Technical Advisory
Engineering judgment applied to the decisions that matter. 84EM consults and advises businesses and their teams on software architecture, web platform decisions, and AI adoption, so you build the right thing, pick the right partner, and avoid the mistakes that compound.
Architecture reviews
Platform, stack, and integration decisions assessed against your requirements.
AI adoption guidance
Tools and workflows for responsible, effective AI use.
Proposal & RFP review
A senior second opinion before you commit.
Decision support
Engineer's judgment on the calls that are expensive to get wrong.
Why 84EM for technical advisory?
31 years of engineering experience applied to your decisions, not just your code. Principal-level judgment with no junior analysts or offshore reviewers, real depth in software, web, and AI, and direct engagement with the engineer rather than someone who relays to a team.
31 years of engineering experience
Applied to your decisions, not just your code.
Principal-level judgment
No junior analysts, no offshore reviewers, no frameworks applied blindly.
Software, web, and AI depth
Specific expertise, not generic technology advice.
Direct engagement
You work with the engineer, not a consultant who relays to a team.
When You Need an Engineer's Judgment Before You Commit
Evaluating a vendor proposal
Unsure if the approach is sound, the scope is realistic, or the price reflects the work.
Planning AI adoption
Your team wants to use AI tools, and you need to do it safely, effectively, and without creating new problems.
Architecture decisions with long-term consequences
Platform choices, integration patterns, or migration paths where getting it wrong is expensive.
Second opinion on a technical plan
A proposal, codebase, or build is on the table and you want a senior voice before committing.
What does an advisory engagement look like?
Architecture Reviews
Assessment of platform, stack, and integration decisions against your requirements.
AI Adoption Strategy
Guidance on tools, workflows, and team enablement for responsible AI use.
Proposal and RFP Review
Second opinions on proposals, RFP responses, and technical evaluations before you commit.
Codebase Review
Technical assessment for acquisition, investment, or handoff decisions.
Team Enablement
Training and guidance for your engineering team on specific tools or practices.
Ongoing Advisory
Retainer-based access for recurring technical questions and decision support.
How does an advisory engagement work?
Four stages: scope the question, engage with the materials, deliver written findings and recommendations, then follow through. You get concrete recommendations, not slide decks, and access for follow-up as the work proceeds.
Scope the Question
Direct conversation about what you're deciding, what's at stake, and what you need from the engagement.
Engage
Review the materials, codebase, proposal, or environment. Ask the questions a senior engineer would ask.
Deliver
Written findings, recommendations, and, when appropriate, a plan. Concrete recommendations, not slide decks.
Follow Through
Available for follow-up questions, implementation support, or ongoing advisory as the work proceeds.
Advisory only, or build it too?
Advisory-only fits when you have a team to execute and need senior judgment on a decision, a vendor proposal, or an architecture call. A build engagement fits when you want the same engineer who assessed the problem to implement the fix. 84EM does both and says which the situation needs.
Advisory only when
- You have a team to execute and need the decision de-risked
- A vendor proposal or RFP needs a senior second opinion
- An architecture or platform call is expensive to get wrong
- You need judgment, not hands on the keyboard
Bring 84EM in to build when
- You want the engineer who assessed it to implement it
- The fix is clear and you need senior execution, not more analysis
- Handoff risk is high and continuity matters
- The problem spans advice and implementation together
Read all testimonialsHe communicates technical recommendations clearly and accessibly, making them easy to understand for those without a technical background. Beyond his skill and knowledge, Andrew has been a valuable mentor to our internal development team, always collaborative, reliable, and committed to delivering high-quality results.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you advise without doing the implementation?
Yes. Technical Advisory engagements cover architecture reviews, AI adoption strategy, proposal and RFP review, codebase review, team enablement, and ongoing advisory. Retainer or per-engagement. See Technical Advisory.
Can I get a second opinion on a vendor proposal?
Yes. Proposal and RFP review is a common advisory engagement. A senior technical assessment of scope, architecture, cost, and risk before you commit. Useful for non-technical founders and technical leaders alike.
Can I hire you for ongoing advisory without a specific project?
Yes. Technical Advisory retainers are available for architecture guidance, code review, AI adoption strategy, and general senior technical input. Useful for teams that need a principal engineer on call without hiring full-time. See Technical Advisory.
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.
How much will my project cost?
Past engagements have ranged from a few hours of discovery work to multi-year retainers in the six figures. It depends on scope.
How do I get started?
Contact 84EM to discuss your requirements, timeline, and budget. No commitment required.
Need a second opinion?
Describe the decision in front of you. You'll get straight engineering judgment before you commit budget or pick a partner.
Folks We've Helped
