React and AI Engineering
React applications and AI systems for document intelligence, augmented workflows, and data visualization
I'm Johan, a solo engineer in Christchurch, New Zealand, building bespoke AI applications and data-rich interfaces for technical teams whose problems can't be solved with off-the-shelf tools.
Not chatbots. Not demos. Working systems that make your data understandable and your workflows intelligent.
What I Build
React applications and AI systems that make complex technical systems explorable and actionable.
I specialize in two deeply intertwined areas (and the occasional pure backend project when it makes sense):
1. Data-Rich React Interfaces for Complex Systems
Custom visualization that turns incomprehensible data streams into something your team can actually understand and act on:
- Interactive network/relationship graphs (fraud, dependencies, entity resolution)
- Real-time fleet and infrastructure monitoring
- Geospatial, IoT, and scientific/engineering dashboards
- Domain-specific design and simulation tools with async compute
Built with React, TypeScript, AntV/G6, Mapbox, Deck.gl, Tailwind, shadcn/ui — always bespoke, never generic charts.
2. Production-Ready AI Systems (focused on where AI actually works)
I ship AI that solves specific problems fast, using the "three viable domains" filter so we don’t waste time on things that fail in production:
- Document Intelligence – deep search, classification, extraction pipelines with evals and observability
- Augmented Workflows – human-in-the-loop systems where AI suggests, humans decide, and the loop improves
- Autonomous Agents – scoped agents with memory, tools (via MCP servers), and proper control/escalation
Plus the glue that makes AI useful: MCP servers that securely expose your internal APIs, databases, and tools to agents.
Stack: AI SDK, Mastra/LangGraph, MCP, Next.js, Postgres/Redis, prompt management, traces, evals.
(Yes, I’ll still take the occasional pure Node.js/backend project if it’s interesting and outcome-driven — email workflows, data pipelines, API glue, etc.)
How We Work Together
I take on 2-3 clients at a time for focused, outcome-driven engagements.
Pilot Project ($25-50K, 6-8 weeks)
Start here. I solve one specific problem to prove value before larger commitments.
What you get:
- Working prototype solving a defined problem
- Clear ROI metrics (time saved, costs avoided, revenue enabled)
- Decision point: extend to full project or walk away
Ideal for: Testing fit, proving concept, immediate high-value problems
Fixed-Fee Project ($80-160K, 3-6 months)
For larger problems requiring complete solutions.
What you get:
- Production-ready application
- Documentation and knowledge transfer
- Defined scope with clear deliverables
- Measurable business outcomes
Ideal for: Strategic initiatives, new capabilities, system improvements
Ongoing Development ($8-12K/month)
After a successful project, retain ongoing capacity for iteration, new features, and maintenance.
What you get:
- Priority access to my time
- Continuous improvement cycles
- Fast response to changing requirements
- Strategic technical partnership
Ideal for: Long-term platform development, evolving systems
All pricing in USD
Who This Works For
You're a Good Fit If:
- You have a specific problem that off-the-shelf AI tools can't solve
- Your data is hard to understand without custom visualization
- You need AI integrated into specific workflows, not generic chatbots
- You value outcomes over process — you want things shipped, not endless meetings
- You have budget for specialized work ($25K+ minimum engagement)
- You're technical enough to articulate the problem and evaluate solutions
Target Sectors:
Environmental monitoring and geospatial · Engineering design tools · Industrial IoT and sensors · Infrastructure and observability · Fraud detection and financial monitoring · Supply chain and logistics · Scientific computing and research
You're NOT a Good Fit If:
- You need generic chatbots or "AI wrappers"
- Your problem can be solved with existing SaaS tools
- Standard dashboard tools (Tableau, PowerBI) would work
- You want staff augmentation or hourly contractors
- You're looking for generic web development
- You need someone to attend daily standups
If existing tools would work, I'll tell you that.
Technical Approach
Core stack: React/TypeScript · Data visualization (AntV, Mapbox, D3) · Real-time data handling · LLM orchestration and prompt engineering · MCP server development · Geospatial and network visualization
Philosophy: Ship products first, build infrastructure later. I focus on solving your specific problem with working code, not building elaborate frameworks or perfect architectures.
Working style: Remote-first from Christchurch, New Zealand (APAC timezone friendly). Direct communication, no corporate consulting theater. You get me, not a team of juniors.
Recent Work
Building AI Products That Ship
From insight to production in weeks using The Three Viable Domains framework.
Building with MCP
How to connect AI assistants to real infrastructure using Model Context Protocol servers.
Example Projects
React applications and AI systems demonstrating the approach: fraud detection networks, instrument fleet monitoring, thermal simulation tools, production AI search.
Why Not Just Hire Someone?
You're probably here because:
- You've been trying to hire a senior React + AI engineer for 3-6 months
- You've talked to agencies who want to sell you generic chatbots or dashboard templates
- Your team doesn't have the specialized expertise for this specific problem
- You need something working now, not after a long recruitment process
Here's what working with me gets you:
- Speed: 6-8 week pilot vs 4-6 month hiring cycle
- Clarity: Fixed price for defined outcomes vs uncertain salary + time commitment
- Specialization: Rare combination of React + data visualization + AI + domain integration
- Risk mitigation: Pilot project proves value before larger commitment
The math: A failed 6-month hire costs you ~$100K in salary + opportunity cost of delayed outcomes. A $25-50K pilot either solves your problem or tells you definitively what won't work.
Location & Availability
Based in Christchurch, New Zealand · APAC timezone (UTC+12/+13) with good overlap for Australian and Asian clients. Also work with US/European remote-first companies on async schedules.
Availability: Currently taking on 1-2 new pilot projects. Pilot projects can typically start within 2-3 weeks.
Let's Talk
If you have a specific problem that might be a fit, email me with:
- What specific problem you're trying to solve (not just "we want AI" or "we need dashboards")
- Why off-the-shelf tools haven't worked
- What outcome would make this worth $25-50K to you
I respond to every serious inquiry within 24 hours.
Email: info@orbital.co.nz
Common Questions
Can't we just use ChatGPT/Claude/other existing tools?
Maybe! If existing tools would work, I'll tell you that. I work on problems where off-the-shelf doesn't cut it — usually because you need deep integration with your specific systems, custom visualization for your data, human-in-loop UX patterns, or specialized retrieval/memory.
Can't we just use Tableau/PowerBI/Grafana for visualization?
Standard BI tools are great for generic charts and dashboards. I build custom visualization for problems they can't solve: interactive network graphs, real-time geospatial systems, domain-specific design tools, and interfaces where the visualization is the product, not just a report.
Why these price points?
Bespoke AI integration and custom data visualization require rare expertise (React + visualization + AI + domain integration). You're paying for specialized knowledge that saves months of trial-and-error and delivers systems that actually work. The alternative is hiring (4-6 months, $100K+ cost) or agencies (generic solutions, longer timelines).
Do you work hourly?
No. Fixed-fee projects or monthly retainers only. You get predictable costs and I focus on outcomes instead of billing time.
Can you do a smaller project first?
Yes — that's what pilot projects are for. $25-50K to solve one specific problem and prove value before larger commitments.
What if our budget is smaller?
If you have less than $25K, I'm probably not the right fit. Consider: hiring a mid-level developer, using existing SaaS tools, or waiting until the problem is expensive enough to justify specialized help.
Are you available for ongoing work?
After a successful pilot or project, yes. I work with 2-3 clients on ongoing development retainers. This ensures you have priority access when you need new features or iterations.
Do you work with startups?
Sometimes. If you're pre-revenue or early-stage, the minimum engagement is usually too high unless you've raised funding specifically for this problem. Better fit: you're post-PMF with engineering budget and a specific integration challenge.
Bottom Line
Generic AI tools and standard dashboards aren't solving your problem. You need something built specifically for your systems, your data, your workflows.
I build exactly that — React applications that make complex systems explorable, and AI systems that deliver measurable outcomes.
One project at a time, with clear deliverables and demonstrable ROI.
Email: info@orbital.co.nz