Yes, you read that right.
I’ve been designing websites since the 1990s – before Google existed, before smartphones, before most businesses had even heard of the internet. Recently, a colleague jokingly pointed out that I might just be the oldest website designer in the Niagara region. And honestly… they might be right.
It’s a strange badge of honour, but one I wear proudly.
Because surviving – and thriving – in an industry that changes every 18 months takes more than just skill. It takes adaptability, curiosity, and a deep understanding of people, not just pixels.
So here are a few things I’ve learned in three decades of building the web.
1. Trends Change. Fundamentals Don’t.
From flashy Flash intros in the early 2000s to the minimalistic mobile-first approach of today, web trends come and go. But the fundamentals? Clear messaging, intuitive design, fast load times, and a compelling call-to-action – those never go out of style.
If you focus on what your users need first, you’ll always be ahead of the game.
2. Experience Isn’t Old-School – It’s Strategic
In this business, being around for 30 years doesn’t mean you’re behind – it means you’ve already seen tomorrow’s mistakes. I’ve watched companies chase every shiny object: flash animations, auto-playing videos, gimmicky sliders, AI-generated everything. But I’ve also watched them come back to the basics when those distractions cost them customers.
Experience means knowing what works, and what doesn’t.
3. Adaptability is the Real Secret to Longevity
You don’t stay in this game for decades without reinventing yourself – more than once. I’ve transitioned from static HTML to CMS platforms, from desktop-only layouts to mobile-responsive designs, from hand-coding sites to building custom content management systems like PieCMS, built specifically to serve Niagara’s businesses.
You don’t outlast the trends – you evolve with purpose.
4. You’re Not Designing for Screens – You’re Designing for People
One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is that a great website doesn’t just function well or look good – it connects with people. It builds trust. It guides them to take action.
That’s why I use psychological frameworks like D.I.S.C. personality profiling to shape web experiences. It’s about more than code – it’s about conversion through connection.
5. Your Website Should Be Working Harder Than You Are
I’ve always believed a website should be more than an online brochure. It should attract the right customers, answer their questions, and motivate them to reach out. If your website isn’t doing that – you’re leaving money on the table.
That’s why every site I build today is designed with clarity, speed, and strategic messaging baked in from the start.
Final Thought
So yes – I may be the oldest website designer in Niagara. But I’m still here, still building, still pushing boundaries.
Because good design doesn’t get old. It gets better with time.
If you’re ready to build a website that actually works – and you want 30 years of hard-won insight behind it – let’s talk.
Need a website that actually works? You're in the right place.