Services

Next.js Website and Application Development for New Builds and Digital Transformation

I build new Next.js websites and web applications as an independent senior software engineer. I work directly with you and any designers or developers involved, taking the agreed technical scope from planning through implementation, testing, and launch.

Hands‑on Next.js development for new websites, applications, and headless front ends, with accessibility, performance, and publishing workflows included in the build.

Short Answer

My work covers the Next.js front end, reusable components, CMS and API integration, accessibility, performance, and release checks. We agree which parts I own and which sit with your team, including design, content, and back‑end services. The handover includes the code, delivery notes, and the steps needed to build, publish, and maintain it.

Why It Matters

Founders, product leads, and technical leaders usually need this before the first build decisions harden. I reduce avoidable rebuild risk by putting SEO, performance, accessibility, content operations, and release behaviour into those early choices.

This is a route specifically for new builds and transformation work rather than migration or recovery work. If the build you are planning is replacing an existing platform, the migration route may be a better fit.

Common Situations

  • New Next.js websites, applications, and headless front ends where architecture and implementation need to move together.
  • Product platforms, campaign sites, content platforms, and internal tools delivered as part of wider digital transformation work.
  • Build decisions where SEO, performance, accessibility, content workflows, and long‑term maintainability need to be part of the first implementation.

What I Look at First

  • I check the route model, rendering strategy, CMS integration, data integration, performance risks, accessibility requirements, deployment path, and the parts that need room to change after launch.
  • On the Virgin Atlantic programme, those early checks also had to account for shared design‑system decisions across multiple applications, because this is where long‑term delivery friction often starts.

What Usually Changes

  • First‑delivery decisions protect SEO, performance, accessibility, content operations, and release behaviour.
  • Required routes, templates, integrations, and platform responsibilities are defined before build work spreads.
  • Technical risks are prioritised before they become backlog noise or launch defects.
  • The team has a practical delivery plan for the first release and the next round of change.
  • Avoidable rebuild and migration risk is reduced from the start.

How This Usually Works

  1. Technical Diagnostic

    A focused review to establish what is happening, where the risk sits, and what should happen next, ending with a prioritised plan the team can take into delivery.

  2. Embedded Delivery Support

    Senior hands‑on support inside an existing team when architecture, implementation, review, and delivery decisions need to stay connected.

  3. Fractional Technical Leadership

    Ongoing senior technical direction when a team needs stronger leadership and platform ownership before a permanent hire makes sense.

This May Not Be the Right Fit If

  • The requirement is a simple brochure build with all technical decisions already fixed and no need for senior engineering judgement. If the real issue is replacing an existing platform, Migrations to Next.js is the better route.
  • The priority is lowest‑cost production rather than a maintainable platform that protects SEO, performance, accessibility, and release behaviour. If launch risk is about technical direction, Next.js Platform Consulting may be a better fit.

Planning a new build?

Tell me what you're building, who it needs to serve, and what matters most for launch. I'll read it and suggest the next step.

Related Case Studies and Project Work

  1. Screenshot of the Linkudo website; part of John Kavanagh's selected project work.

    A Reimagining of This Classic Word Association Web Game

    Linkudo's first delivery treated architecture, interaction behaviour, and release reliability as part of the product build rather than afterthoughts.

    View case study
  2. Screenshot of the IMG Licensing website; part of John Kavanagh's selected project work.

    The Long‑Term Digital Platform Evolution for IMG Licensing

    IMG Licensing's rebuild made a large portfolio of brands easy to explore, while giving its team direct control over publishing.

    View case study
  3. Screenshot of the Wreel Agency website; part of John Kavanagh's selected project work.

    A Design‑Led, Highly‑Animated Agency Website

    Wreel's website combines Gatsby, React, and Contentful to support an animated, content‑managed portfolio that the agency can maintain.

    View case study