Mathilde Gauvain

Craft — Web Design

Presence

This is where it comes together. The strategy is clear. The identity is set. Now we build the thing — properly, completely, and in a way that's entirely yours when we're done.

Custom Website Design & Development

No templates. No shortcuts. A website built around how your business actually works, designed to reflect the standard you hold yourself to.

I work across the full range of what a service professional’s website might need: static sites, membership and subscription platforms, e-commerce, email marketing integration and automation. Whatever your project requires technically, we scope it properly at the start and nothing is left unresolved.

Every website I build is handed over with post-launch training and custom video guides — so you understand exactly how your site works, and exactly how to manage it. Every license, every file, every tool is explicitly yours. No lock-in. No dependency. No need to call me every time something needs updating.

I work with a small number of clients at a time, and I only take on projects I’m confident I can do well.

Discuss your project
Parson & Partners
Bailey & Company
Cooke & White Advisors

The Process

A website built without the thinking behind it is just decoration. Every project follows the same six stages — because the order matters.

  1. We have a conversation

    A short call to get to know each other and your project. I want to understand what you're building, what you've tried, and what a successful outcome actually looks like for you. It's also the best way to answer any questions about working together.

  2. Audit & project scope

    Before any design begins, I run a full audit of your existing brand and website. This gives us — and you — complete clarity on what's needed and what will make the new site a success. The audit fee is deducted from your first project payment if you proceed. At the end of this phase, you receive my detailed findings and a final project quote.

  3. Brand discovery & strategy

    The most successful websites are designed from the inside out. In this phase we work through the questions that matter: who are you trying to reach? What do they need to feel when they arrive? How should your brand come across, and how do we make sure every page earns its place?

  4. Build

    While you work on your content (or your copywriter does), I set everything up on a staging environment — no disruption to your live site at any point. Once content and build are both ready, the design takes shape.

  5. Review & pre-launch

    You review the site, we make final adjustments, and we agree it's ready. I prepare everything for launch and you handle any communications with your audience.

  6. Launch & handover

    Launch is scheduled for your quietest time of the week. For the week following, I'm available for any questions. You receive custom video guides for everything you'll need to manage yourself. From here, the site is yours — fully, entirely, without asterisks.

Monthly maintenance is available for those who'd prefer ongoing support.

A Note on Timing

A full custom website project takes between 8 and 14 weeks. I book ahead, so if you have a date in mind, earlier is better.

Client Feedback

  • I’ve had the pleasure of working with Mathilde for more than a decade, and she is one of those rare partners who brings together great design and a deep understanding of how a website actually needs to perform. ... She never approaches a website as simply a design project. She considers the full picture, from user experience and functionality to SEO, AEO and the technical details that can have a real impact on visibility and performance.

    — Kristin Steele, LaunchPad Creative
    Read the full testimonial

  • Bailey & Company has been working with Mathilde for several years, initially through an agency partner and then working directly with her as we continue to refine and evolve our website. Her deep knowledge of WordPress and her understanding of digital marketing best practices have ensured that our website is optimized for search and easy to configure and update. It's a pleasure working with Mathilde and it's nice to collaborate with someone who delivers real business impact.

    — Michael Carroll, Chief Marketing Officer, Bailey & Co
    Read the full testimonial

  • I worked with Mathilde on a highly complicated website revamp. Her attention to detail, work ethic and project management skills were beyond my expectation. It was exactly what we needed. She handled herself with professionalism at every step, and has been so helpful. I am excited to continue working with Mathilde!

    — Joanne Verkuilen, Circle & Bloom
    Read the full testimonial

  • Mathilde was the stand out candidate, not just because she appeared proficient in what she does, but she had already taken the time to research my work and get a better understanding of my industry before we even met! ... Mathilde’s work has been impeccable from start to finish ... [and she] delivered on my design brief in a way that exceeded my expectations. Mathilde’s knowledge of web design and implementation is second to none and her communication has been consistent throughout the process.

    — James Junior, The Piano Singer
    Read the full testimonial

  • She has built an amazing website with everything we require for our business. We have had other companies build us websites in the past but this is far superior to all!

    — Nathan Campbell, The White Hart
    Read the full testimonial

  • Mathilde is way more than a great website designer and developer. She goes above and beyond to consider the strategic needs of the business and makes good suggestions for elements and integrations to consider. Not only does she produce excellent work but she’s a delight to work with, always calm and forward-thinking even when unexpected challenges arise. I highly recommend Mathilde.

    — Rebekah Rius, Sidecar Marketing Solutions
    Read the full testimonial

  • Mathilde is absolutely fantastic to work with. Not only is she a total professional, incredibly knowledgeable & has so many wonderful ideas that I could never have thought of, Mathilde is also incredibly patient & takes the time to get to know your business. Mathilde always took that extra time, and went that extra mile, and has totally reinvented my website. I cannot recommend her highly enough!

    — Lynne Roberts, Eventology Ltd
    Read the full testimonial

  • Mathilde quite frankly is fab! So helpful, so efficient and thoroughly professional

    — Joan Kennedy, Joan Kennedy Artist
    Read the full testimonial

  • Mathilde was an absolute dream to work with! I cannot say enough great things about her! She is very thorough, creative, professional, and responsive. I really appreciated that she took the time to understand MY business and to tailor something unique for me.

    — Cortney Mukushi, Work Week Meals
    Read the full testimonial
01 / 09
See all testimonials