Meet the Team
Andrea Hurley
Founder, Creative Director, Web Designer
Andrea is founder and creative director of Elytra Design. She is also web and graphic designer, web developer, project manager, and client manager. With a growing appreciation for the web and how it serves businesses and organizations, Andrea has developed a strong voice for her profession, and largely designs and develops all of her work independently. There are occasions where she rallies her longterm web partners and colleagues for projects which require Drupal development (bios below). But for all WordPress sites, she basically covers the gamut.
Andrea began her career as a web professional in 1998, after 10 years as a research biologist. She founded Elytra Design in 2002 (curious about the name?), and has been putting into motion everything from design and development, to meeting and working with a diverse array of intelligent and motivated clients, to developing creative strategies for web processes, and running a business.
While Andrea has a Bachelor of Science in Biology from UMass Boston and a Master of Science in Entomology from UMass Amherst, she also has a lifelong love of art. She appreciates the art within science and the science within art, which makes her career as a web professional a perfect balance.
Andrea and her husband moved from Boston to the Berkshires in 2016, but she travels regularly to Boston and NYC. She also has family in Europe, so she travels frequently internationally. When not working, Andrea spends time with close friends and family, walking and playing with her dog, hiking in the Berkshires, and spending time in her garden. Andrea also enjoys writing and has co-authored a blog about caring for elderly parents.
Jon Sachs
Visual Designer, WordPress Developer, Photographer
Jon and Andrea have been working together since 1998, when Jon, then owner of web firm Centermedia, brought Andrea on board, inspiring in her an appreciation of precise architecture, pixel perfection and clean code. Jon currently runs his own business, JonSachs.com, where he also builds websites, does graphic design and photography. He collaborates with Elytra Design on larger projects that require more hands and perspectives. Jon has a Bachelor of Science in Art and Design from MIT (1967 to 1971). With woods in his backyard, Jon can take long walks, with memories of his beloved dog Walter.
Chris Wells
Drupal Developer
Chris has been working on the web since 2003, and has been focusing exclusively on Drupal since 2006. In addition to programming with Drupal, Chris also teaches, trains and gives presentations about Drupal. He has his own web development company, Redfin Solutions. Chris and Andrea met in 2006, and built many Drupal websites together, including the Botanic Garden of Smith College.
Chris has a Master of Arts in Technology Education with a concentration in Adult Learning. He graduated summa cum laude from Providence College with a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science. Chris lives in Maine with his wife, dogs and children.
Patrick Corbett
Drupal Developer
Patrick has been developing websites since 1996. Like his Redfin partner, Chris, in addition to programming, he teaches, trains and gives presentations on Drupal. He is an active participant of the Drupal community, contributing to future developments of the software. Patrick and Andrea also met in 2006, and worked together on several websites, including the Botanic Garden of Smith College.
Patrick graduated with honors from the University of Maine’s New Media program with concentrations in Computer Engineering and Technical Writing. He lives in Maine with his wife and two children. When he’s not managing a project or troubleshooting with a client, Patrick likes to garden, ski, read, and play with his kids.
Kodi
the pup
Kodi is a puppy, but he plays a critical role at Elytra Design. With his highly enthusiastic greeting, he informs us when the mail has arrived, or when the UPS truck is pulling up. Most importantly, he keeps daily checks on Andrea’s sanity, making sure she gets away from her computer to walk or play a few times a day. He makes sure her creativity is restored.
Kodi’s favorite quote is, “They think they’re taking me out for a pee. I know I’m taking them out to meditate.” ~Anon
“Andrea has always had that solid focus, a good eye, and is one of the most caring and honorable people I’ve ever worked with. She’s a treasure. You should hire her to do your site, whoever you are.”
Jon Sachs
jonsachs.com