Handbook

Based in Washington, D.C., Handbook is a small design and development consultancy that builds custom websites, ecommerce platforms, and digital tools for businesses at various stages of growth, from early-stage startups to more established companies. The team, which includes a Design Director and a Development Director, works across industries and describes its focus as aligning branding, operations, and marketing through website projects rather than treating design and development as separate tracks. Client work referenced includes an enterprise-level website built on a seed-stage budget, a Shopify-based direct-to-consumer build, and a startup website delivered on a compressed timeline. Services span business strategy, brand strategy, positioning and messaging, brand audits, and growth strategy, alongside design work covering logo and identity, brand guidelines, application UI/UX, and packaging. On the development side, Handbook handles website design and development, website migrations, ongoing website management, backend development, and app development, using tools such as Webflow, AWS, Firebase, Shopify Liquid, JavaScript, Wized, REST APIs, Supabase, Zapier, React, Airtable, and Xano. Additional offerings, described as "Special Ops," include Shopify themes, web apps, web portals, site migrations, copywriting, visual assets, pitch decks, and brand identity work, which can be added into a web development project depending on a client's needs. Engagements typically begin with a fit-check consultation to assess whether a prospective project's scope, timeline, and budget align before contracting begins.