Software is too important to build the wrong thing
I’m Charles.
I help SMB founders and mission-driven organisations figure out what software is actually worth building (or fixing).
Then I make it happen.
What I actually do
Most of the value I bring isn’t in typing code. It’s in the design and thinking that has to happen before the code gets written.
Working out what the actual problem is. What’s worth building first. How to scope it so the estimate doesn’t drift. How to ship a real prototype that proves the idea before anyone commits to a full build.
These are the three things I do most:
Design
Start by listening: what problem are you actually trying to solve? Then design the software that solves it, not just the thing that was originally asked for.
Scope
Write documents that hold up. The kind that tell you what you’re signing up for. Written for the people who need to understand them: business people, developers, or both.
Build
Get a working version into people’s hands – either by myself or guiding others. Usually with the help of AI tools to deliver faster with less up front cost.
What’s changed in the AI era
AI is rewriting what software development is. It can produce code much faster than even the best human developers.
But it can’t tell you what software is worth building. It can’t sit in a room and hear what your team actually needs. It can’t tell you that the spec you’ve been handed is solving the wrong problem.
More than ever, the most important development tool isn’t Python or Ruby – it’s English. I listen to my clients and then design and direct in English. The AI tools handle most of the typing.
I’ve been working with this material from the inside: a BSc in mathematics and computer science, Stanford’s machine learning course, formal coursework in first-principles ML, data engineering, and prompt engineering. When I’m helping a client use AI productively, it’s grounded in understanding what the tools are actually doing. I’m not just driving them by feel and experience.
How I work
The first conversation is free
Most engagements start with a free 30-minute introductory call – a low-pressure conversation to work out whether I’m the right person to help, and whether you want to go further. No obligation on either side.
If we go deeper: a paid Roadmapping Session
If we both want to go further after the intro call, the next step is a 90-minute Roadmapping Session: a detailed conversation about the problems you’re facing, followed by a written diagnosis with recommendations and (where it makes sense) a quote for the work that would follow.
Roadmapping Sessions start from $750 USD.
What you get from me
I work as the senior person in the room. Product lead, architect, estimator, hands-on developer where it helps. You work with me directly. There is no agency overhead and no being handed off to a junior. I work with your people too. Some projects are short, but most of my engagements tend to be long-term as we work together to solve your problems.
What I’m not
I’m not a project manager or a long-term build-and-maintain shop. I can do (and have done) these things, but if what you need is someone to coordinate a team of developers or quietly look after a system for years, you’d actually better be served by someone else, and I’ll happily tell you so.
Selected Work
Bebis
Voice-driven meal logging
A Turkish nutrition platform wanted to prototype a new feature that would allow their clients to speak (rather than type) the meals they had recently eaten.
Partners
Making sense of a multi-vendor stack
A Canadian charity needed help deciding whether to rebuild a collection of complex services that had grown very expensive to update.
Travel As One
Writing a complex requirements spec
A content-savvy UK-based charity needed a detailed requirements spec for a secure gamified mobile and web learning platform.
What people say
“I had the pleasure of working with Charles on multiple projects ranging from one-month to one-year development cycles at Puente Global, where he was instrumental in planning and executing multiple software development projects for us. I found Charles to be a highly skilled and knowledgeable software engineer with a strong focus on product planning, documentation, and database design. His attention to detail and ability to think through complex problems was a tremendous asset to our team.”
“I had the privilege of working with Charles on developing Qur’an Gateway (now known as Qur’an Tools) for two years. During those years, Charles helped us improve the UX and UI of the website, streamline functionality across the site, and in particular deploy various technologies to allow both individual and university customers to subscribe and connect to the site. Charles was a delight to work with: professional, efficient, a clear communicator, deadline focussed, and able to work under pressure. I would highly recommend him.”
Pasifik Ltd. Turkey has greatly benefited from the work of Charles as an expert and consultant for our software project eBeBiS.com.tr. His fast responding, focus on both the details as well as the broad scope gave much clarity for our planning and the direction to go for the redevelopment of our web-based nutrition platform.
“I have worked with Charles on a number of projects over the past 10 years for a variety of clients, using a variety of technologies. Charles always delivers clean, well thought-out work and it is obvious that he has a desire to find the best route for the client’s needs and deliver it in a timely manner. I have recommended him many times and will continue to do so as he consistently quickly becomes an asset to any project.”
About Me
I’m a senior product engineer with about 25 years of experience across a wide technology stack and, increasingly, the AI tools that are reshaping all of it.
While I’ve worked with a large number of technologies over the years, what I’m best at is the senior-judgement work that sits before the code gets written: figuring out what’s worth building, scoping it accurately, and getting a working version into people’s hands.
Credentials
- BSc, Mathematics & Computer Science – Victoria University of Wellington
- BA, Theology – London School of Theology
- Machine Learning – Stanford University
- Continued formal coursework in first-principles ML, data engineering, and prompt engineering
A few personal things
I’m based close to Toronto, Canada. Originally from the UK, grew up in New Zealand, and spent close to 15 years living in Istanbul. My Turkish is fluent, if still (frustratingly!) imperfect.
Outside work I’m a musician and an aspiring marathon runner who hasn’t quite got the marathon part done yet. My wife and I do a fair amount of cross-cultural work in our spare time.
How I think about leadership
I’ve led plenty of small teams over the years, with formal and informal coaching in the mix. But I don’t have to be the boss. I’ve often been under the leadership of gifted younger people. The work is what matters.
Next Steps
Want to talk?
Press “Book a call” below and tell me a little about your situation. We’ll set up a free 30-minute introductory call – no obligation on either side. If it looks like we might be a fit, we can go deeper from there.
If we go deeper: the Roadmapping Session
A 90-minute discovery conversation followed by a comprehensive written report covering:
- The problem(s) you’re facing today
- What success would look like
- Possible solutions with pros, cons, and rough costs
- Recommended next steps
From $750 USD