About me

Just Pixel —

I care about both sides of the craft — how a site looks and how it performs. Here's a bit more about how I think and work.

Building since 2010

Sixteen years of hands‑on craft

I'm a web designer and developer with 16 years of hands‑on experience, based in Birmingham and working worldwide. Design and the code beneath it aren't separate jobs to me — they're one craft, kept with the same person from first sketch to final deploy.

The result is fast, maintainable sites built with intention — and a direct line to the person actually doing the work, from the first conversation to launch.

Based in Birmingham

Working worldwide, in Dutch & English.

16 years in the craft

Designing and building since 2010.

Astro enthusiast

My framework of choice.

AI enthusiast

Claude is my daily thinking partner.

UI/UX enthusiast

Clean, usable design.

Coffee lover

Fuelled by the best coffee.

My Process

How I Work

These aren't aspirations — they're the constraints every project is held to, from the first conversation to the final handover.

Performance First

Fast sites rank better, convert better, and keep users happy. I optimise for speed from the ground up.

Experience That Shows

Sixteen years of experience means I know what works, what doesn't, and exactly what your project needs.

Modern from the Ground Up

Built with today's tooling. Fast, maintainable, and ready for whatever comes next.

Tools & Tech

My Stack

The tools I rely on every day to build fast, modern websites — chosen for performance, great developer experience, and reliability.

Good to know

Frequently asked questions

Some of the questions I get asked most often.

About Astro

What is Astro?

Astro is a modern web framework built for content-driven sites. It ships zero JavaScript by default — only sending what the page actually needs. The result is fast load times, excellent Core Web Vitals scores, and lean, maintainable code.

Why do you build with Astro?

Because it matches the way I think about the web: lean, purposeful, and built to last. Astro lets me ship fast sites without fighting the framework — minimal JavaScript, clean HTML, great SEO — so I can focus on the design and details that actually matter.

Do you always build with Astro?

Almost always. For portfolios, business sites, marketing pages, and blogs, Astro is the right tool. If a project genuinely calls for something different, I'll be upfront about it. But Astro handles most of what clients need, and it does it exceptionally well.

Do you build Astro themes?

Yes. I built Just Pixel — a free, production-ready theme listed on the official Astro themes directory. It includes a full component library, blog support, dark mode, SEO, and everything you need to launch a fast modern website without starting from scratch.

Do you plan to build more Astro themes?

Yes, that's the plan. Just Pixel is actively maintained and I have ideas for new themes in the pipeline. Follow along on the blog or keep an eye on the official Astro themes directory for what's next.

About the work

Do you use AI when you build a website?

Yes — I work alongside Claude as a thinking partner throughout every project. Not as a shortcut, but as a second perspective that helps me think through design decisions, review code, and spot things I might otherwise miss.

Are you a company or agency?

No. I'm a designer and developer who works solo, driven by genuine enthusiasm for the craft — not by commercial targets. There's no sales team, no account manager, no handoff to a junior. You work directly with me from the first conversation to the final delivery.

How do you choose which projects to take on?

I look for projects where good design and solid execution actually matter to the client. I work best when there's a clear goal, an open line of communication, and a client who trusts the process. I'd rather take on fewer projects and do them properly than stretch across too many at once.

Do you offer support or maintenance after launch?

Yes. Whether it's small updates, content changes, or something more involved — I'm available after launch. We can agree on whatever arrangement works best for the project.

Do you work with clients outside the UK?

Absolutely. I'm based in Birmingham but work with clients worldwide. Most projects run entirely remote, which works well for clear briefs and good communication. Time zone differences are rarely a problem.

Backstory

The longer story

You've seen the work, the process, and the tools. If you'd like to know the person behind them, I've put the whole story in one place.

Read the full story

Let's talk

Sound like a good fit?

If my background and approach match what you're looking for, I'm open to new projects. Let's have a conversation.

Start a Project