer

Round Peg was a new recruitment agency concept developed by Linda Ashton that works in-house alongside employers, managing the recruitment process on their behalf. The initial aims of the site were to establish a web presence for the company and to explain exactly what Round Peg can offer to both employers and employees. I built a fully-working site from the original five-page designs, coded up all the content for the site and ensured that Search Engine Optimisation was achieved. Find out more about the Round Peg project

Categories: Scoping/pitching/quoting, Client liaison, Project manager, Front-end developer, Content-loader, CSS-based layout, No CMS, Small sites

Cavalier Bremworth

Cavalier Bremworth

Website: cavbrem.co.nz (site has since been redesigned)
Client: Cavalier Bremworth
Dates: January - February 2009
My professional status: contractor at DNA

This website represented the first roll-out of the new Cavalier Bremworth branding by DNA. My responsibility was to build a large set of template pages within a very tight timeframe and budget, and prepare them for integration into a custom-built .net CMS.

The new site incorporated a very high level of interactivity for visitors considering purchasing a new carpet from the company, and therefore included a large amount of jQuery and Shadowbox programming, for which I was also responsible. It was the most technical site I had ever built, with an extremely steep learning curve when it came to extending my jQuery skills, which I really enjoyed. Find out more about the Cavalier Bremworth project

Categories: Showcase sites, Scoping/pitching/quoting, Front-end developer, CSS-based layout, jQuery/JavaScript, ASP or ASP.NET, E-commerce, Large sites

WM Bamford & Co Ltd

WM Bamford & Co Ltd

Website: bamford.co.nz (site has since been redesigned)
Client: WM Bamford & Co Ltd
Dates: November - December 2008 with ongoing additions until 2015
My professional status: independent web designer/developer

WM Bamford & Co Ltd is one of New Zealand's leading independent medical supply companies, and needed a new website which would reflect and complement their new print brochure - and which would allow potential customers access to their substantial product listings as well as providing information about Bamford's supply agencies and partners.

I designed and built the site and also worked on project management, information architecture and site schematics, as well as creating dynamic functionality via jQuery and facilitating CMS integration. Find out more about the WM Bamford & Co Ltd project

Categories: Scoping/pitching/quoting, Client liaison, Project manager, IA & UX, Website designer, Front-end developer, Writing for the web, Content-loader, CSS-based layout, jQuery/JavaScript, ExpressionEngine, Medium sites

NZ Business Assessment

NZ Business Assessment

Website: no longer online
Client: Business Capability Partnership/Optimation
Dates: September - October 2007 with ongoing additions after go-live
Government status: funded through the Ministry for Economic Development
My professional status: independent web designer/developer

The Business Capability Partnership wanted a website for their New Zealand Business Assessment initiative, which was designed to enable business owners to assess their business's current capabilities and assist in identifying opportunities to improve business performance.

I designed and built 17 template pages for the site, which was developed by Optimation within an ASP.NET environment. Once phase 1 of the site went live, Optimation worked with the BCP to develop and extend the site's capabilities, and from time to time I worked alongside the Optimation developer to provide CSS for new elements. Find out more about the NZ Business Assessment project

Categories: Scoping/pitching/quoting, Project manager, Website designer, Front-end developer, Govt web standards tester, CSS-based layout, e-govt/WCAG compliance, ASP or ASP.NET, Government websites, Small sites

Māori Media Network

Māori Media Network

Website: maorimedia.co.nz
Client: Māori Media Network
Dates: April - August 2007
My professional status: independent web designer/developer

The Māori Media Network wanted a new website which would promote their skills and services online. I designed and built the site and also worked on project management, information architecture and site schematics, as well as planning for JavaScript and CMS integration. Find out more about the Māori Media Network project

Categories: Scoping/pitching/quoting, Client liaison, Project manager, IA & UX, Website designer, Front-end developer, Writing for the web, Content-loader, CSS-based layout, ExpressionEngine, Small sites

Drilling for Diamonds

Drilling for Diamonds

Website: no longer online
Client: The Mills Group
Dates: February 2007 - March 2012
My professional status: independent web designer/developer

The Mills Group wanted a website which would both promote their Drilling for Diamonds online coaching products and act as a secure portal through which D4D coaches could train staff. The secure login included an admin section through which The Mills Group staff could add new clients and coaches, give them access to the online coaching materials, and create collections of personalised coaching materials for specific groups within the coaching scheme.

I designed and built the site and also worked on project management, information architecture and site schematics. I continued as the site's webmaster once the site went live. Find out more about the Drilling for Diamonds project

Categories: Scoping/pitching/quoting, Client liaison, Project manager, IA & UX, Website designer, Front-end developer, Writing for the web, Content-loader, Webmaster, CSS-based layout, Other CMS, Small sites

Simillimum

Simillimum

Website: arnica.co.nz (site has since been redesigned)
Client: Simillimum Homeopathic Pharmacy
Dates: February - September 2004
My professional status: independent web designer/developer

Originally designed as an online brochure, Simillimum needed a revamp - into a useful, interactive site generating additional income. I tidied up the existing website and professionalised the look. Find out more about the Simillimum project

Categories: Scoping/pitching/quoting, Client liaison, Project manager, Website designer, Front-end developer, Writing for the web, Content-loader, Old-school table layout, No CMS, E-commerce, Small sites

Monkey Records

Monkey Records

Website: monkeyrecords.co.nz (site has since been redesigned)
Client: Monkey Records
Dates: July - October 2000
My professional status: independent web designer/developer

The Monkey Records website was an e-commerce venture, with the record label relying on it to provide a large proportion of their CD sales. I designed and built the site, which includes information on all Monkey's recording artists, and a simple shopping cart where visitors could listen to and buy CDs. Find out more about the Monkey Records project

Categories: Scoping/pitching/quoting, Client liaison, Project manager, IA & UX, Content designer, Website designer, Front-end developer, Content-loader, jQuery/JavaScript, Old-school table layout, No CMS, E-commerce, Small sites

WOMAD

WOMAD

Website: womad.co.nz (site has since been redesigned)
Client: The Edge (for WOMAD)
Dates: January 1998 - February 1999
My professional status: independent web designer/developer

1999 was the second year that a full-scale WOMAD festival was held in New Zealand. They needed an attractive and accessible site that would tell the world about WOMAD Aotearoa. I designed and built this award-winning website, which could be easily added to and updated in the runup to the 1999 event. Find out more about the WOMAD project

Categories: Scoping/pitching/quoting, Client liaison, Project manager, IA & UX, Website designer, Front-end developer, Writing for the web, Content-loader, Webmaster, jQuery/JavaScript, Old-school table layout, No CMS, Medium sites

Health Action

Health Action

Website: healthaction.org.nz (site has since been redesigned)
Client: Health Action
Dates: February - November 1998
My professional status: independent web designer/developer

Nelson-based health advocacy group Health Action, who had absolutely no experience of the web, wanted a website which they could use as one of their outreach tools for youth. I designed and built this youth-oriented site, which included a database listing a wide range of health resources in the local region. Find out more about the Health Action project

Categories: Scoping/pitching/quoting, Client liaison, Project manager, IA & UX, Website designer, Front-end developer, Writing for the web, Content-loader, Old-school table layout, Database-driven (pre-CMS), Medium sites

Hillary Commission

Hillary Commission

Website: no longer online
Client: The Hillary Commission
Dates: April 1997 and March - October 1999
Government status: was part of the Ministry for Culture and Heritage
My professional status: contractor at CWA New Media

I designed and built the Kids Go 4 It and Push Play sections, and maintained and developed the main multi-award-winning site. In 1999 the Hillary Commission wanted a compete overhaul of the site, which I carried out - including design and architecture, budgeting and timelining. Find out more about the Hillary Commission project

Categories: Scoping/pitching/quoting, Client liaison, Project manager, IA & UX, Website designer, Front-end developer, Content-loader, Webmaster, Old-school table layout, No CMS, Government websites, Large sites