Technical Advisory
84EM advises businesses and their teams on software architecture, web platform decisions, and AI adoption, focused on the decisions that are hard to reverse.
Architecture reviews
Stack, platform, and integration choices weighed against what you're building.
AI adoption guidance
A practical plan for bringing AI tools into your team's workflow.
Proposal & RFP review
An independent check of the numbers and the approach.
Decision support
An engineer's read on platform, vendor, and migration calls.
Why 84EM for technical advisory?
Advisory work gets the same person who does the engineering. You bring the decision, 84EM reads the materials, and you get a clear recommendation you can defend.
31 years of engineering experience
Applied to architecture decisions, vendor selection, and AI adoption plans.
Analysis specific to your situation
Built from your materials and constraints, specific to the decision in front of you.
Software, web, and AI depth
Grounded in current, hands-on work in all three.
Direct engagement
You talk to the engineer doing the work, from scoping through delivery.
When to Bring In an Outside Engineer
Evaluating a vendor proposal
You're not sure the approach is sound, the scope is achievable, or the price reflects the work.
Planning AI adoption
Your team wants to use AI tools, and you need a rollout that doesn't create new problems.
Architecture decisions with long-term consequences
You're weighing platform, integration, or migration decisions that would be expensive to unwind.
Reviewing a technical plan
A proposal, codebase, or build is ready, and you want someone who has shipped similar work to go through it first.
What does an advisory engagement look like?
Architecture Reviews
How your platform, stack, and integration decisions meet your requirements.
AI Adoption Strategy
Guidance on tool selection, workflow fit, and rules for day-to-day use.
Proposal and RFP Review
A close look at proposals, RFP responses, and technical evaluations.
Codebase Review
Technical assessment for acquisition, investment, or handoff decisions.
Team Enablement
Training for your engineering team on specific tools or practices.
Ongoing Advisory
Retainer-based access for recurring technical questions.
How does an advisory engagement work?
Four stages that run from a scoping conversation to written recommendations you can act on, and 84EM sticks around afterward for questions as you implement.
Scope the Question
A conversation about the decision, the stakes, and what you need from the engagement.
Engage
Review the codebase, proposal, or environment in question, focusing on the parts that bear on the decision.
Deliver
Findings delivered in writing, with a plan attached when the situation calls for one.
Follow Through
Available for follow-up questions, implementation support, or ongoing advisory as the work proceeds.
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 84EM 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 84EM 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.
How do I get started with 84EM?
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 a straight engineering answer before you commit budget or pick a partner.
Folks we've helped.
