Web Development

Built for Builders. Designed for Designers. Coded for Humans.

Your website should work as hard as you do. It should reflect your craft, attract the right people, and make you proud every time you hit “send” on a link. That’s what we build.

We're Vernacular—a Portland, Maine-based crew of designers, developers, and marketing folks who understand the world of shelter. We speak the language of lines, elevations, craftsmanship, and context. And we build websites that help you show that off—without feeling like you’re stuck using someone else’s template.

We Build Sites With Purpose, Not Just Polish

Portfolio-forward, not portfolio-forgotten.
We prioritize the work you’re most proud of and structure it so people actually understand what you do. Think thoughtful storytelling, high-res images that load fast, and project detail pages that don’t bury your brilliance under bad UX.

Built on tools you can actually use.
We don’t believe in locking you into a system that requires a degree in computer science just to update your hours. Whether it’s Webflow, WordPress, or something in between, we set you up with a flexible CMS and give you a short, friendly walkthrough so you’re never left Googling how to add a project.

Searchable, scalable, and speedy.
We optimize every site to perform well on Google and load fast for clients who might still be on spotty jobsite Wi-Fi. Structured data, on-page SEO, smart navigation—it’s all baked in, not bolted on.

Who We Build For

• Architecture firms who don’t want to look like every other architecture firm.
• Builders with stories to tell (and beautiful photos to back it up).
• Designers who want to turn site visitors into dream project inquiries.
• Tradespeople who are sick of looking like an afterthought online.
• Shelter specialists with niche work that deserves to shine.

What’s It Like to Work With Us?

We start by asking good questions. About your clients, your process, your weirdest project, and your proudest one. Then we map a site that feels like you, build it clean, and make it hum.

No jargon. No bloated plugins. Just great work, good people, and a website you’ll want to show off.

What’s Included:

Discovery
Real conversations, not just forms. We dig into your goals, audience, and vibe.

Content Strategy
We’ll help you tell your story clearly—whether that’s through case studies, team intros, or your philosophy on cedar siding.

Custom Design
No templates. Just layouts that reflect your work and work on every device.

Development
Built on reliable tech, with speed, security, and SEO baked in.

CMS Training
A friendly walkthrough so you can actually use the thing when we’re done.

Optional Support
Hosting help, analytics insights, updates, and digital high-fives.

Based in Portland. Working with Shelter Pros Everywhere.

We’re proud to call Maine home—and we take pride in supporting the folks who shape spaces across New England and beyond. We know the difference between clapboard and shiplap. We know what a punch list is. And we know how to build websites that help great firms grow.

Ready to build something together?