Complete Websites
As a founder-member of the acclaimed Barcelona design collective Okapi Creative we can offer a comprehensive design package that ranges from small microsites to large scale web applications.
Okapi's over-riding philosophy is to simplify complexity and to work closely with the client through every stage of the design process. In essence, the unique focus of Okapi is to function as a real-world 'plug-in' which can slot into any size of business enterprise and serve as a temporary 'design department' for the duration of the creation of a website, to update and overhaul existing sites or to act as troubleshooting consultants or virtual 'temps' for a specific period.
We have worked with many leading high-profile businesses - a full list is viewable in the Okapi showcase - and will be happy to meet up for a no-strings discussion about your project. Simply get in touch with me at tarquin@okapicreative.com with a Project Brief or outline and I will get straight back to you.
Coding and Programming
In addition to undertaking complete web projects I also offer a dedicated coding service where existing designs are hand-coded into valid semantic mark-up with fast turn-around times and highly competitive rates. Full details of this service are outlined in the iCode section. I also work extensively in Php/MySql, Ajax and Javascript.
Web Standards
Where appropriate and whenever possible I have a commitment to following web-standards and usability guidelines and accordingly aim to work primarily in Xhtml and Css in conformity to W3C guidelines.
These guidleines essentially outline how websites should be designed in order to be accessible to the majority of visitors - particularly those using specialised browsers or other devices such as text-readers or in-car internet devices. Accessible sites feature a minimum of superfluous elements and as such are faster loading as well as being available to alternative web-devices such as web tv and mobile phones.
If you are unsure about the new W3C Web Standards and Accessibility Guidelines and would like to know how they can positively impact your design choices or the relevance for your company's web presence, take a look at the two links above or feel free contact me with any questions you may have on issues surrounding web standards.
Content Management
The core specilization of both Alkaemia and Okapi Creative lies in providing elegant, user-friendly accessible Content Management solutions ranging from large scale e-commerce sites, to gallery showcases and weblogs.
We have extensive experience with a wide variety of CMS such as Drupal, Joomla, WordPress, Movable Type and Text Pattern but we specialise in working with EllisLab's Expression Engine.
Expression Engine
Expression Engine is a flexible, feature-rich content management system that empowers thousands of individuals, organizations, and companies around the world to easily manage their website.
In addition to being a user-friendly system with an easy learning-curve, Expression Engine is highly customizable to client specifications and boasts a feature-set which is unmatched at the price and comparable to packages costing up to five times as much.
We are happy to advise on all aspects of the Expression Engine package from basic installation and implementation of the software, through creation of weblogs and journals to the construction of full scale e-commerce projects.
For further details on Expression Engine and the advantages and possibilities it offers then contact us with a brief Project Outline and we will send you details of how we can work together to bring your conception to reality.
Training
I am available for personal or group tuition in the areas of Xhtml, Css and Accessibility as well as various software packages and CMS such as WordPress or Expression Engine. For full details on such courses and instruction feel free to mail me.
