Welcome
Hey, I'm AJ - a web developer based in New Zealand.
I like building websites and web apps that look good, work well, and make life a little easier. Most of the time you'll find me working with Typescript, React, Python and Node.js - but I'm always trying out new tools and ideas.
I enjoy the process of figuring things out and turning small ideas into real things that people can use; but outside of coding, I'm probably out for a run, chilling with friends, or relaxing somewhere quiet.
Right now, I've got some fun projects in the mix, so keep an eye on here to find out what's been cooking!
Feel free to reach out if you want to chat, collab, or just say hi!
Recent Projects
AI Chatbot - Turners Auctions Prototype
A React + TypeScript prototype combining Bing Custom Search and Dialogflow chatbot to enhance car auction user experience
Recent Blog Posts
Landing Your First Tech Job in 2025: Why I'm Betting on the MERN Stack (with a Bit of Python on the Side)
A practical guide for self-taught devs on using MERN and Python to land your first tech job in 2025
My Tech Stack For Quick Development
The tools and technologies I use to build apps quickly and efficiently as a solo developer or small team.
Building My Personal Website with 11ty - A Modern Static Site Approach
How I built my personal website using 11ty, featuring a blog, project portfolio, and development notes with modern web technologies and optimized performance.
Dev Notes
What I Learned About Pure Functions, Testing, and Writing Better Code (For Small Teams & Startups)
How pure functions, Test-Driven Development, and the Functional Core, Imperative Shell pattern helped me write better, more testable code while moving fast in startup mode.
Optimizing Static Sites
Tips and tricks for making your static site faster and more efficient
Understanding Decap CMS
A deep dive into Decap CMS configuration and usage for static sites
Getting Started with Eleventy
A quick guide to setting up and using Eleventy for static site generation