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Technical direction

The technical decisions, made before they get expensive.

Which CMS, how long it takes, what it costs to run, whether it can talk to the CRM. Your client asks, and someone on your side needs a good answer. I help you choose the platform, estimate the build and make the technical decisions, before a pitch, at kick-off or halfway through a project.

Start a projectSee the work

When to bring me in

01

Before a pitch.

The platform, an estimate with its assumptions and the technical part of the proposal, so you don't promise something the build can't deliver.

02

At kick-off.

Before the design starts, which is when the platform should be decided. That's how projects usually start with agencies.

03

Halfway through.

When a decision is stuck, a developer has left, or the client's IT team is asking questions nobody can answer.

04

When the client asks.

Hosting, security, languages, integrations, running costs. I explain the options in terms your client understands.

Who you'll be working with.

I'm Frederico Leonardo, a senior web developer with 25+ years building for the web. I've helped agencies work out what a client needs before anything was designed, and built it afterwards. I'm comfortable in front of a client who doesn't know what a CMS is, and I'll say so when something is outside what I do.

More about me

How it works.

  1. 01

    I read the brief with you.

    What the client asked for, what they actually need, and what isn't written down: content, languages, integrations and the team that will edit the site.

  2. 02

    I recommend the platform.

    Craft CMS, Webflow, Astro or something custom. I explain the choice in terms your client will understand, with the trade-offs written down.

  3. 03

    I estimate the build.

    A range with the assumptions and exclusions stated, so you can price the complete project yourself.

  4. 04

    I join the call if it helps.

    With your client or with their IT team, as part of your team or introduced as your technical partner. I answer the technical questions and leave the rest to you.

  5. 05

    If it goes ahead, I build it.

    The technical scope is already agreed, so the build starts from what the client signed off. What you paid for pitch support comes off the build.

Proof

The decision behind the build.

See all work

I've worked with Frederico for several years on multiple projects and he's consistently one of the best developers I've collaborated with. His technical skills are exceptional, but what really sets him apart is his professionalism: meticulous, reliable, pragmatic, great communicator, and always delivers quality work even under pressure. Highly recommended.

Leihla PinhoFounder and Design Director · Major

Price

What it costs

The first conversation is free: 30 minutes to understand the situation and give you my view. Pitch support is a fixed €300: the platform recommendation and an estimate with its assumptions, written down, plus one call with your client. If you win and I build it, it comes off the build.

Bigger decisions (an existing platform, a migration, an integration) start with a €1500 review, which also comes off the build. If you need technical direction on every project, reserved time covers it each month, from €1000.

Pricing & Process

FAQ

What agencies usually ask me first

Which CMS would you use?

Usually Craft CMS for content-heavy and multilingual sites. Webflow when your client wants visual control and the content model is simple. I'll explain why in terms your client will understand.

Do you charge for help with a pitch?

The first conversation is free. The written part (platform recommendation and an estimate with its assumptions) and one client call are a fixed €300, agreed before I start. If you win and I build it, it comes off the build.

Will you talk to our client directly?

Only when you want me to. I join calls as part of your team or as your technical partner, and I don't contact your client without you.

Can you talk to the client's IT team?

Yes. Hosting, security, analytics, integrations. Better before the architecture is fixed.

Have you built something like this before?

Probably something close. If it's a sector I haven't worked in, I'll say so, and tell you which parts I have done before.

What about time zones?

I'm in Lisbon, same time zone as London, with good overlap with the rest of Europe and the US East Coast.

Do you sign NDAs?

Not by default, but if you or your client need one, I'll sign it.

Next step

Need the technical side figured out?

Send me the brief, or just the situation. I'll reply, usually within one working day, with a few questions and what I'd need to help.

Schedule a free 30-minute call