Custom Web Design and Development

Custom websites built for the long haul, not just the launch.

I take the time to understand your business, turn rough ideas into a site that’s clearly yours, and stay available after launch as a strategic, proactive partner.

Book a free 20-minute call

Or, request a website audit

I’ll respond within one business day.

10 out of 10 – would recommend!

Emily has been an amazing resource for our business. After many years of working together, she remains a valuable and trusted resource for anything “web-related” where I need help, explanation, or advice.
Tim Buteyn, CEO, ThinkingKap Learning Solutions INC

A business owner looks through a telescope

Faster, more accessible, and easier to manage websites.

Classic to Block Theme Migration Improves Site Performance

Accessibility score 88 to 97; first contentful paint 9.3 s to 1.8 s; reduced CSS from 6,856 lines to 220 lines

Greater Ravenswood Chamber of Commerce, a Chamber of Commerce

UX, SEO, and Accessibility for Local Government

The old site had 309 results for ‘street sweeping’ and none of them were the right page. We fixed site structure and tested against WCAG 2.1 AA. The site now gets inquiries from other wards.

40th Ward Office, Chicago, A Civic Website

Connected Content and Client Control

CSS reduced from 3,966 lines to 513; 196 hard-coded ACF calls replaced by editor-controlled blocks; 8 custom blocks create robust connections between therapist profiles and content; 40 WCAG issues across 11 criteria remediated.

Mind Body Connections, a mental health practice

Client Testimonials

Many of my clients have worked with me for an average of 7 years (and counting).

Emily did an amazing job of understanding our needs, developing a vision based on our vague instructions, then translating that information into a clear, organized, professional-looking site. In addition to being reliable and responsive, Emily exceeded expectations with her proactive approach, working with us to refine the site and suggesting useful features we hadn’t considered.
Rod Berthold, Owner – Berthold Electric,

We’ve been working with Emily for 10+ years now and we couldn’t be happier. Emily has the amazing talent of being able to incorporate her creative artistic side with her ever expanding knowledge of website creation and SEO. She creates more than just a functional website. She creates a website that is the embodiment of your brand and mission.
Teri Calandra, Owner, Calandra Center for Health and Wellness

Emily has been an amazing resource for our small business. In addition to her technical expertise, she leverages her artistic skills to provide contemporary, functional, and aesthetically pleasing graphic design. After many years of working together, she remains a valuable and trusted resource for anything “web-related” where I need help, explanation, or advice. 10 out of 10 – would recommend!
Tim Buteyn, ThinkingKap Learning

I love Emily! I have worked with her for many years, and she has never disappointed me. She is dialed in to our project and website needs, is detail-oriented without losing sight of the big picture, responds in a timely manner, is proactive with communication, and troubleshoots along the way. I highly recommend her.
Cindy Trawinski, Owner, Trawinski Consulting

Strategy and design services

Design, content development, search / AI optimization, and digital accessibility are more effective when they’re considered together from the start. Here’s how I can help:

View all web design and development services.

Content Strategy & Copywriting Services
Let’s create content that answers real questions, earns search visibility, and reads like it was written for humans.
Custom Web Development Services
Custom websites are easy for your team to manage and intuitive for customers to use.
Search Engine Optimization (SEO)
Search Engine Optimization doesn’t have to be mysterious or expensive. Help your audience find you online and make those clicks count.
WordPress Maintenance & Support Service
Keep your site secure, up-to-date, and running smoothly with ongoing maintenance services. Pricing starts at $49/mo.
WordPress Training for Content Publishers
Learn to publish content on your website with confidence. Virtual training sessions and custom video tutorials tailored to your team’s skills and your specific WordPress setup.

Have a project? Let’s talk.

Book a free 20-minute call

Work sample

Learn about WordPress for your industry.

Working with Emily at Always Open Design

Same day response

When you reach out, I reply within one business day. Existing clients usually hear back within a few hours.

web development company,web design company,website development company

You own your website

Your website, hosting, domain name, and analytics account are all in your name. Read the website owner’s manual to see what that means in practice.

Support after launch

Every new site includes 30 days of complimentary support: questions, additional training, and email support. After that, a monthly or annual maintenance plan* is offered.

*Website maintenance plans for WordPress start at $49 a month. Maintenance covers theme, plugin and core updates, free support by email, developer license access, and additional training on demand. See terms.

I build with WordPress, a robust content management system trusted by organizations like NASA, the White House, Harvard University, and Taylor Swift. And that’s just a tiny sample of the 40% of the web using WordPress to power their online presence.

WordPress for your industry