In a recent interview with
Website Planet, Anjelika Lours’ Kour, founder of DD.NYC®, shared the inspiring journey behind the company’s evolution from a software development shop to a design-centric agency.
Founded in 2015, DD.NYC® has spent the last several years focusing on creating custom-design websites that combine exceptional aesthetics with user-friendly administrative features. The agency’s commitment to sustainable and adaptable design has allowed its clients to easily manage and update their websites, ensuring long-term relevance and functionality.
Kour also highlighted the agency’s notable projects, including the rebranding of America’s oldest prosthetics manufacturer and the creation of a visually compelling website for SJP Properties.
What motivated the founding of DD.NYC® and how has the company evolved since then?
DD.NYC® was initially established as a software development shop. Over the years, however, we’ve transitioned into a more design-oriented agency, focusing on high-visual projects. Founded in 2015, we have spent the last four to five years refining our focus on custom design websites.
Our goal has been to make exceptional design accessible to companies without requiring a trade-off on user-friendly administrative panels. We have developed a system at DD.NYC® that allows us to create completely custom websites. This system also provides our clients with the flexibility to manage and update content, imagery, and copy as needed, ensuring the website remains relevant and adaptable for years to come.
How does DD.NYC® approaches sustainable design and development in its projects?
At DD.NYC®, we prioritize flexibility in our designs, as mentioned previously. Our goal is to create websites that are robust and adaptable, allowing for the easy addition of new pages and content without requiring a complete rebuild.
This approach minimizes the need for developer intervention, making it possible for the website to grow and evolve over time. We ensure that our websites are innovative at launch and maintain longevity and sustainability throughout many years of usage. This commitment to flexibility and durability helps our clients manage and update their websites efficiently, ensuring they remain current and relevant.
What are some notable projects that showcase DD.NYC®’s expertise and innovation?
There are several standout projects that highlight our expertise and innovation. Recently, we launched a website for BAS Stone NYC, a luxury stone yard in New York City. This project went beyond just design and development; the website has been extremely well-received and has generated a significant number of inbound leads due to its strong organic searchability. We adhere to SEO best practices, allowing our clients to benefit from effective search optimization without the need for expensive monthly SEO services.
Another notable project is our work with WillowWood Global, America’s oldest prosthetics manufacturer. We recently rebranded this 117-year-old company and relaunched their website. The executive team is very pleased with the results.
Additionally, we worked with SJP Properties, a real estate developer led by Steven J. Pozycki, known for projects like the 11 Times Square building and 200 Amsterdam. We launched their new website this summer, and they are thrilled with both the process and the outcome. The site has also performed well in terms of SEO, thanks to its holistic and well-organized design approach.
Overall, we handle around 10 websites a month, totaling about 100 websites a year, so there are many more projects we’re proud of.
How does your team stay ahead of design trends and technological advancements?
We view trends as a driving force for innovation. Our team is constantly researching and conducting workshops on the latest industry trends and how to effectively utilize them. We focus on staying ahead of the curve by distinguishing between trends that are fleeting and those with lasting impact.
If a client requests a design element that we believe is merely a fad, we advise them accordingly. This approach ensures that our work not only meets current standards but also maintains longevity and relevance in both design and development.
Can you discuss a particularly challenging project and how your team overcame the obstacles?
Certainly. Every project presents its own set of challenges. Recently, we worked on a well-known brand that required us to balance maintaining its legacy while evolving it for the future. Our approach is to create an evolution rather than a revolution for such brands, but this can be particularly challenging with established names.
We conducted extensive research to understand the brand’s history and determine how best to translate that into a modern website. This process involved deep discovery and careful consideration. As they say, pressure creates diamonds, and while achieving great results is never easy, it’s the challenges that drive us to deliver outstanding outcomes.
What future trends do you foresee in the design and development industry?
AI is definitely a major trend in the design and development industry. It’s here to stay, and while it might replace some design agencies, it won’t affect agencies like ours. Instead, it will likely lead to a clearer distinction between generic and custom websites. We believe that our focus on creating unique, tailored websites will continue to be in demand.
Every brand is essentially a story, and a well-crafted brand tells that story through various touchpoints. For us, a website is not just a functional tool but a digital extension of that narrative. We aim to create websites that consistently convey a brand’s story across all touchpoints, ensuring that the website aligns seamlessly with other aspects of the company’s communication.
Find out more at:
www.dd.nyc
