Web Developer for Custom (Non-WordPress) Sites + Ongoing Maintenance, Long-Term

Scope • Design and build 2 new marketing/brochure sites from scratch, custom design • Ongoing maintenance and content updates on those sites • Ongoing maintenance on 2 to 3 existing basic sites (small edits, content swaps, occasional fixes) • Incremental feature work over time as the business grows Requirements • No WordPress. I do not want a themed template build. I want hand-built sites so we are not fighting a page builder every time we add a feature. Static site generator or modern framework preferred (Astro, Next.js, or similar), deployed to Netlify, Vercel, or Cloudflare. If you have a strong case for a different stack, make it. • Actual design ability, not just implementation. I need someone who can produce a clean, credible, professional look for a technical audience. Show me sites you designed, not just ones you assembled. • Responsiveness is the single most important requirement. When I need a change live, I need it that day, not next week. Small edits should turn around in hours. • Clear communication in English and comfort working async with occasional real-time messaging. • Good hygiene: version control, staging before production, and documentation so the sites are maintainable. Nice to have • SEO fundamentals and page performance • Basic Shopify familiarity (we run a separate storefront) • Form handling, analytics, and simple integrations Structure and rate Initial builds priced per site or hourly, your preference. After launch I want an ongoing arrangement, either a monthly retainer or a standing hourly agreement, with an agreed turnaround expectation for routine changes. Budget is [$X hourly / $X per site] with roughly [X] hours per month expected for maintenance. To apply 1. Link 2 or 3 custom sites you designed and built, and tell me what you did on each and what stack you used. 2. What is your realistic turnaround for a small text or image change during your normal work week? 3. What is your time zone and typical working hours? 4. What stack would you use for this and why?