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.
Many clients praised Essential Designs for their effective project management, timely deliveries, and responsiveness. They maintained clear communication and adapted to client needs efficiently, ensuring projects stayed on track.
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.
Expertise in Custom Solutions
The company is adept at creating custom solutions tailored to specific business needs. Clients from various industries appreciated their ability to develop applications that addressed unique challenges effectively.
Commitment to Customer Satisfaction
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.
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.
Proactive and Transparent Approach
Clients appreciated the transparency and proactive communication from Essential Designs, which included regular updates and clear explanations of processes, fostering trust and collaboration.
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 31-31 of
31 Reviews
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