I'm a software engineer with experience in UX and digital design creating user-considerate, highly-performant apps and websites for businesses and individuals.
Get In Touch See My PortfolioWebsites and apps that look good on all your preferred devices and browsers.
Designed with the user in mind to create the best possible digital experience.
Optimized sites for search engine performance.
Building the foundation.
Adding style and personality.
Creating life and functionality.
Transforming the front-end.
Powering the back-end.
Persisting your data.
If you're thinking about getting some webwork done, you need to talk to Rachel Brandsness. I'm used to people developing layouts for stuff and then handing them off to me, and then I fix all their mistakes and drop all of our database-driven stuff into it - Rachel whipped out our new website, and it was a breeze to integrate - it looks great (I had an agent tell me it looked like a 'very expensive website'), scales, and didn't require any fixing at all. Really good work. Rachel is pretty fabulous at this stuff, and she's using current tech (advanced css, divs, etc. I still use Tables, but I'm a loser) that works on handhelds and across all major browsers. If you need some web stuff done, get with Rachel.
You'll thank me.
Built for improved UX with Mobile-Responsive HTML5, CSS3, JavaScript, and jQuery. Featuring full-width jQuery image carousel, and optimized for SEO, using Google Analytics and Facebook Pixel.
Visit siteA modern playlist app for creating and sharing throwback mixtapes. Front-end built using React Native, Native Base, and custom CSS. Back-end built using Node.js, Express.js, PostgreSQL with Sequelize. Authentication using Auth0. APIs utilized include: Plaid, Stripe, Foursquare, and Unsplash.
Visit siteA modern playlist app for creating and sharing throwback mixtapes. Front-end built using React, Bootstrap 4, and custom CSS. Back-end built using Node.js, Express.js, MongoDB, and Youtube API. Authentication using Passport.js and deployed via AWS.
Visit siteWebsite developed on Wordpress using FoundationPress, Zurb Foundation, and SASS. Featuring parallax scrolling, full-bleed hero images, and mobile-friendly application forms.
Visit siteBuilt with Mobile-Responsive HTML5, CSS3, JavaScript, and jQuery. Featuring full width jQuery image carousel.
Visit siteBuilt with Mobile-Responsive HTML5, CSS3, JavaScript, and PHP. Featuring one-page layout with full-div images and PHP contact form.
Visit siteBuilt with Mobile-Responsive HTML5, CSS3, JavaScript, and PHP. Featuring PHP contact form and full-div images.
Visit siteBuilt with Mobile-Responsive HTML5, CSS3, JavaScript, and jQuery. Featuring jQuery Lightbox Gallery.
Visit siteBuilt with Mobile-Responsive HTML5, CSS3, JavaScript, and PHP. Featuring custom article portfolio with article teasers.
Visit siteLines of Code Written
Clients served
Coffees Consumed
A native of the Pacific Northwest, I built my first website in 2013 and never looked back. As a full-stack software engineer, I build and work with websites, web, and mobile applications on a number of platforms, specializing in React, React Native, Node.js, Express.js, MySQL, MongoDB, and REST API integration. I have several years of experience in UX-focused, SEO Optimized, Mobile-First Responsive Design, HTML5, CSS3, JavaScript, jQuery, and Wordpress development, and have developed and designed using Bootstrap 4, Zurb Foundation, and Native Base. I also design graphics, logos, and other custom content, and am proficient in Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator, with some experience in Sketch. I am the designer/developer behind all Dame Saint Orléans Websites.
Ever a fan of Legos and taking things apart and putting them back together to learn how they work, I was hooked on learning to code right away. Most of all, I love the opportunity for continued learning that development presents. When not coding, I play guitar for several rock bands based out of Nashville, TN. I also love to ski and am a devoted connoisseur of spicy foods, most notably in the form of burritos. I look forward to working with you on your next project!
-Rachel
Want to learn more about my design and development experience?
Contact MeIf you're thinking about getting some webwork done, you need to talk to Rachel Brandsness. I'm used to people developing layouts for stuff and then handing them off to me, and then I fix all their mistakes and drop all of our database-driven stuff into it - Rachel whipped out our new website, and it was a breeze to integrate - it looks great (I had an agent tell me it looked like a 'very expensive website'), scales, and didn't require any fixing at all. Really good work. Rachel is pretty fabulous at this stuff, and she's using current tech (advanced css, divs, etc. I still use Tables, but I'm a loser) that works on handhelds and across all major browsers. If you need some web stuff done, get with Rachel. You'll thank me.
— Sean Harrison, Coldfusion Developer, Owner - SmashingIT, Nashville, TN
Rachel is the best! She takes care of so much and made creating my website the easiest thing in the world. She’s quick to update things and is great with communicating about changes and updates. Definitely a worthwhile investment.
— Mary McCashin, Journalist, Owner - Fit to Eat Nutrition, Mocksville, NC
I recently launched my new website designed by Rachel, and I couldn’t be more impressed with the result. As a self-employed personal trainer in a highly competitive market, I understood the importance of a site that would stand out. Rachel took the time to get to know me; my professional goals as well as my personality. She went above and beyond to translate my vision and helped to develop unique content, that was authentic, true to my brand, as well as visually appealing. Rachel’s work is the perfect combination of artistry and academia. My business is thriving. I recommend her highly.
— Eve Overland - Celebrity Personal Trainer, Carrie Underwood, Atlanta, GA
I’m honestly a bit blown away by how quickly Rachel got my site up and running. I knew I wanted a fairly simple webpage for my business and wanted to get it online quick. I put a lot of well-founded trust into her creative hands and let her build it from the ground up – since I didn’t know what I wanted – and she came up with the perfect solution for me in a few short days. A few small tweaks later, and my site was live! Literally under a week. Thrilled! Just get her the info she needs to make your page and if you’re not sure what to do, just ask her advice. Couldn’t be happier with the quality and fast completion of my webpage!
— Andrew Williams - Co-Owner, RCGA Lights, Nashville, TN