At Essential Designs, we specialize in enterprise software development, custom software solutions, mobile app development, legacy modernization, and long-term software support for organizations that need scalable technology built around real business operations.
For over 18 years, we’ve helped growing companies and enterprise teams turn ideas — and underperforming systems — into secure, scalable platforms designed to evolve with their business.
We design and develop custom web platforms, internal dashboards, SaaS products, and native or cross-platform mobile apps using React, React Native, Python, PHP, ASP.NET, and Swift. Our work is ideal for organizations with complex workflows where off-the-shelf software lacks flexibility and scalability.
Every project begins with in-depth planning and discovery to align technology with operational needs from day one. With senior developers, experienced UI/UX designers, and Agile delivery practices, we build software that is intuitive, reliable, and built to scale long term.
What We’re Best Known For
• Enterprise software development • Custom internal platforms & dashboards • Mobile app development • Legacy modernization & platform rebuilds • Stabilizing incomplete or underperforming systems • Long-term software support & system expansion
Typical Projects
• Internal business platforms & dashboards • SaaS products & scalable web applications • Native & cross-platform mobile apps • Legacy software rebuilds & modernization • Long-term development, maintenance, & support
We’ve delivered solutions across healthcare, education, mining, finance, recruitment, and enterprise operations.
With offices in Vancouver, Toronto, Calgary, Los Angeles, and San Diego, we support clients across North America.
Custom Software DevelopmentWeb DevelopmentMobile App Development
Pricing Snapshot
Min. project size
$10,000+
Avg. hourly rate
$25 - $49
/hr
Rating for cost
4.8
/5
What Clients Have Said
Essential Designs offers good value for cost, with clients noting their pricing fits budgets. Project costs vary, with investments from $10,000 to $260,000 CAD. Clients appreciate their responsiveness, project management, and flexibility, though clearer pricing structures are suggested.
Some clients mentioned that a clearer breakdown of pricing and billing structure could be beneficial. While they found the pricing acceptable after discussion, upfront clarity could enhance the initial client experience.
Excellent Project Management
Multiple reviews commend Essential Designs for their project management skills. They deliver on time, communicate clearly, and are responsive to client needs. Their structured approach and milestone-based delivery are appreciated by clients.
Client-Centric Approach
The team at Essential Designs is noted for their commitment to understanding client needs and providing solutions tailored to those requirements. Their client-centric approach ensures that projects align closely with client visions and objectives.
Collaborative and Flexible Team
Essential Designs is recognized for their flexibility and collaborative spirit. They adapt to client needs, accommodate changes without extra charges, and work closely with clients to refine and enhance project outcomes.
Commitment to Customer Satisfaction
Essential Designs is committed to ensuring customer satisfaction. Clients appreciate their dedication to resolving issues quickly and accommodating client requests, which contributes to a positive working relationship.
Successful App Development
The company excels in developing mobile and web applications that meet client specifications. Clients report successful launches and positive user feedback, indicating Essential Designs' capability in app development.
Software Dev & Maintenance for Medical Supplies Firm
Custom Software Development
$50,000 to $199,999
May - Oct. 2025
5.0
Quality
5.0
Schedule
5.0
Cost
5.0
Willing to Refer
5.0
"We were one of Essential Designs' smaller clients, but they were always incredibly quick to respond."
Feb 9, 2026
Owner/President, Homepro Medical Supplies
David Schwartz
Medical
Brooklyn, New York
11-50 Employees
Online Review
Essential Designs provided software development and maintenance support for a medical supplies firm. The team maintained the client's existing system and added new functionality.
Essential Designs delivered high-quality work without any issues. The team completed the project on time and within budget. They managed the project well, responded promptly, and treated issues with utmost importance. Moreover, the team communicated via email and Google Meet.
The client submitted this review online.
BACKGROUND
Please describe your company and position.
I am the Owner/President of Homepro Medical Supplies
Describe what your company does in a single sentence.
Providing medical supplies and equipment has been our mantra for over 20 years. Be it distributing disposable medical supplies or durable medical equipment our company personnel have been serving the medical community in one form or another for many years.
OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE
What specific goals or objectives did you hire Essential Designs to accomplish?
We needed support with software development and maintenance.
SOLUTION
How did you find Essential Designs?
Online Search
Referral
Why did you select Essential Designs over others?
High ratings
Pricing fit our budget
Great culture fit
Referred to me
Company values aligned
How many teammates from Essential Designs were assigned to this project?
6-10 Employees
Describe the scope of work in detail. Please include a summary of key deliverables.
The team at Essential Designs has been helping us with ongoing software development and maintenance. We brought them into an existing software system, and they've come on board to help further the development and handle maintenance. The key technologies they've used include .NET and TypeScript. They've also added functionality to the software.
RESULTS & FEEDBACK
What were the measurable outcomes from the project that demonstrate progress or success?
The team’s work has been great, and we haven’t had any issues relating to their work.
Describe their project management. Did they deliver items on time? How did they respond to your needs?
The team stays on budget and meets deadlines. We have a great deal of confidence in their team because of how they handle project management. We speak to the same people each time, so we’re able to build rapport. Communication is incredibly fast, and they use Jira and GitHub for project management. For day-to-day communication, they use Google Meet and email.
What was your primary form of communication with Essential Designs?
Virtual Meeting
Email or Messaging App
What did you find most impressive or unique about this company?
We were one of Essential Designs' smaller clients, but they were always incredibly quick to respond. When we have issues, they treat them as if they’re extremely important. We feel like we have a partner, and that’s been incredible. That’s why we’ll keep them on for as long as we can.
Are there any areas for improvement or something Essential Designs could have done differently?
I don’t have any areas for improvement.
RATINGS
5.0
Quality
5.0
Service & Deliverables
Schedule
5.0
On time / deadlines
Cost
5.0
Value / within estimates
Willing to Refer
5.0
NPS
Web App Development for Sports Training Center
Custom Software DevelopmentUX/UI DesignWeb Development
$10,000 to $49,999
Sep. - Dec. 2025
5.0
Quality
5.0
Schedule
5.0
Cost
5.0
Willing to Refer
5.0
"They were able to recommend the right technologies for our needs and implement complex features."
Feb 4, 2026
Business Dev Mgr, Chula Vista Elite Athlete Training Center
Trevor Higgins
Sports
Chula Vista, California
11-50 Employees
Online Review
Essential Designs designed and developed a custom web app for a sports training center. They handled the UI/UX design, front- and backend development, API integration, and admin dashboard creation.
Essential Designs delivered a scalable solution that automated several manual processes, reducing operational time by 37% and achieving significant overhead cost savings. The team met all milestones on time, responded promptly, and communicated clearly via email, messaging apps, and meetings.
The client submitted this review online.
BACKGROUND
Please describe your company and position.
I am the Business Development Manager of Chula Vista Elite Athlete Training Center
Describe what your company does in a single sentence.
The Chula Vista Elite Athlete Training Center is a dynamic sport venues and support facilities for elite athlete programming in dynamic sports.
OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE
What specific goals or objectives did you hire Essential Designs to accomplish?
We hired Essential Designs to design and develop a custom software solution that could automate our business processes and replace outdated manual workflows
To build a scalable web application from scratch, and handle full custom software development lifecycle
SOLUTION
How did you find Essential Designs?
Online Search
Clutch Site
Why did you select Essential Designs over others?
High ratings
Pricing fit our budget
Great culture fit
Good value for cost
Company values aligned
How many teammates from Essential Designs were assigned to this project?
2-5 Employees
Describe the scope of work in detail. Please include a summary of key deliverables.
Essential Designs handled the entire custom software development process from discovery to deployment. Their team worked on requirements gathering, UI/UX design, backend architecture, and frontend development. The key deliverables included a responsive web application, an admin dashboard, and API integrations with our third-party services.
RESULTS & FEEDBACK
What were the measurable outcomes from the project that demonstrate progress or success?
The custom software automated several manual processes, reducing operational time by 37% and saving significant overhead costs. Our team can now manage tasks in half the time compared to before.
Describe their project management. Did they deliver items on time? How did they respond to your needs?
Essential Designs managed the project very efficiently. They set clear timelines, used agile sprints, and provided regular updates through weekly calls and progress reports. All milestones were delivered on time, and they were quick to address any adjustments we requested.
What was your primary form of communication with Essential Designs?
In-Person Meeting
Virtual Meeting
Email or Messaging App
What did you find most impressive or unique about this company?
What impresses us most is their deep technical expertise. They were able to recommend the right technologies for our needs and implement complex features that other vendors struggled with.
Are there any areas for improvement or something Essential Designs could have done differently?
No. They were always responsive.
RATINGS
5.0
Quality
5.0
Service & Deliverables
Schedule
5.0
On time / deadlines
Cost
5.0
Value / within estimates
Willing to Refer
5.0
NPS
Software Dev & Integration for Social Commerce Platform
Custom Software DevelopmentMobile App Development
$10,000 to $49,999
June 2024 - Ongoing
5.0
Quality
5.0
Schedule
5.0
Cost
5.0
Willing to Refer
5.0
"They were rockstars. No notes."
Apr 16, 2025
Founder & CEO, Netbinc Corporation
Dennis N.
Other industries
San Diego, California
1-10 Employees
Online Review
Essential Designs has integrated an NFC-connected physical product with a social commerce platform's app. The team handles onboarding flows, routing, database setup, and NFC reprogramming.
Essential Designs has delivered a fully functional app, meeting the client's expectations. The team has ensured a smooth onboarding process. Moreover, they've delivered on time and within budget, provided regular updates, and been receptive to feedback. Their flexibility stands out.
The client submitted this review online.
BACKGROUND
Please describe your company and position.
I am the Founder & CEO of Netbinc Corporation
Describe what your company does in a single sentence.
Netbinc is a next-generation social commerce platform that integrates the power of social networking with e-commerce.
OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE
What specific goals or objectives did you hire Essential Designs to accomplish?
We brought on Essential Designs to help integrate an NFC-connected physical product with our app. They also helped evaluate vendors and review technical requirements.
SOLUTION
How did you find Essential Designs?
Online Search
Why did you select Essential Designs over others?
High ratings
Pricing fit our budget
Great culture fit
Good value for cost
Company values aligned
How many teammates from Essential Designs were assigned to this project?
2-5 Employees
Describe the scope of work in detail. Please include a summary of key deliverables.
They handled the full integration from onboarding flows to NFC chip pairing. When a user scans the product, it opens a mobile onboarding experience that connects the chip to their profile. They can then manage the product, assign it to their profile, and others can scan it to view their info. ED covered development, routing, database setup, and NFC reprogramming.
RESULTS & FEEDBACK
What were the measurable outcomes from the project that demonstrate progress or success?
The platform works exactly how we envisioned it. New users can easily onboard, pair the product to their profile, and share it with others via NFC scan. The tech is smooth and responsive.
Describe their project management. Did they deliver items on time? How did they respond to your needs?
Everything was delivered on time and on budget. The PM kept things moving, shared regular updates, and always listened to our feedback.
What was your primary form of communication with Essential Designs?
Virtual Meeting
Email or Messaging App
What did you find most impressive or unique about this company?
The team just got it. Clean code, strong understanding of what we needed, and fast turnaround. Super flexible too.
Are there any areas for improvement or something Essential Designs could have done differently?
They were rockstars. No notes.
RATINGS
5.0
Quality
5.0
Service & Deliverables
Schedule
5.0
On time / deadlines
Cost
5.0
Value / within estimates
Willing to Refer
5.0
NPS
Custom Software Development for Marketing Platform
Custom Software DevelopmentMobile App DevelopmentWeb Development
$50,000 to $199,999
Aug. 2024 - Ongoing
5.0
Quality
5.0
Schedule
5.0
Cost
5.0
Willing to Refer
5.0
"Their proactive attitude and commitment to fully understanding the solution stood out."
Apr 14, 2025
Director of Content, AdvisorStream
Kerri Vandeloo
Financial services
Toronto, Ontario
11-50 Employees
Online Review
Essential Designs provides development services for a marketing platform. The team has built a SaaS platform for financial services with a self-service environment and has constructed iOS and Android apps.
Essential Designs' work has been of excellent quality. The team's commitment to refining features and improving the product's functionality and UX is commendable. Moreover, the team's structured project management stands out. Daily communications have been smoothly through Slack and Basecamp.
The client submitted this review online.
BACKGROUND
Please describe your company and position.
I am the Director of Content of AdvisorStream
Describe what your company does in a single sentence.
AdvisorStream is the highest-rated marketing platform for financial advisors that drives growth, revenue, and retention.
OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE
What specific goals or objectives did you hire Essential Designs to accomplish?
We hired Essential Designs to support the development of a SaaS platform tailored for financial services. The scope included building a Web Self-Service environment, iOS and Android mobile applications, and a robust back-end with multiple third-party integrations. In addition to development, Essential Designs also provides ongoing first- and second-line support for the platform.
SOLUTION
How did you find Essential Designs?
Referral
Clutch Site
Why did you select Essential Designs over others?
High ratings
Close to my geographic location
Pricing fit our budget
Great culture fit
Good value for cost
Referred to me
Company values aligned
How many teammates from Essential Designs were assigned to this project?
2-5 Employees
Describe the scope of work in detail. Please include a summary of key deliverables.
The project scope included UI/UX design for both web and mobile interfaces, full-stack development of the SaaS platform, and provisioning of business analysis, QA, DevOps, and support resources. The key deliverables included a white-labelled web platform, native mobile applications, and a comprehensive back-end system capable of integrating with multiple external services. The team handled everything from discovery to deployment.
RESULTS & FEEDBACK
What were the measurable outcomes from the project that demonstrate progress or success?
The quality of the final product has been excellent. While some phases of the project took slightly longer than expected, the delays were often due to the team’s deep involvement and commitment to refining features and identifying additional areas for improvement. Their thoughtful approach consistently resulted in better functionality and user experience.
Describe their project management. Did they deliver items on time? How did they respond to your needs?
Project management was well-structured, with regular stand-ups that included the Essential Designs Project Manager and Delivery Manager, as well as weekly delivery calls involving business analysts and key stakeholders. Daily communications flowed smoothly through Slack and Basecamp, allowing our internal team to collaborate efficiently with theirs.
What was your primary form of communication with Essential Designs?
Virtual Meeting
Email or Messaging App
What did you find most impressive or unique about this company?
Their proactive attitude and commitment to fully understanding the solution stood out. The team consistently offered insightful suggestions, demonstrating a true interest in delivering a product that met not just the requirements, but the bigger business goals!
Are there any areas for improvement or something Essential Designs could have done differently?
There were occasional minor delays in delivery timelines, but these were addressed quickly and constructively. The team showed strong accountability and took steps to improve internal processes wherever needed.
RATINGS
5.0
Quality
5.0
Service & Deliverables
Schedule
5.0
On time / deadlines
Cost
5.0
Value / within estimates
Willing to Refer
5.0
NPS
Mobile App Development for Corporate Greeting Card Company
Mobile App Development
$10,000 to $49,999
Nov. 2024 - Ongoing
5.0
Quality
5.0
Schedule
5.0
Cost
5.0
Willing to Refer
5.0
"They've really taken the time to understand our needs and deliver exactly what we've envisioned."
Apr 7, 2025
Marketing Manager, Embassy Greeting Cards
Eva Pullano
Retail
Aurora, Ontario
1-10 Employees
Online Review
Essential Designs has developed a mobile app for a corporate greeting card company. They've built features enabling users to sign up and select gifts, conducted tests, fixed bugs, and provided ongoing support.
Essential Designs has helped the client increase users, improve ratings, and reduce technical issues. The team's highly organized project management has enabled them to quickly deliver on time and address adjustments. They're also professional, efficient, and committed to quality.
The client submitted this review online.
BACKGROUND
Please describe your company and position.
I am the Marketing Manager of Embassy Greeting Cards
Describe what your company does in a single sentence.
Embassy Cards creates, publishes and markets corporate greeting cards throughout Canada. Embassy Cards excels in creating custom and unique greeting cards for discerning corporations.
OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE
What specific goals or objectives did you hire Essential Designs to accomplish?
We partnered with Essential Designs to develop a mobile app that allows users to sign up, select gifts, and complete secure transactions seamlessly.
SOLUTION
How did you find Essential Designs?
Referral
Why did you select Essential Designs over others?
High ratings
Close to my geographic location
Referred to me
Company values aligned
How many teammates from Essential Designs were assigned to this project?
6-10 Employees
Describe the scope of work in detail. Please include a summary of key deliverables.
Essential Designs built a user-friendly app that ensures a smooth experience for customers. They thoroughly tested the app, addressed any bugs, and provided continued support to improve functionality.
RESULTS & FEEDBACK
What were the measurable outcomes from the project that demonstrate progress or success?
The app has been a success! We’ve seen an increase in users, better ratings, and fewer technical issues since launch.
Describe their project management. Did they deliver items on time? How did they respond to your needs?
They were highly organized, met deadlines, and quickly made adjustments when needed.
What was your primary form of communication with Essential Designs?
Virtual Meeting
Email or Messaging App
What did you find most impressive or unique about this company?
They've really taken the time to understand our needs and deliver exactly what we've envisioned. Their professionalism, efficiency, and commitment to quality made the process smooth.
Are there any areas for improvement or something Essential Designs could have done differently?
There were some minor tweaks I requested, but nothing that impacted the final result. Their team was quick to make adjustments, so it wasn’t really an issue.
RATINGS
5.0
Quality
5.0
Service & Deliverables
Schedule
5.0
On time / deadlines
Cost
5.0
Value / within estimates
Willing to Refer
5.0
NPS
SaaS Web App Design & Dev for Municipal Association
Custom Software DevelopmentUX/UI DesignWeb Development
$200,000 to $999,999
June 2023 - Ongoing
5.0
Quality
5.0
Schedule
5.0
Cost
5.0
Willing to Refer
5.0
"They offer great problem-solving and a good attitude."
Oct 11, 2024
Senior Specialist, Municipal Association
Amin Mneina, MSc. P.Eng.
Verified
Construction
Ontario, Canada
11-50 Employees
Online Review
Verified
Essential Designs has developed a SaaS web app for a municipal association. The team also hosts the app on their servers and provides maintenance and troubleshooting services.
Essential Designs has shown a great problem-solving attitude and worked well with the client to achieve the project's vision. The team has delivered all milestones on time, except when the client needs more time to review or add items to the scope. Essential Designs is also flexible and agile.
The client submitted this review online.
BACKGROUND
Please describe your company and position.
I am the Senior Specialist of a municipal association.
Describe what your company does in a single sentence.
We're a municipal association concerned with the quality and design of roads in Ontario. We have been devoted to the cause of better roads since 1894. Our members include most of Ontario’s municipalities and a growing number of First Nations as well as dozens of affiliated corporate members in the transportation and infrastructure sectors.
OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE
What specific goals or objectives did you hire Essential Designs to accomplish?
Develop an SaaS web app
Host the web app on their servers
maintenance and troubleshooting
SOLUTION
How did you find Essential Designs?
Online Search
Referral
Why did you select Essential Designs over others?
High ratings
Pricing fit our budget
Good value for cost
How many teammates from Essential Designs were assigned to this project?
6-10 Employees
Describe the scope of work in detail. Please include a summary of key deliverables.
that is confidential information
RESULTS & FEEDBACK
What were the measurable outcomes from the project that demonstrate progress or success?
They offer great problem-solving and a good attitude in working with the client towards finishing the project as per the client's vision.
Describe their project management. Did they deliver items on time? How did they respond to your needs?
project was divided into 8 milestones and they were all delivered on time with exceptions for when the client (us) took longer to review or had to add further items to the scope.
What was your primary form of communication with Essential Designs?
Virtual Meeting
Email or Messaging App
What did you find most impressive or unique about this company?
flexibility and agility
Are there any areas for improvement or something Essential Designs could have done differently?
.
RATINGS
5.0
Quality
5.0
Service & Deliverables
Schedule
5.0
On time / deadlines
Cost
5.0
Value / within estimates
Willing to Refer
5.0
NPS
Custom Software Dev for Insulation Product Manufacturer
Custom Software Development
Managed Hosting Services
$50,000 to $199,999
Mar. 2023 - Ongoing
5.0
Quality
5.0
Schedule
5.0
Cost
5.0
Willing to Refer
5.0
"The way they set up their teams is efficient and works well."
Apr 26, 2024
President, Insulation Snakes
Brian Impey
Verified
Manufacturing
Alberta, Canada
11-50 Employees
Online Review
Verified
Essential Designs has built software for an insulation product manufacturer. They've implemented features enabling end customers to identify and order the products they need.
Essential Designs has delivered fully functional software as scheduled. They've conducted a beta test, and the app only requires minor changes. Moreover, their knowledgeable team impresses the client with their efficiency and responsiveness. They also communicate well via email and online meetings.
The client submitted this review online.
BACKGROUND
Please describe your company and position.
I am the President of Insulation Snakes
Describe what your company does in a single sentence.
We make removable, reusable, weatherproof insulation products.
OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE
What specific goals or objectives did you hire Essential Designs to accomplish?
Design an app for customers and end users to be able to determine and then order the products they need
SOLUTION
How did you find Essential Designs?
Online Search
Why did you select Essential Designs over others?
High ratings
Close to my geographic location
Pricing fit our budget
Great culture fit
Good value for cost
How many teammates from Essential Designs were assigned to this project?
6-10 Employees
Describe the scope of work in detail. Please include a summary of key deliverables.
Essential designs walked us through the process and then worked with us to develop our software.
RESULTS & FEEDBACK
What were the measurable outcomes from the project that demonstrate progress or success?
The software works and the Beta testing was very successful with only small changes
Describe their project management. Did they deliver items on time? How did they respond to your needs?
On time and the most responsive IT company we have ever worked with!
What was your primary form of communication with Essential Designs?
Virtual Meeting
Email or Messaging App
What did you find most impressive or unique about this company?
The way they set up their teams is efficient and works well. Very knowledgeable staff in all disciplines
Are there any areas for improvement or something Essential Designs could have done differently?
Nothing I can think of.
RATINGS
5.0
Quality
5.0
Service & Deliverables
Schedule
5.0
On time / deadlines
Cost
5.0
Value / within estimates
Willing to Refer
5.0
NPS
Showing 31-37 of
37 Reviews
Our Story
We are Essential Designs, a Canada-based team with 18+ years building custom web, mobile, and business platforms. Our multidisciplinary group blends UX design, Agile engineering, QA and AI tools to modernize legacy systems and deliver new SaaS and enterprise apps. We've partnered with clients like Emerson Electric, Honeywell, Teck, Schneider Electric and Lifeguard to centralize operations, improve safety, save lives, scale remote-work and build licensing platforms.
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