Christopher David Appleton

Intro

I design and build digital systems that work, technically, visually and operationally.

With a background in Architecture (BA Hons), I approach the web as structured space: considered, accessible and purposeful. Since 2019, I have led the development and technical stewardship of a complex, multi-brand digital estate at Kent Students’ Union (KSU), overseeing a broad portfolio of branded platforms alongside their hosting, infrastructure and analytics.

I am a hands-on web developer motivated by clarity, accessibility and measurable outcomes. From public-facing websites to bespoke internal tools, I take ownership of the technical detail so organisations can operate with confidence.

Website Development

I design and build robust, accessible digital platforms across multiple brands and services.

At KSU, I lead the development and ongoing technical management of a diverse web ecosystem, delivering custom PHP systems, internal platforms and public-facing websites. My work spans architecture, design, implementation, and long-term maintenance, ensuring platforms remain stable, secure and scalable.

Accessibility and performance are embedded into every build. I conduct and publish annual accessibility audits of KSU’s primary website and implement structured SEO and analytics at framework level, allowing performance and engagement to be meaningfully measured.

Alongside my primary role, I also develop and support independent projects for charities and heritage organisations, providing end-to-end design, build and ongoing technical stewardship.

Graphic Design

My design work centres on clarity, cohesion, and long-term usability.

I have created logos, brand identities, printed materials and digital assets for charities, heritage organisations and independent projects, often delivering the full journey from concept through to implementation. I particularly value developing visual systems that others can confidently maintain, balancing creativity with practical structure.

With experience in both design and development, I understand how visual decisions translate into technical reality, producing work that is visually coherent, accessible and built to last.

Photography

Photography is a long-standing creative discipline and an extension of my architectural perspective.

I am drawn to structure, light and overlooked detail, particularly within historic and built environments. The compositional awareness developed through photography informs how I approach digital layout, hierarchy and user experience.

While primarily a personal pursuit, this work reflects the same perceptive, detail-oriented mindset that underpins my professional practice.

Projects

Beyond web and design, I am motivated by applied problem solving.

One example is the design of a wellbeing garden for Rolls-Royce Plc’s Materials Engineering Livewell Team. I developed a sustainable concept repurposing surplus turbine packaging into functional planters, producing 3D visualisations, environmental analysis and cost planning before presenting the proposal to stakeholders. The project was approved, funded and built, and remains in active use.

Projects in this section demonstrate systems thinking across disciplines and the ability to move ideas from concept to tangible outcome.