Houtz CPA is a local accounting firm serving clients from Media, Pennsylvania, with tax preparation, bookkeeping, and financial planning services. David Houtz came to me with a website that was built from a boilerplate GoDaddy template. It worked as a starting point, but it did not really reflect the personality, professionalism, or local character of his business.
One of the best parts of the project was Taxes, David's African Grey parrot and office mascot. David already had an illustration of Taxes, and I saw an opportunity to make that character a meaningful part of the brand instead of just a fun side detail. I refreshed the mascot illustration, cleaned up the logo system, and built a visual identity that felt friendly, recognizable, and professional enough for a CPA firm.
From there, I designed and built a new custom website for Houtz CPA that gave the business a stronger online presence. The site uses the refreshed branding, green color palette, service messaging, and local business details to create a warmer first impression for clients who want an accountant they can actually talk to. Instead of feeling like a generic template, the new site feels like David's business.
The project also extended beyond the website. I created supporting graphic design pieces, including logo applications, a thank-you stamp concept, and branded materials that help Houtz CPA show up consistently online and in print. It is the kind of small business design project I enjoy most: one-on-one collaboration, practical decisions, and a final result that feels specific to the client.
For me, this project is a good example of how local web design and graphic design can work together. A website does not have to be flashy or overbuilt to be effective. Sometimes the real value is helping a small business look more like itself: professional, approachable, and ready for the next client.
