Independent Design Studio

Design that leaves no one in the dark.

Accessibility audits, design systems, and UX strategy for nonprofits and social impact organizations. Practical, structured, and grounded in real-world constraints.

5+ yrs Design systems experience
4 countries Global deployment
30% Design-dev efficiency gain

What we do.

Accessibility Audits

WCAG 2.1 AA compliance assessment with prioritized fixes and implementation guidance.

  • Audit Sprint (48 hrs): $500
  • Audit + Implementation Call: $800
  • USWDS / Public Sector Audit: $600

Design Systems

Build scalable, maintainable design systems that reduce dev time and unify product experience.

  • System Audit: $800–$1,200
  • System Foundation Build (Figma): $2,500–$5,000

UX Strategy

Structured guidance on product direction, user research, and design decisions.

  • Strategy Brief: $350
  • UX Audit Report: $300 / $150 add-on
  • Implementation Session (90 min): $250

Transparent. Fair. Mission-aligned.

Senior-level expertise without agency overhead. All engagements are structured, time-bound, and include clear deliverables.

Accessibility

Audit Sprint (WCAG 2.1 AA, 48 hrs) $500
Audit + Implementation Call $800
USWDS / Public Sector Audit $600

Design Systems

System Audit $800–$1,200
System Foundation Build (Figma) $2,500–$5,000

UX Strategy

Strategy Brief $350
UX Audit Report (standalone) $300
UX Audit Report (add-on) $150
Implementation Session (90 min) $250

Custom projects? Let's talk. I work with nonprofits and social impact orgs on retainers, multi-phase engagements, and specialized audits. Book a call to discuss your specific needs.

Work that matters.

Build Change

Senior UX Designer (2022–2025)

Governed design systems for 5+ products serving 1,000+ global users. 30% reduction in design-dev handoff time through component standardization.

Climate Resilient Housing

Design Lead

Designed accessible, resilient housing platform for disaster-affected communities. WCAG 2.1 AA compliant across all user flows.

BCtap

Design Systems Lead

Built and maintained design system for multi-country deployment. Served users in low-connectivity environments across 4 countries.

Why Araw

The name says it all. Araw is day. Araw is sun.

In Tagalog, araw means both "day" and "sun" — a word that carries light, clarity, and renewal. It's a reminder that good design doesn't hide; it illuminates. Every project we build is meant to bring your work into the light.

Real-World Expertise

I've applied accessibility and design systems in environments where usability directly impacts people's ability to access critical resources. Not theory—practice.

Global Scale

Designed platforms used in 4 countries, serving 1,000+ users in disaster-affected regions. I understand constraints: low connectivity, outdated devices, varying literacy levels.

Mission-Aligned

I'm selective about the work I take on. I prioritize meaningful, ethical projects and aim to build long-term client relationships with nonprofits and social impact orgs.

Ideal Client

Who I work best with.

Organization Type

  • Nonprofits
  • Social impact orgs
  • Mission-driven startups

Budget & Scale

  • $5K–$50K annual design spend
  • 2–15 person teams
  • Post-MVP or growth stage

Pain Points

  • ADA compliance gaps
  • No design system governance
  • Preparing for grants/audits

Values

  • Values-driven
  • Willing to invest in doing things right
  • Prefer specialists over junior freelancers

Ready to start?

Design systems. Accessibility audits. UX strategy.