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My Work

What I Do

I work with design shops and web departments to solve impossible problems and create beautiful, usable websites. Or that's how I explain it at parties. To clients and collaborators, I'm a freelance developer with world-class skills in CSS, XHTML, and related best practices. My mom simply thinks I make websites.

Here's what I offer:

  • CSS + XHTML development. Rock-solid pages built with semantic markup and pristine CSS.
  • Consultation. Expert input on design, usability, accessibility, information architecture, and search engine optimization.
  • Trainings, classes, and workshops. From trainings in basic site maintenance to advanced workshops in standards-based development.
  • Movable Type implementation. Blogs, yes, but MT is also a simple and affordable CMS for frequently updated content.

Two Featured Clients

MANOVERBOARD

I've built more than two dozen websites for MANOVERBOARD, a successful design shop led by Andrew Boardman. Beyond implementing Andrew's designs, I provide feedback and input throughout the development process. For most projects this includes:

XHTML mastery, usability expertise, CSS chops. What can I say? Michael puts out.

—Andrew Boardman
  • critiquing information architecture and user interface documents
  • reviewing design comps for aesthetics and usability
  • further input and suggestions during template development and site production
  • problem-solving for a range of technical and practical issues (hosting, pricing, client management, etc.)

In additional, I handle Movable Type implementation and client training.

I also offer the occasional joke when things get crazy.

Natural Resource Defense Council

NRDC is one of the nation's top environmental groups. I work with their web department, helping them transition from table-based "tag soup" to structural markup and CSS. I also serve as lead front end developer for new features and mini-sites.

Part of my work is educational. I teach staff the joys and gotchas of web standards. This includes:

NRDC Markup and CSS Guidelines
  • conducting workshops and courses in CSS, XHTML, and related best practices
  • creating detailed markup and CSS guidelines
  • ongoing consultation, troubleshooting, and support

I also serve as lead developer for Switchboard, an organization-wide blog whose authors (175 and counting!) include many leading figures in the environmental movement. Launched in 2007, Switchboard was NRDC's first fully standards-based initiative. Here my work includes:

Michael has been an invaluable resource as we modernize our legacy websites and establish superior CSS/HTML development protocols. Also, I can't recall an email message from Michael that didn't provoke a laugh or at least a smile.

—Rita Barol
NRDC Website Director
  • writing the markup and CSS
  • extending the initial design, a one-page comp, to the full site
  • implementing the souped-up Movable Type Enterprise backend
  • consultation on site architecture, interface design, usability, and accessibility

Go read Switchboard. It's cool.