Custom Web Development
Web apps, SaaS products, APIs, and integrations built in Laravel, Node.js, Python, Go, and modern front-end stacks. Senior engineering for platforms that handle production traffic. 31 years of experience. Complete ownership, no vendor lock-in.
Web Platforms & SaaS
Full-stack applications, portals, and SaaS products built for production
Modern Stacks
Laravel, Node.js, Python, and Go on the back-end. React, Next.js, and Hugo on the front.
API Integrations
Connecting systems, services, and data sources into unified pipelines
Headless & Static Sites
Performance-first architectures with modern frontend frameworks
Who builds your custom software?
One principal engineer, start to finish. The same person scopes the project, architects it, writes the code, deploys it, and hands it off, with no layer relaying messages to a rotating team. 84EM brings 31 years of engineering experience to every build.
Most agencies put a layer between you and the developers, relaying messages to a rotating team. The person who scoped the project is not the person who builds it. Details get lost. Quality drops. Timelines slip.
Every 84EM engagement is handled directly by a principal engineer. The person who architects the solution is the same person who writes the code, deploys it, and hands it off.
What can 84EM build?
Web platforms and SaaS products, API integrations and middleware, back-end engineering, and headless or static sites. Built in whichever stack fits the problem, Laravel, Node.js, Python, Go, or a modern JavaScript front-end, for platforms that handle production traffic.
Web Platforms & SaaS
Customer-facing applications, membership portals, marketplaces, and SaaS products. Full-stack builds with authentication, payment processing, admin panels, and the infrastructure to support production traffic.
API Integrations & Middleware
Connecting CRMs, ERPs, payment processors, shipping providers, and third-party services into unified data pipelines. Custom middleware, webhooks, and sync logic built to handle real-world edge cases.
Back-end Engineering
Laravel and modern PHP, Node.js and TypeScript, Python, and Go. Stack chosen to fit the problem and the team that will maintain it – not picked by default. Background jobs, queues, scheduled tasks, and the operational plumbing production work actually needs.
Headless & Static Sites
Performance-first architectures using Hugo, Next.js, and headless CMS platforms. Content-driven sites that load fast, rank well, and cost almost nothing to host.
How does a custom build run?
Four stages: discovery and scoping, architecture, development and testing, then documentation and handoff. The same principal engineer handles the full lifecycle, so nothing is lost in an offshore or junior-developer handoff.
Discovery & Scoping
Direct conversation with the engineer who builds it. Requirements, technical constraints, stack selection, and a project plan with concrete deliverables and a realistic timeline.
Architecture
Scalable architecture tailored to your platform, hosting environment, and performance requirements. No vague estimates. No scope that quietly expands.
Development & Testing
Built to industry coding standards with comprehensive automated and manual testing. Error handling, logging, monitoring, and CI/CD pipelines are part of the build, not afterthoughts.
Documentation & Handoff
Complete code documentation, deployment instructions, and direct knowledge transfer. Handled by a principal engineer with 31 years of experience -- the same person who built it.
Build custom or buy off-the-shelf?
Off-the-shelf software wins when a product already fits the workflow and configuration is enough. A custom build wins when the software is a competitive advantage, the data model is unusual, or you have outgrown what a platform allows. 84EM says honestly which one a project needs.
Build custom when
- The software itself is a competitive advantage, not a commodity
- Your data model or workflow does not fit an existing product
- You have hit the limits of what an off-the-shelf platform allows
- You need full ownership of the code with no vendor lock-in
Buy off-the-shelf when
- A proven product already fits the workflow with light configuration
- Speed to launch matters more than a tailored fit
- The problem is common and well served by existing tools
- Ongoing vendor maintenance is preferable to owning the code
Read all testimonialsAny company looking for his services would be very lucky to have him on their team!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you build AI into my product?
Yes. Custom AI tools, LLM-powered features, and automated workflows that plug into your existing stack. If you started an AI project that stalled, 84EM audits the work, fixes what's broken, and brings it to production. See AI Integration & Development for the full scope.
Can you integrate with CRM, ERP, or business systems?
Yes. HubSpot, Salesforce, banking platforms, healthcare systems, payment processors, and more. Custom API connections built as needed.
What's your typical project timeline?
Small fixes and hourly tasks: a few business days. Small-to-mid projects like plugin builds or focused integrations: a few weeks. Complex builds like custom applications or platform integrations: 2 to 4 months. Enterprise engagements: 6 to 12+ months.
Will I work directly with Andrew?
Yes. Every 84EM engagement is handled by a principal engineer. Andrew is the point of contact and the accountable party from scoping through deployment. For larger engagements, a trusted network of developers and specialists is brought in, but communication and accountability stay with Andrew.
Do I own the code you write?
Yes. All custom code is owned by the client. Full access provided. Documentation included. No lock-in.
How do I get started?
Contact 84EM to discuss your requirements, timeline, and budget. No commitment required.
Have something to build?
Say what you're building. You'll get senior engineering and full ownership of the code -- no vendor lock-in.
Folks We've Helped
