Thoughtful design, real connection
Helping local businesses thrive
Founded by brothers David and Craig in Placer County, we bring years of hands-on design and technology experience to support local small businesses across the region and beyond.
We combine professional expertise with a personal approach – because we believe the best business solutions start with understanding your unique needs through genuine conversation, not automated systems.
About Elevate
At Elevate, we bring thoughtful design and tech solutions to small businesses, built on trust, collaboration, and real connection.
Expert partners, personal service
We bring deep tech + design experience, not templates. Our team combines strategic thinking with hands-on execution to deliver results that matter. When you work with Elevate, you work directly with seasoned professionals who genuinely care about your success.
Local business champions
Locally grounded, with a genuine passion for helping small businesses grow and succeed through smart, intentional design. We understand the unique challenges and opportunities that come with serving our community, and we’re here to help you thrive.
Measurable business impact
We deliver strategic design and technology solutions that drive real results for your business. From increased efficiency to enhanced customer experience, our proven approach helps small businesses achieve sustainable growth and competitive advantage.
Professional expertise,
human connection
In an increasingly automated world, we’re bringing back the value of human connection in business. Brothers David and Craig founded elevate with over 50 years of combined experience and a commitment to treating people and relationships as the foundation of great business solutions.
We leverage cutting-edge tools and technology to create efficient, effective solutions for your business—but we never replace the personal touch with automated systems. Our goal is to streamline your operations so you can focus more time on your craft, your products, and building meaningful relationships with your customers.
“Stay human, my friends.” — Elevate
Our services
Whether you’re just starting out or ready to level up, our design services
help your business show up strong and stay a step ahead.
Web design
Beautiful, responsive websites built to reflect your brand and support your business goals.
- Custom CMS and e-commerce sites
- Mobile-first, accessible design
- Seamless site migrations
Brand development
We help you shape a brand that feels authentic, looks great, and resonates with your audience.
- Visual identity + logo design
- Brand voice + messaging
- Marketing assets + merch
UX/UI design
Clear, intuitive experiences that connect with your customers, elevate your brand, and drive meaningful action.
- Customer research and usability testing
- Prototyping and wireframes
- Mobile and web interface design
Business growth solutions
Tactical design and marketing solutions that help your business grow, perform better, and stay visible.
- Google presence + local SEO
- Website analytics + optimization
- Targeted social media campaigns
Creative & strategic consulting
We offer expert guidance for creative and technical challenges, tapping into a trusted network of specialists.
- Creative and technical insight when you need it
- Custom solutions for design or tech needs
- Expanded capabilities through our network
Ongoing support
We don’t disappear after delivery — we’re here when you need us, providing dependable support to keep your business moving forward.
- Website updates and content changes
- Hosting and performance monitoring
- Flexible help, whenever you need it
More than a service
A creative partnership that puts you first
We work closely with you every step of the way. No middlemen, no generic templates — just two experienced designers (David and Craig) personally invested in your success. Through thoughtful collaboration, we take the time to understand your business and craft solutions that truly fit.
Meet the brothers
The creative force behind Elevate: two brothers with deep experience in design, technology, and strategy, bringing purposeful, precise ideas to life.
David
Design Strategist & Technical Expert
With over 25 years of experience across both private and public sectors, David brings a unique blend of design strategy, technical expertise, and user-centered thinking to every project. He’s known for his ability to see the big picture while diving deep into the details to deliver polished, highly functional results.
- Web Design: Led award-winning CA.gov redesign
- E-commerce: Scaled business from Kickstarter to $10M+ sales
- Technical Leadership: Managed WordPress for 75+ state sites
Craig
Principal Designer & UX Strategist
Craig thrives at the intersection of design, research, and analytics – where customer experience meets business outcomes. With a proven track record at companies like Intuit and SAIC, he brings a passion for delivering exceptional customer experiences and achieving outstanding business results.
- Product Design: Led TurboTax.com, boosted revenue
- UX Innovation: Built first mobile TurboTax, cut calls 41%
- Leadership: Designed intranet for 40K+, Nielsen Top 10
Our combined expertise
25+
Years of experience each
100s
Projects delivered
12+
Industries served
2
Brothers, one vision
Beyond the bios
Long before we were creative partners, we were just two Gen X brothers growing up in Northern California—riding our bikes to the arcade, camping in canvas tents, fishing at the lake, and getting crazy on our snowboards back when the resorts barely tolerated kids like us.
We learned a lot out there: how to figure things out, take creative risks, and keep moving forward with a laugh, even when things went off the rails. That spirit still shapes how we work today—resourceful, scrappy, and always ready for whatever the next adventure brings.
Don’t let your business blend into the background
We help local businesses look sharp, sound clear, and grow with confidence.
No hard sell — just a quick chat about your goals and what’s possible.
FAQs
Not sure how we work or where to start?
These quick answers can help.
What makes you different from other design agencies?
We’re hands-on, experienced, and focused on real collaboration. Every project gets our full attention — clear communication, smart decisions, and a personal investment in your success.
How do projects typically start?
We usually start with a quick call or meetup to learn about your goals and timeline. From there, we’ll suggest the best next step — whether that’s a full project or something smaller to get things moving.
Can you redesign an existing site or do you only build from scratch?
Both. We can improve what you already have or start fresh – depending on what makes the most sense for your goals and budget.
What’s your typical timeline?
Every project is a little different, but we’ll work with you to create a timeline that fits your goals, pace, and priorities.
Who will I be working with?
You’ll work directly with us — David and Craig — not a rotating cast. We’re your point of contact and the ones doing the work.
Do you offer ongoing support after a project is done?
Yes. We can provide ongoing support, updates, or design help as needed — whether that’s a retainer or occasional check-ins.
What does it cost to work with you?
Our pricing varies depending on the scope and complexity of the work. After a quick call or meetup, we can provide a tailored estimate or proposal.
Clients & projects
We’re building a showcase of local work — coming soon.
What people say about working with us
We’ve had the chance to collaborate with some great people over the years. Here’s what they’ve shared about the experience.
I don’t do many recommendations but a shout out to Craig, a real pleasure to work with in so many ways. An incredible creative mind, multiple examples of building value from beautiful creative input. Superb collaborator, he builds on people’s points, encourages contributors and just takes everything to the next level.
David Hicks
XM Coach Co-Founder & Chairman
David’s one of those rare designers who can zoom way out to think beyond the original ask, then jump straight into the weeds to bring it all to life. I always appreciated how he’d push the thinking in smart ways—never just checking the box, but actually making the work better.
Matt Zybura
Chief Digital Officer at THINKware LLC
Craig is a visionary and very talented designer with an exceptional ability to align research insights with strategic business goals. His expertise in UX and CX as well his commitment to innovation have been instrumental in meaningful design changes that have affected millions of customers.
Alex Genov
CX/UX Leadership | ex Zappos, Intuit
I had the pleasure of working with David on optimizing the backend of our HR firm’s website. David demonstrated exceptional technical expertise, creativity, and professionalism. His ability to quickly understand our unique needs and offer tailored solutions significantly impacted our website’s functionality and user experience.
Stacey Sommerhauser
Director of Consulting Services at Silvers HR
You know that person on your team who does something without being asked, and it’s exactly what was needed at the moment? That’s Craig. He is proactive, creative, and thoughtful, with an unmatched eye for detail. It was a joy to work with Craig—both creatively and interpersonally.
Dan Marshall
Creative Director at Tangible
It has been fantastic to work with David over more than six years. David’s expertise and problem-solving nature have been tremendous help to us. Even more important, he has the skills and willingness to clearly explain complex solutions to technical challenges.
Chris Carney
Communications Director at CA Tahoe Conservancy
I often teamed up with Craig at Tangible, and I can’t say enough good things about him. He brought a fantastic mix of creativity and strategic insight that truly elevated our projects. Craig consistently produced stunning visual designs, always ensuring they aligned perfectly with our clients’ brand standards.
Joanna Hassel
Senior Director at Tangible
I have had the pleasure of working closely with David for several years, and can confidently say that he is one of the most dedicated and forward-thinking IT professionals I have collaborated with. He brings a rare combination of deep technical expertise and user-first mindset to every project.
Chad Reed
Communication & Public Affairs at CA Child Support
I had the pleasure of working with Craig on multiple projects. Craig is an organized, thoughtful designer that works extremely collaboratively. One project that stands out was a fast turn client project that required us to create 16 social designs and 175 display graphics in a few weeks and Craig knocked it out of the park.
Sudha Darling
Marketing & Content Strategy at Intuit
I’ve had the pleasure of working with David closely, and can confidently say that he is one of the most versatile and forward-thinking professionals I’ve encountered. What sets David apart is his unique ability to bridge the gap between technology and design. He possesses the rare talent to create a clear vision through analytical thinking and creative execution.
Brittany Asgharzadeh
Associate Product Manager at Larkin
Craig is hands-down one of the most amazing designers I have had the pleasure to work with. His designs not only exceed client expectations, but always yield favorable results. He excels at balancing multiple priorities and meets extremely tight deadlines with ease.
Sandra Jones
Head of Product Design at Integrate
David is a phenomenal employee. Loyal, intelligent, creative, funny, and reliable. His work ethic is unbreakable. His work output is undeniable. It was a pleasure to have worked with David.
David Gallello
Vice President at Paragon Micro
I don’t do many recommendations but a shout out to Craig, a real pleasure to work with in so many ways. An incredible creative mind, multiple examples of building value from beautiful creative input. Superb collaborator, he builds on people’s points, encourages contributors and just takes everything to the next level.
David Hicks
XM Coach Co-Founder & Chairman
David’s one of those rare designers who can zoom way out to think beyond the original ask, then jump straight into the weeds to bring it all to life. I always appreciated how he’d push the thinking in smart ways—never just checking the box, but actually making the work better.
Matt Zybura
Chief Digital Officer at THINKware LLC
Craig is a visionary and very talented designer with an exceptional ability to align research insights with strategic business goals. His expertise in UX and CX as well his commitment to innovation have been instrumental in meaningful design changes that have affected millions of customers.
Alex Genov
CX/UX Leadership | ex Zappos, Intuit
I had the pleasure of working with David on optimizing the backend of our HR firm’s website. David demonstrated exceptional technical expertise, creativity, and professionalism. His ability to quickly understand our unique needs and offer tailored solutions significantly impacted our website’s functionality and user experience.
Stacey Sommerhauser
Director of Consulting Services at Silvers HR
You know that person on your team who does something without being asked, and it’s exactly what was needed at the moment? That’s Craig. He is proactive, creative, and thoughtful, with an unmatched eye for detail. It was a joy to work with Craig—both creatively and interpersonally.
Dan Marshall
Creative Director at Tangible
It has been fantastic to work with David over more than six years. David’s expertise and problem-solving nature have been tremendous help to us. Even more important, he has the skills and willingness to clearly explain complex solutions to technical challenges.
Chris Carney
Communications Director at CA Tahoe Conservancy
I often teamed up with Craig at Tangible, and I can’t say enough good things about him. He brought a fantastic mix of creativity and strategic insight that truly elevated our projects. Craig consistently produced stunning visual designs, always ensuring they aligned perfectly with our clients’ brand standards.
Joanna Hassel
Senior Director at Tangible
I have had the pleasure of working closely with David for several years, and can confidently say that he is one of the most dedicated and forward-thinking IT professionals I have collaborated with. He brings a rare combination of deep technical expertise and user-first mindset to every project.
Chad Reed
Communication & Public Affairs at CA Child Support
I had the pleasure of working with Craig on multiple projects. Craig is an organized, thoughtful designer that works extremely collaboratively. One project that stands out was a fast turn client project that required us to create 16 social designs and 175 display graphics in a few weeks and Craig knocked it out of the park.
Sudha Darling
Marketing & Content Strategy at Intuit
I’ve had the pleasure of working with David closely, and can confidently say that he is one of the most versatile and forward-thinking professionals I’ve encountered. What sets David apart is his unique ability to bridge the gap between technology and design. He possesses the rare talent to create a clear vision through analytical thinking and creative execution.
Brittany Asgharzadeh
Associate Product Manager at Larkin
Craig is hands-down one of the most amazing designers I have had the pleasure to work with. His designs not only exceed client expectations, but always yield favorable results. He excels at balancing multiple priorities and meets extremely tight deadlines with ease.
Sandra Jones
Head of Product Design at Integrate
David is a phenomenal employee. Loyal, intelligent, creative, funny, and reliable. His work ethic is unbreakable. His work output is undeniable. It was a pleasure to have worked with David.
David Gallello
Vice President at Paragon Micro