Built as lead developer
Research Internship Portal
Replaced 24 Google Forms and a pile of spreadsheets with one self-service portal for a university research internship programme.
- PHP
- MySQL
- JavaScript
Software shaped around how you work
For when spreadsheets and off-the-shelf tools stop fitting. Portals, booking systems and internal tools built for your process, not the other way round.
Custom Web Applications
Sound familiar?
- Your team works from a spreadsheet that has become hard to manage
- Jobs, customers and staff live in different places
- Off-the-shelf software forces you to work its way, not yours
- You pay for several tools that each do only part of the job
Good fit if you pay for several tools that don't talk to each other, or your process has outgrown spreadsheets.
What's included
Everything you need, nothing you don't
Every project is scoped to your business. These are the most common pieces.
- Customer and job portals
- Job, staff and scheduling management systems
- Booking and membership systems
- Internal dashboards and admin panels
- Turning a struggling team spreadsheet into a proper system
Tools & technology
- PHP and Laravel
- JavaScript
- MySQL
- REST APIs and integrations with Google Workspace
Examples
What this looks like in practice
Web App
BeforeJobs, staff and customers live in three different places, and nobody has the full picture.
AfterOne simple system where the team sees today's jobs and customers can check their booking.
Web App
BeforeApplications arrive through dozens of separate forms and are sorted by hand.
AfterOne portal where people apply, the right person reviews, and everyone sees the status.
Web App
BeforeMembers are tracked on paper and in a spreadsheet at the front desk.
AfterA membership system with QR check-in, renewal reminders and a live list of who is active.
Related work
Things I've built
Open source
Member Hub with QR Check-in
Membership system for gyms and studios: members get a QR code, staff scan it at the door, and renewal reminders go out automatically.
- Apps Script
- Web app
- Sheets
- Gmail
Open source
Smart Scheduler
A public booking page powered by a Google Sheet, with live availability, double-booking protection and confirmation emails.
- Apps Script
- HTML/CSS/JS
- Sheets
- Gmail
Working process
From first call to handover
-
Short call
A 20 to 30 minute video call about your business and the problem. No cost, no obligation.
-
Fixed quote
Within 2 working days you get a written scope, timeline and fixed price. No hourly surprises.
-
Build
50% to start. You see progress along the way and can give feedback before anything is final.
-
Handover
The remaining 50% on completion. You get everything, a simple guide, and 30 days of free fixes.
FAQ
Questions about custom web applications
Why not just use off-the-shelf software?
Often you should, and I'll say so if a ready-made tool fits. A custom application makes sense when your process is different enough that you keep working around the software, or when you're paying for several tools to do one job.
How long does a web application take?
A focused first version usually takes 4 to 8 weeks. Larger systems are built in stages, so you start using the most important part early.
Who hosts it, and who owns it?
It's hosted in an account you own, and you own the code and data. I help set up hosting and explain the monthly running costs up front.
Can we start small?
Yes, and it's usually the best way. We build the part that saves the most time first, then add to it once your team is using it.
Have a process that eats up your week?
Tell me about it. I reply within one working day, and the first call is free.