The WordPress Design & Development Process

At Design House, we believe a website should do exactly what you need it to, without compromise. While Shopify is now our go-to choice for e-commerce, WordPress is our engine of choice for total creative and functional freedom. As a mature, open-source platform that has powered the web for decades, it offers a level of code malleability that is simply unmatched.

To help you navigate the possibilities, we’ve distilled our years of WordPress expertise into a robust, three-stage framework. Whether we’re building a sleek brochure site or a complex, data-driven custom engine, this roadmap ensures your project is delivered with transparency, technical excellence, and – of course – a healthy dose of joy.

R&D & Visual Planning

Before we dive into the code, we get our ducks in a row. This stage is all about research, development, and high-level planning. We take your ideas and translate them into a technical requirements list, a confirmed page count, and the specific methodologies we’ll use to build a site that actually performs.

What Happens in This Phase?

Requirements Gathering: We map out every bit of functionality your site needs – from custom contact forms to complex data structures – ensuring there are no surprises later.
Visual Mapping: We establish the visual tone. This involves wireframing the core user journeys and defining how your brand’s aesthetic will translate into a digital environment.
Sitemap & Content Audit: We lock down the page count and site structure. We decide exactly where every piece of content lives to ensure a seamless flow for your visitors.
Methodology Selection: We choose the right tools for the job – selecting the specific WordPress frameworks, builders, or custom coding approaches that will make your site fast, secure, and easy to manage.

Phase Deliverables

Technical Specification: A clear document outlining all features and functions.
Confirmed Sitemap: A visual guide to the site’s architecture and page count.
Visual Strategy/Wireframes: The conceptual layout and branding direction.

Standard Package

(Custom UX / Enhanced Features)

£4,000 - £6,000

Target Client: For brands that need bespoke functionality, custom post types (like portfolios or team directories), and more design depth.
Key Value: Custom post types (CPTs), advanced custom fields, blog/portfolio setup, and deeper integration with third-party tools (CRMs, Email Marketing).

Advanced Package

(Highly Complex / Unique Functionality)

£8,000 +

Target Client: For high-traffic sites, complex data requirements, or specific custom-coded features that go far beyond standard plugins.
Key Value: A fully bespoke solution with custom API integrations, membership areas, complex filtering systems, or high-performance optimisation for massive traffic.