Essential Designs is a custom software development agency specializing in complex web and mobile applications for growing companies and enterprise teams. For 18 years, we’ve helped organizations turn ideas — and often underperforming or partially built systems — into secure, scalable platforms built to last.
We design and develop custom web platforms, internal dashboards, and mobile apps using modern technologies like React, React Native, Python, PHP, ASP.NET, and Swift. Our work is best suited for projects where off-the-shelf software isn’t flexible enough and long-term reliability matters.
Our process starts with deep planning and discovery, aligning technology with real business workflows from day one. With senior developers and experienced UI/UX designers, we build software that’s robust, intuitive for non-technical teams, and easy to scale over time.
What we’re best known for
Custom internal platforms and dashboards where standard tools fall short
Taking over and stabilizing underperforming or incomplete builds
Translating complex requirements into clear, usable software
Delivering enterprise-grade solutions designed for long-term growth
We’ve delivered hundreds of custom solutions across healthcare, education, mining, finance, recruitment, and enterprise operations, often acting as a long-term development partner and extension of internal teams.
With offices in Vancouver, Toronto, Calgary, Los Angeles, and San Diego, we’re available for in-person collaboration and ongoing partnerships.
Typical projects
Custom internal web applications & dashboards
Scalable web platforms & SaaS products
Native & cross-platform mobile apps
Ongoing development, iteration, and system expansion
Ready to build something solid? Click “Visit Website” to start the conversation.
Min project size
$10,000+
Hourly rate
$25 - $49 / hr
Employees
50 - 249
Locations
Vancouver, Canada
Year founded
Founded 2008
Languages
Timezones
1 Language that we service
English
3 Timezones that we service
CST
Central Standard Time (CST)
EST
Eastern Standard Time (EST)
PST
Pacific Standard Time (PST)
5 Locations
Vancouver , Canada
Toronto , Canada
Calgary , Canada
Los Angeles , CA
San Diego , CA
No have been added yet...
Pricing Snapshot
Min. project size
$10,000+
Avg. hourly rate
$25 - $49
/hr
Rating for cost
4.9
/5
What Clients Have Said
Essential Designs offers competitive pricing and good value for cost, with project investments ranging from $10,000 to $260,000. Clients appreciate their responsiveness, project management, and ability to adapt to needs, resulting in successful outcomes and satisfaction.
The company is consistently commended for its effective project management, delivering projects on time and efficiently handling milestones. Clients highlight their proactive communication and adaptability to client needs.
Areas for Improvement in Training and Documentation
While clients are generally satisfied, some have noted the need for more comprehensive training resources and clearer documentation to facilitate easier onboarding and internal training processes.
Proficiency in Custom Software Solutions
Essential Designs excels in developing tailored software solutions, enhancing operational efficiency and integrating seamlessly with existing systems. Clients across diverse sectors praise their ability to deliver scalable platforms that meet specific business needs.
Effective Use of Client Feedback in Development
Essential Designs is noted for effectively incorporating client feedback into the development process, allowing for iterative improvements and ensuring that final products closely align with client visions.
Positive Impact on Business Operations
Clients report significant improvements in their business operations post-implementation of solutions by Essential Designs, including increased productivity, reduced manual processes, and enhanced user engagement.
Successful App Development and Deployment
The company has a strong track record in developing and deploying mobile apps, resulting in increased user engagement and positive client feedback. Their apps often exceed client expectations in functionality and user experience.
SaaS Web App Design & Dev for Municipal Association
Featured Review
Custom Software DevelopmentUX/UI DesignWeb Development
$200,000 to $999,999
June 2023 - Ongoing
5.0
Quality
5.0
Schedule
5.0
Cost
5.0
Willing to Refer
5.0
"They offer great problem-solving and a good attitude."
Oct 11, 2024
Senior Specialist, Municipal Association
Amin Mneina, MSc. P.Eng.
Verified
Construction
Ontario, Canada
11-50 Employees
Online Review
Verified
Essential Designs has developed a SaaS web app for a municipal association. The team also hosts the app on their servers and provides maintenance and troubleshooting services.
Essential Designs has shown a great problem-solving attitude and worked well with the client to achieve the project's vision. The team has delivered all milestones on time, except when the client needs more time to review or add items to the scope. Essential Designs is also flexible and agile.
The client submitted this review online.
BACKGROUND
Please describe your company and position.
I am the Senior Specialist of a municipal association.
Describe what your company does in a single sentence.
We're a municipal association concerned with the quality and design of roads in Ontario. We have been devoted to the cause of better roads since 1894. Our members include most of Ontario’s municipalities and a growing number of First Nations as well as dozens of affiliated corporate members in the transportation and infrastructure sectors.
OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE
What specific goals or objectives did you hire Essential Designs to accomplish?
Develop an SaaS web app
Host the web app on their servers
maintenance and troubleshooting
SOLUTION
How did you find Essential Designs?
Online Search
Referral
Why did you select Essential Designs over others?
High ratings
Pricing fit our budget
Good value for cost
How many teammates from Essential Designs were assigned to this project?
6-10 Employees
Describe the scope of work in detail. Please include a summary of key deliverables.
that is confidential information
RESULTS & FEEDBACK
What were the measurable outcomes from the project that demonstrate progress or success?
They offer great problem-solving and a good attitude in working with the client towards finishing the project as per the client's vision.
Describe their project management. Did they deliver items on time? How did they respond to your needs?
project was divided into 8 milestones and they were all delivered on time with exceptions for when the client (us) took longer to review or had to add further items to the scope.
What was your primary form of communication with Essential Designs?
Virtual Meeting
Email or Messaging App
What did you find most impressive or unique about this company?
flexibility and agility
Are there any areas for improvement or something Essential Designs could have done differently?
.
RATINGS
5.0
Quality
5.0
Service & Deliverables
Schedule
5.0
On time / deadlines
Cost
5.0
Value / within estimates
Willing to Refer
5.0
NPS
Custom Software Development for Marketing Platform
Custom Software DevelopmentMobile App DevelopmentWeb Development
$50,000 to $199,999
Aug. 2024 - Ongoing
5.0
Quality
5.0
Schedule
5.0
Cost
5.0
Willing to Refer
5.0
"Their proactive attitude and commitment to fully understanding the solution stood out."
Apr 14, 2025
Director of Content, AdvisorStream
Kerri Vandeloo
Financial services
Toronto, Ontario
11-50 Employees
Online Review
Essential Designs provides development services for a marketing platform. The team has built a SaaS platform for financial services with a self-service environment and has constructed iOS and Android apps.
Essential Designs' work has been of excellent quality. The team's commitment to refining features and improving the product's functionality and UX is commendable. Moreover, the team's structured project management stands out. Daily communications have been smoothly through Slack and Basecamp.
The client submitted this review online.
BACKGROUND
Please describe your company and position.
I am the Director of Content of AdvisorStream
Describe what your company does in a single sentence.
AdvisorStream is the highest-rated marketing platform for financial advisors that drives growth, revenue, and retention.
OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE
What specific goals or objectives did you hire Essential Designs to accomplish?
We hired Essential Designs to support the development of a SaaS platform tailored for financial services. The scope included building a Web Self-Service environment, iOS and Android mobile applications, and a robust back-end with multiple third-party integrations. In addition to development, Essential Designs also provides ongoing first- and second-line support for the platform.
SOLUTION
How did you find Essential Designs?
Referral
Clutch Site
Why did you select Essential Designs over others?
High ratings
Close to my geographic location
Pricing fit our budget
Great culture fit
Good value for cost
Referred to me
Company values aligned
How many teammates from Essential Designs were assigned to this project?
2-5 Employees
Describe the scope of work in detail. Please include a summary of key deliverables.
The project scope included UI/UX design for both web and mobile interfaces, full-stack development of the SaaS platform, and provisioning of business analysis, QA, DevOps, and support resources. The key deliverables included a white-labelled web platform, native mobile applications, and a comprehensive back-end system capable of integrating with multiple external services. The team handled everything from discovery to deployment.
RESULTS & FEEDBACK
What were the measurable outcomes from the project that demonstrate progress or success?
The quality of the final product has been excellent. While some phases of the project took slightly longer than expected, the delays were often due to the team’s deep involvement and commitment to refining features and identifying additional areas for improvement. Their thoughtful approach consistently resulted in better functionality and user experience.
Describe their project management. Did they deliver items on time? How did they respond to your needs?
Project management was well-structured, with regular stand-ups that included the Essential Designs Project Manager and Delivery Manager, as well as weekly delivery calls involving business analysts and key stakeholders. Daily communications flowed smoothly through Slack and Basecamp, allowing our internal team to collaborate efficiently with theirs.
What was your primary form of communication with Essential Designs?
Virtual Meeting
Email or Messaging App
What did you find most impressive or unique about this company?
Their proactive attitude and commitment to fully understanding the solution stood out. The team consistently offered insightful suggestions, demonstrating a true interest in delivering a product that met not just the requirements, but the bigger business goals!
Are there any areas for improvement or something Essential Designs could have done differently?
There were occasional minor delays in delivery timelines, but these were addressed quickly and constructively. The team showed strong accountability and took steps to improve internal processes wherever needed.
RATINGS
5.0
Quality
5.0
Service & Deliverables
Schedule
5.0
On time / deadlines
Cost
5.0
Value / within estimates
Willing to Refer
5.0
NPS
Mobile App Development for Corporate Greeting Card Company
Mobile App Development
$10,000 to $49,999
Nov. 2024 - Ongoing
5.0
Quality
5.0
Schedule
5.0
Cost
5.0
Willing to Refer
5.0
"They've really taken the time to understand our needs and deliver exactly what we've envisioned."
Apr 7, 2025
Marketing Manager, Embassy Greeting Cards
Eva Pullano
Retail
Aurora, Ontario
1-10 Employees
Online Review
Essential Designs has developed a mobile app for a corporate greeting card company. They've built features enabling users to sign up and select gifts, conducted tests, fixed bugs, and provided ongoing support.
Essential Designs has helped the client increase users, improve ratings, and reduce technical issues. The team's highly organized project management has enabled them to quickly deliver on time and address adjustments. They're also professional, efficient, and committed to quality.
The client submitted this review online.
BACKGROUND
Please describe your company and position.
I am the Marketing Manager of Embassy Greeting Cards
Describe what your company does in a single sentence.
Embassy Cards creates, publishes and markets corporate greeting cards throughout Canada. Embassy Cards excels in creating custom and unique greeting cards for discerning corporations.
OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE
What specific goals or objectives did you hire Essential Designs to accomplish?
We partnered with Essential Designs to develop a mobile app that allows users to sign up, select gifts, and complete secure transactions seamlessly.
SOLUTION
How did you find Essential Designs?
Referral
Why did you select Essential Designs over others?
High ratings
Close to my geographic location
Referred to me
Company values aligned
How many teammates from Essential Designs were assigned to this project?
6-10 Employees
Describe the scope of work in detail. Please include a summary of key deliverables.
Essential Designs built a user-friendly app that ensures a smooth experience for customers. They thoroughly tested the app, addressed any bugs, and provided continued support to improve functionality.
RESULTS & FEEDBACK
What were the measurable outcomes from the project that demonstrate progress or success?
The app has been a success! We’ve seen an increase in users, better ratings, and fewer technical issues since launch.
Describe their project management. Did they deliver items on time? How did they respond to your needs?
They were highly organized, met deadlines, and quickly made adjustments when needed.
What was your primary form of communication with Essential Designs?
Virtual Meeting
Email or Messaging App
What did you find most impressive or unique about this company?
They've really taken the time to understand our needs and deliver exactly what we've envisioned. Their professionalism, efficiency, and commitment to quality made the process smooth.
Are there any areas for improvement or something Essential Designs could have done differently?
There were some minor tweaks I requested, but nothing that impacted the final result. Their team was quick to make adjustments, so it wasn’t really an issue.
RATINGS
5.0
Quality
5.0
Service & Deliverables
Schedule
5.0
On time / deadlines
Cost
5.0
Value / within estimates
Willing to Refer
5.0
NPS
Custom Software Dev for Insulation Product Manufacturer
Custom Software Development
$50,000 to $199,999
Mar. 2023 - Ongoing
5.0
Quality
5.0
Schedule
5.0
Cost
5.0
Willing to Refer
5.0
"The way they set up their teams is efficient and works well."
Apr 26, 2024
President, Insulation Snakes
Brian Impey
Verified
Manufacturing
Alberta, Canada
11-50 Employees
Online Review
Verified
Essential Designs has built software for an insulation product manufacturer. They've implemented features enabling end customers to identify and order the products they need.
Essential Designs has delivered fully functional software as scheduled. They've conducted a beta test, and the app only requires minor changes. Moreover, their knowledgeable team impresses the client with their efficiency and responsiveness. They also communicate well via email and online meetings.
The client submitted this review online.
BACKGROUND
Please describe your company and position.
I am the President of Insulation Snakes
Describe what your company does in a single sentence.
We make removable, reusable, weatherproof insulation products.
OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE
What specific goals or objectives did you hire Essential Designs to accomplish?
Design an app for customers and end users to be able to determine and then order the products they need
SOLUTION
How did you find Essential Designs?
Online Search
Why did you select Essential Designs over others?
High ratings
Close to my geographic location
Pricing fit our budget
Great culture fit
Good value for cost
How many teammates from Essential Designs were assigned to this project?
6-10 Employees
Describe the scope of work in detail. Please include a summary of key deliverables.
Essential designs walked us through the process and then worked with us to develop our software.
RESULTS & FEEDBACK
What were the measurable outcomes from the project that demonstrate progress or success?
The software works and the Beta testing was very successful with only small changes
Describe their project management. Did they deliver items on time? How did they respond to your needs?
On time and the most responsive IT company we have ever worked with!
What was your primary form of communication with Essential Designs?
Virtual Meeting
Email or Messaging App
What did you find most impressive or unique about this company?
The way they set up their teams is efficient and works well. Very knowledgeable staff in all disciplines
Are there any areas for improvement or something Essential Designs could have done differently?
Nothing I can think of.
RATINGS
5.0
Quality
5.0
Service & Deliverables
Schedule
5.0
On time / deadlines
Cost
5.0
Value / within estimates
Willing to Refer
5.0
NPS
Showing 31-34 of
34 Reviews
Our Story
We are Essential Designs, a Canada-based team with 18+ years building custom web, mobile, and business platforms. Our multidisciplinary group blends UX design, Agile engineering, QA and AI tools to modernize legacy systems and deliver new SaaS and enterprise apps. We've partnered with clients like Emerson Electric, Honeywell, Teck, Schneider Electric and Lifeguard to centralize operations, improve safety, save lives, scale remote-work and build licensing platforms.
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