Ace Digital Design logo

About

Hi, I'm Richard

I'm a front-end developer and web designer who enjoys creating simple, well-designed, and functional websites.

I'm not a fan of talking about myself, but in the world of AI, I think it's important to know there's still a human behind the screen. That human is me. Hi. πŸ‘‹

So, how do I work?

I run a one-person agency directly from my laptop. No expensive office space, no employee overheads, just me, my laptop and a Wi-Fi connection πŸ˜†. And with the help of modern AI tools, I can automate a lot of the repetitive admin work that would otherwise slow things down or require outsourcing. This keeps my overheads low and frees up more time for the work that actually matters.

The result is a streamlined agency where I can be more flexible and agile, work faster, and deliver high-quality services at a lower cost than traditional agencies.

Second, let's talk about competence.

I currently hold the position of Senior Frontend Developer at Harris Creative, where I lead the web department, building custom WordPress themes and components for major players in the construction industry.

Furthermore, I'm proud to say that I'm a certified Codeable Expertβ€”a community of highly-vetted, top-tier WordPress developers. πŸ’ͺ

I also run this agency, Ace Digital Design. Initially, I only offered WordPress services, but now I focus on creating simple, static websites instead. Why? Because most small businesses looking for their first website really don't need the complexity of WordPress (and therefore, the expense).

Don't get me wrong, I love WordPress but it can be a hassleβ€”it's complicated to set up, needs constant monitoring, and is mainly suited for clients who want to regularly manage their own content. While I still build WordPress sites, this is now a high-ticket service and usually not appropriate for most of my clients. If you're adamant about having a pixel-perfect design and want to update content yourself, WordPress is likely the perfect choice! Just understand that this level of control comes at a cost.

However, for most people looking for a straightforward website to establish an online presence, static sites are a much better fit. And when you're ready to grow, you can always upgrade to WordPress or another platform later.

When I'm not busy building websites, I live in West Yorkshire with my partner and our family dog, Millie. πŸ’•

Selfie of Richard Butler in Barcelona