Essential Designs is a custom software development agency specializing in complex web and mobile applications for growing companies and enterprise teams. For 17+ 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
4.8
/5
What Clients Have Said
Essential Designs offers competitive pricing and good value, with project investments ranging from $10,000 to $260,000. Clients consistently praise their responsiveness and project management, noting that they deliver quality work on time and often go beyond expectations without extra charges.
Essential Designs is noted for their dedication to ensuring client satisfaction. They are quick to address any issues and adapt to client feedback, demonstrating a strong commitment to delivering satisfactory results.
Positive Impact on Client Business
Projects completed by Essential Designs often led to positive outcomes for clients, such as increased user engagement, improved sales, and enhanced operational efficiency, demonstrating the effectiveness of their solutions.
Flexibility and Adaptability
Clients valued the flexibility and adaptability of Essential Designs. They were open to incorporating changes and suggestions, ensuring the final product met the evolving needs of the project.
Room for Improvement in Pricing Transparency
Some clients noted that while the pricing was fair, a more detailed upfront breakdown of costs would enhance clarity and help set better expectations regarding budget allocations.
Excellent Communication and Client Interaction
Essential Designs is frequently commended for their excellent communication skills. Clients appreciated their responsiveness, clarity in communication, and proactive updates, which contributed to a smooth project experience.
Positive Feedback on User Experience Design
Essential Designs received positive feedback for their user experience design, with clients noting the ease of use and intuitive interfaces of the applications developed.
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
Web & E-Commerce Dev for Religious Organization
Web Development
$10,000 to $49,999
Feb. 2018 - Ongoing
5.0
Quality
5.0
Schedule
5.0
Cost
5.0
Willing to Refer
4.5
“They're doing a great job.”
Jun 8, 2018
IT & Security Manager, Amazing Discoveries
Adrian Hamerski
Verified
Other industries
Langley, British Columbia
11-50 Employees
Phone Interview
Verified
Essential Designs cleaned up a past developer’s work. All from scratch, they will create a WordPress website and design an OpenCart webstore with features including inventory counting and transfer tracking.
Although the work is just beginning, Essential Designs delivers excellent support and communication. They document the work and cost estimates clearly and fix issues quickly. They exceeded expectations by helping with problems beyond their scope.
A Clutch analyst personally interviewed this
client over the phone. Below is an edited
transcript.
BACKGROUND
Introduce your business and what you do there.
I’m the IT and security manager for Amazing Discoveries. We’re a nonprofit, Christian ministry.
OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE
What challenge were you trying to address with Essential Designs?
We don’t have a big IT department and need to outsource some of our work. We previously worked with 3–5 people, but it was before they were capable of being efficient and jumping into the project, we had lost time.
SOLUTION
What was the scope of their involvement?
We had a meeting a with their president and project manager. We provided them with a list of our expectations and a list of things that weren’t working. We asked them to make the pages user-friendly and bug-free as much as possible, as well as do some graphic design and layout for the UI pages.
We decided to go with WordPress for the main webpage because we want to be able to update it ourselves. For the webstore, they will be taking care of the design from scratch and it will be done through OpenCart.
We are looking forward to having functionality that isn’t currently part of the OpenCart site, such an inventory counting. We make and produce our own DVDs, and we need certain features for accounting and other departments, such as tracking transfers between warehouses or checking the stock. Essential Designs is going to develop those from scratch.
For the first three months, they took care of the issues and bugs in the system that the previous developer left. In the meantime, they prepared quotes for us for the new systems, and we are currently reviewing their offer.
What is the team composition?
I am in direct contact with their president and project manager.
How did you come to work with Essential Designs?
We contacted a few local companies and Essential Designs was one of them. We met with them and they convinced us that they could eliminate the problems we were struggling with, and they could provide enough resources.
How much have you invested in them?
So far, we’ve spent between $30,000–$40,000 CAD ($23,099–$30,799 USD).
What is the status of this engagement?
We began working with them in February 2018 and the work is ongoing.
RESULTS & FEEDBACK
What evidence can you share that demonstrates the impact of the engagement?
They’re doing a great job. Communication is great. Everything is documented and clear. Even with problems that weren’t directly related to them, they helped me as much as they could, checking information with third-party companies. I receive great support from them.
How did Essential Designs perform from a project management standpoint?
Project management is really fast. As long as they have enough information from me, I receive a breakdown within 2–3 days about the current situation and what needs to be done. I’m able to reject or refuse if there is something I’m not happy with or if I don’t want to spend money on a feature. Once I give them the green light, they start working.
We communicate through email, Skype or phone. They use Basecamp which allows me to follow up on my requests and have updates on what is currently going on. I am very happy with the way they communicate. I report any problems and things are fixed within 24 hours.
Are there any areas they could improve?
There are no problems or doubts. We have two big projects that need to be built from scratch, and we haven’t reached the stage to see if they are capable of working on them at the same time. I believe they can, but it is new ground for both parties.
RATINGS
5.0
Quality
5.0
Service & Deliverables
Schedule
5.0
On time / deadlines
"In IT, it’s hard to predict unexpected things, but they do what they can."
Cost
5.0
Value / within estimates
"There are no hidden costs or unexpected expenses. Everything was clarified before we began working together."
Willing to Refer
4.5
NPS
"They are great and do a great job. I am happy. We are lucky we can afford their services as not everyone might be able to.
App Dev & Design for Technology Consulting Company
Mobile App Development
$10,000 to $49,999
Apr. 2018 - Ongoing
5.0
Quality
5.0
Schedule
5.0
Cost
5.0
Willing to Refer
5.0
"They keep on top of things and make sure that everyone is on the same page."
May 18, 2018
CEO, Cloud Launch One
Helen Ching
Verified
Other industries
Toronto, Ontario
1-10 Employees
Phone Interview
Verified
Essential Designs is designing and developing native apps for iOS and Android, as well as for a web portal. They're focusing on UI/UX and developing user personas.
While the app is still in development, Essential Designs earns praise for their efficiency and quality of work. Their expert team inspires confidence throughout the project by communicating clearly and beating deadlines. This, along with their can-do attitude, sets them up for an ongoing engagement.
A Clutch analyst personally interviewed this
client over the phone. Below is an edited
transcript.
BACKGROUND
Introduce your business and what you do there.
Cloud Launch One provides software-related services, ranging from design to requirements to data analysis.
OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE
What challenge were you trying to address with Essential Designs?
All of my teams are subcontractors. A customer needed mobile application design and development. I selected Essential Designs to help me with that part of the project.
SOLUTION
What was the scope of their involvement?
I provided them a line map, and walked them through all of the information required in terms of the environment. Then we had several conversations about user personas and required functionalities. They’re designing native apps for iOS and Android, as well as a version for a web portal. The goal is to add functionality that our competitors don't have to give ourselves a competitive advantage.
What is the team composition?
I'm primarily working with one UI/UX designer. A couple of people have been on some of our phone calls in order to manage the project on their end. I'll work directly with a developer once the design is finalized.
How did you come to work with Essential Designs?
The subcontractor that I typically work with was booked, so I looked online for a new firm. I decided to give Essential Designs a call because they have a Toronto office. I was very impressed by our phone conversation, and thought they would be a good fit.
How much have you invested with them?
I’ve spent $15,000 CAD ($11,703 USD) so far.
What is the status of this engagement?
Work began at the beginning of April 2018 and is ongoing. I have a contract until the end of September 2018, and we’ll most likely extend beyond that date.
RESULTS & FEEDBACK
What evidence can you share that demonstrates the impact of the engagement?
I’ve been very happy with the quality of work. Some minor tweaks were needed to make the design consistent with the corporate look and feel, but the clients’ marketing team is impressed with the overall design.
How did Essential Designs perform from a project management standpoint?
The team is very good at keeping the project moving. A lot of times we’re waiting for the client to evaluate and respond to a design. Essential Designs will continue to follow up. They keep on top of things and make sure that everyone is on the same page. They use a conference call tool that allows us to share our screens, record our meetings, and send documents back and forth.
What did you find most impressive about them?
They’re very good at what they do. The designer is very talented and very efficient. In fact, the designer finishes everything so quickly that we’re usually waiting on the client for the next batch of work. That's a good problem to have. I’m very happy with their service and responsiveness.
Any advice for potential customers?
Be prepared. Lay out everything from a from a project perspective so they know where they're going. If they know what effort is required, they can provide the best service. I wanted to make sure that I fully utilized the design team's time, so I shared all of my documents with them in advance. This way, everybody is working towards the same goal with the same expectations.
RATINGS
5.0
Quality
5.0
Service & Deliverables
Schedule
5.0
On time / deadlines
Cost
5.0
Value / within estimates
"The prices are quite reasonable."
Willing to Refer
5.0
NPS
Web Application Dev for Data Consulting Company
Web Development
$10,000 to $49,999
Oct. 2017 - Mar. 2018
5.0
Quality
5.0
Schedule
5.0
Cost
5.0
Willing to Refer
5.0
“The coders know what they’re doing, and they do things quickly and efficiently.”
Mar 23, 2018
Owner, Consulting Firm
Anonymous
Verified
Business services
Vancouver, British Columbia
1-10 Employees
Phone Interview
Verified
Essential Designs developed a custom web application using ASP.NET and a SQL Server database. They did all the coding and partnered on the design. The app manages inventory of wells and their attributes.
In contrast to off the shelf software, Essential Designs’ customized app surprised and delighted. The team delivered an app that performs exactly as desired, resulting in high satisfaction from users. The team’s communications and project management were timely and effective.
A Clutch analyst personally interviewed this
client over the phone. Below is an edited
transcript.
BACKGROUND
Introduce your business and what you do there.
I’m the owner of a data consulting company that works in the oil and gas sector.
OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE
What challenge were you trying to address with Essential Designs?
Each oil company has an inventory of wells or locations where there are going to be wells in the future. They have a whole bunch of land and plans for where they’re going to drill the next wells. They wanted to keep an inventory of all these wells and all the hundreds of attributes associated with them in a centralized place. They were using Excel worksheets and it was a disaster. The business problem was storing all of this in a centralized place, capturing the attribute changes that occurred over time, and allowing us to report on those changes. We needed to create a web app.
SOLUTION
What was the scope of their involvement?
We worked as a partnership on the design and database design. They did all the coding. I worked with a project manager through the testing phase to test it and provide feedback, and then they make the change. They used ASP.NET and it’s a SQL Server database.
We’re still engaged with them for changes or bug fixes. It’s an ongoing relationship.
What is the team composition?
I worked with 1–2 project managers. The development team was 2–3 people. There may have been a person in quality assurance as well.
How did you come to work with Essential Designs?
I visited three companies. I had worked with Essential Designs a few years back. I really liked Scott (President, Essential Designs), the owner. I found him reasonable and down to earth. The price was also really good; it was half of what others quoted.
How much have you invested with them?
We’ve spent $45,000 CAD ($35,194 USD).
What is the status of this engagement?
We started working together in October 2017 and the work is ongoing.
RESULTS & FEEDBACK
What evidence can you share that demonstrates the impact of the engagement?
The app performs exactly how we wanted it to. Pop-up boxes come up and data writes to the database exactly the way we wanted. The users are really pleased.
It’s been a new journey for our client to have a problem, dream up a solution, and then, have it come together, and work exactly how we wanted it. We typically buy software off the shelf and go through a big implementation. It’s been neat to tackle this problem on our own and make something to fit.
How did Essential Designs perform from a project management standpoint?
I deal with the project manager and he deals with the developers. We met in-person a couple of times. We tried to keep all communication inside of Basecamp. If I saw a bug, I’d screen capture it and post that to Basecamp. They communicated very well, and their responses were really timely. When we had a new feature that we wanted to add, they’d go to the developers, get a quote, and keep it in the queue until it was approved. I was pleased with that. The project manager was excellent.
What did you find most impressive about them?
It was a good, solid experience. The coders know what they’re doing, and they do things quickly and efficiently. I’ve been quite pleased.
Are there any areas they could improve?
No. It was a positive experience.
Do you have any advice for potential customers?
Provide clear, concise instruction on exactly what you want. If you’re vague on how you want something to work, they’re going to come up with the way that they think it’s going to work. It might not be the correct way and you end up doing rework.
They have a shop overseas and there’s always a time lag of one day. You put in a request and you get a response the next morning. It was never an issue but it’s something to be aware of.
RATINGS
5.0
Quality
5.0
Service & Deliverables
Schedule
5.0
On time / deadlines
"They were really solid. The time estimates were really good."
Cost
5.0
Value / within estimates
"Their pricing was really good."
Willing to Refer
5.0
NPS
App Dev for Substance Users & Emergency Responders
Mobile App Development
Confidential
Nov. 2017 - Ongoing
5.0
Quality
5.0
Schedule
4.5
Cost
5.0
Willing to Refer
5.0
"Their professionalism and knowledge of their craft were exceptional."
Mar 20, 2018
CEO, LifeguardOD
Jeff Hardy
Verified
Other industries
Vancouver, British Columbia
1-10 Employees
Phone Interview
Verified
Esstienal Designs developed, programmed, and designed a mobile application for iOS and Andriod devices based off initial sketches. The apps include text-to-speech technology.
Initial feedback has been extremely positive and the app is on schedule for launch. They are a reliable and professional team that continues to openly communicate and provide technical knowledge.
A Clutch analyst personally interviewed this
client over the phone. Below is an edited
transcript.
BACKGROUND
Introduce your business and what you do there.
I am the founder and CEO of LifeguardOD, an iOS and Android mobile application designed to expedite emergency response time to drug overdoses and address the opioid crisis in Canada.
OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE
What challenge were you trying to address with Essential Designs?
I had a vision for an emergency response application specifically for drug overdoses but did not have the technical expertise for app development.
SOLUTION
What was the scope of their involvement?
We came to Essential Designs with an idea of what we were looking for and provided initial sketches, and they provided storyboards based on our ideas. We worked together to start building the application screen by screen, and they went on to develop and design the LifeguardOD mobile app for iOS and Android. They programmed and implemented text-to-speech technology into the applications as well.
What is the team composition?
I worked primarily with a project manager, and the team consisted of about five onsite and 14-15 offshore developers.
How did you come to work with Essential Designs?
I did some research on Google and contacted several application developers. Scott Jackson (Management Executive, Essential Designs) quickly and enthusiastically expressed interest in the project.
What is the status of this engagement?
We started development in November 2017, and the application is set to launch in April 2018.
RESULTS & FEEDBACK
What evidence can you share that demonstrates the impact of the engagement?
We’re partnered with emergency responders and during our testing phase, they’ve found the application to be very user-friendly and reliable. The app will be ready to roll out this spring.
How did Essential Designs perform from a project management standpoint?
The Essential Designs team communicated with me constantly and kept me updated on project deadlines. Scott was very warm, open, honest, and professional. They made me extremely comfortable with technical knowledge.
What did you find most impressive about them?
Their professionalism and knowledge of their craft were exceptional. Scott took our financial situation into consideration and adapted to meet our needs and terms.
Are there any areas they could improve?
No, I have no complaints.
Do you have any advice for potential customers?
I would tell them to be honest and open with their team.
RATINGS
5.0
Quality
5.0
Service & Deliverables
Schedule
4.5
On time / deadlines
Cost
5.0
Value / within estimates
Willing to Refer
5.0
NPS
Software Dev & Integration for Social Commerce Platform
Custom Software DevelopmentMobile App Development
$10,000 to $49,999
June 2024 - Ongoing
5.0
Quality
5.0
Schedule
5.0
Cost
5.0
Willing to Refer
5.0
"They were rockstars. No notes."
Apr 16, 2025
Founder & CEO, Netbinc Corporation
Dennis N.
Other industries
San Diego, California
1-10 Employees
Online Review
Essential Designs has integrated an NFC-connected physical product with a social commerce platform's app. The team handles onboarding flows, routing, database setup, and NFC reprogramming.
Essential Designs has delivered a fully functional app, meeting the client's expectations. The team has ensured a smooth onboarding process. Moreover, they've delivered on time and within budget, provided regular updates, and been receptive to feedback. Their flexibility stands out.
The client submitted this review online.
BACKGROUND
Please describe your company and position.
I am the Founder & CEO of Netbinc Corporation
Describe what your company does in a single sentence.
Netbinc is a next-generation social commerce platform that integrates the power of social networking with e-commerce.
OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE
What specific goals or objectives did you hire Essential Designs to accomplish?
We brought on Essential Designs to help integrate an NFC-connected physical product with our app. They also helped evaluate vendors and review technical requirements.
SOLUTION
How did you find Essential Designs?
Online Search
Why did you select Essential Designs over others?
High ratings
Pricing fit our budget
Great culture fit
Good value for cost
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.
They handled the full integration from onboarding flows to NFC chip pairing. When a user scans the product, it opens a mobile onboarding experience that connects the chip to their profile. They can then manage the product, assign it to their profile, and others can scan it to view their info. ED covered development, routing, database setup, and NFC reprogramming.
RESULTS & FEEDBACK
What were the measurable outcomes from the project that demonstrate progress or success?
The platform works exactly how we envisioned it. New users can easily onboard, pair the product to their profile, and share it with others via NFC scan. The tech is smooth and responsive.
Describe their project management. Did they deliver items on time? How did they respond to your needs?
Everything was delivered on time and on budget. The PM kept things moving, shared regular updates, and always listened to our feedback.
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 team just got it. Clean code, strong understanding of what we needed, and fast turnaround. Super flexible too.
Are there any areas for improvement or something Essential Designs could have done differently?
They were rockstars. No notes.
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 21-29 of
29 Reviews
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