I’m a consulting IT architect based in Melbourne, Australia. I work for both local and international clients providing a broad range of technology consulting advice.

I provide a range of Information Technology services in the areas of software system architecture, design, integration, process improvement and cloud enablement. Examples of the things I do are:

  • Help grow ideas on the internet
  • Design and build custom software (desktop, iPhone and Android Apps)
  • Create cost effective database solutions
  • Build functional web sites
  • Offer technical consulting services (turning ideas into reality)
  • Provide freelance consulting and management support for enterprise initiatives.

Clients

I have built IT systems for blue-chip companies in Europe and Australia. I have developed technology solutions for customers like American Insurance Group, ANZ’s eCommerce division, Telstra’s Intranet solutions group and Foster’s Breweries. Along the way, I have also provided consulting services for Internet start-ups, not for profits organisations and smaller businesses.

Technologies

I like to work in an open source environment as much as possible, this means I program in languages such as Ruby on Rails (RoR), Java, PHP, Perl and C++. I also have done lots of work with some of the Microsoft toolsets (.Net, Sharepoint etc.). I build most of my client websites using the Joomla, WordPress and Drupal content management systems.

I’ve designed and built interactive database solutions using MySQL, PostgreSQL, SQLServer and Oracle databases.

What can I do for you?

I am available for hire on a consulting basis, as a technology consultant to help in designing and building software solutions to help your business grow. My approach to work is open, honest and direct with a can-do attitude and a keen eye on my customer’s return on their investment.

What does freelance mean?

Freelance means I pay for my own electricity, tools, laptop, software etc. It also means I get to choose when and where I work. I have spent a fortune on my home office set-up and intend to make full use of it as I work on website designs, intricate programming problems and annoying database migrations. I’ll meet with clients at their offices or mine, but the bulk of the work happens at the Peter Mac Mansion. This gives me the freedom to burn the midnight oil while listening to music of my choice (LOUD!!) and free from the need to spend two hours every day commuting to a fluorescent lit cubicle.

What geographic areas do I service?

I am based in Melbourne Australia but have worked with clients in Sydney, Brisbane, Ireland and Vietnam. I use a bundle of web based tools to ensure connectivity, transparency and communication are maintained. Skype is nearly always open on my desktop.

Developing an idea, what are the next steps?

Whether it’s an iPhone or Android app, website or desktop application, the key is to get some shape around the idea. Investing your time in describing key functions in a clear and concise manner will help you get the best out of any programmer you approach. There are a bundle of online tools to help in this process and there’s always good old fashioned word processors. The main thing is to think it through so you can approach me (or anybody else) with a clear view of your idea and how you want it executed.

Programmers with any reasonable level of experience appreciate clients who have put time and effort into thinking things through. If you have invested in your idea, we can have a much more productive conversation.

  • Create a one page bullet point list of the key functions you see your app performing
  • Use a mockup tool such as Balsamiq or Moqups to create a rough conceptual picture of your app…or if you’d prefer, just use pen and paper to get the ideas down and we can refine them later.
  • Give me a call and we can talk about the feasibility, costs, timelines to turn your idea into reality

How much do you charge?

This is one of those horrible ‘it depends’ answers. If you have a project that will take me a year of full time work to complete, you’ll get a different rate than if you want me to create an iPhone app that takes a week. Please get in touch to discuss your ideas and we can work out something that suits your budget and my experience.