BLDR

Fixed-price apps and websites from a digital agency

Operating out of Richmond, Virginia, BLDR designs and constructs mobile apps, websites and software-as-a-service platforms at a fixed price. It works with startups, enterprises, developers and investors, and its stated mission is to carry product visions from large business opportunities and bold founders to launch, on budget.

A co-op of designers and developers

Rather than keeping a large permanent staff, BLDR runs as a co-op. For each project it draws in seasoned people and groups. The company says this model keeps overheads down, which means lower prices, and lets it assemble custom teams, which it describes as higher quality. Individuals and teams can apply to join the co-op.

Design systems developers can build from

The agency produces UI and UX designs together with design system documentation. The documentation is written so that developers can build more accurately and quickly, and so that future features are easier to roll out.

Validating ideas with customers

Not every idea needs further research, but some benefit from deeper validation before a large investment. In those cases BLDR speaks with customers to test assumptions, so that decisions rest on real data. The company also produces ready-to-build technical documentation to reduce uncertainty before a build starts.

From blueprints to fixed-price bids

Once the documented blueprints are ready, the agency obtains several fixed-price bids from the development teams it has found, and it provides management options to keep delivery on schedule and launch on time. The bids and the management are presented as a single route from idea to launch.

Project examples

Earlier work includes a progressive app that helps people apply to medication assistance programs quickly. Other projects are a mobile app for social distancing, a marketing site for a company that sells outdoor living spaces, and a web platform for the public face of an East Coast talent agency. Each was described as a way to scale a brand or a business.