Questions
Frequently asked questions
What it’s like to work with a small, senior software studio — and the answers most people want before they reach out.
What does ArcSmiths do? +
We’re an independent software studio. We design and build web apps, mobile apps, custom platforms, commerce, and payment systems end to end — from the first sketch to production. We also build in-house: applied AI and computer vision, and original games.
Where are you based? +
We’re a San Diego software studio. We work with local businesses across San Diego County and with remote clients across the US — the work is the same either way.
What kinds of projects do you take on? +
Anything from a fast marketing site to a multi-tenant platform with auth, dashboards, and APIs. Common builds: storefronts and booking systems, internal tools and dashboards, mobile apps, Shopify and Stripe commerce, and POS integrations (Square, Toast, Clover).
How much does a project cost? +
Every project is scoped individually — price depends on what you’re building and how much of it. Many engagements are a one-time build; managed products (like our booking platforms) add a simple monthly fee. We’ll give you a clear number after a short conversation, with no surprises.
How long does it take? +
It depends on scope. A focused site or landing build is typically a couple of weeks; a full platform with booking, dashboards, and integrations takes longer. We ship in small increments so you see progress every week rather than waiting for one big reveal.
Do I own the code and the work? +
Yes — that’s the whole point. You own the code, the design, your data, and your domain. We build with a clean handover and no lock-in, so the product is yours to keep, extend, or take elsewhere. Software worth owning.
Who actually does the work? +
You work directly with the senior people building your product — no account managers and no hand-offs. The person you talk to is the person writing the code.
Do you offer ongoing support after launch? +
Yes. We can stay on to host, monitor, and maintain what we build, ship improvements, and respond when something needs attention. For managed products that support is built in.
Can you work with my existing team or codebase? +
Yes. We can take a project from zero, or join an existing codebase to add features, fix what’s broken, or help your team move faster. We’ll be honest about what’s worth keeping and what isn’t.
How do we get started? +
Tell us about your project — email [email protected], use the contact form, or book a call. The first call is free, and there’s no commitment to scope it out together.
Still have a question?
Tell us about your project — the first call is free.