How Aero Design Redesigned Forell Elsesser’s Website Using a React Headless Front End to Showcase Innovation, Performance, and Design Precision
overview
Forell Elsesser Structural Engineers is a leading structural engineering firm based in San Francisco, known for delivering innovative, sustainable solutions for complex buildings and infrastructure. When they approached Aero Design, their website had been built by a developer without design or UX expertise. While the backend was technically functional, the user experience was confusing, the visual identity didn’t reflect their forward-thinking work, and internal teams struggled to make updates. Forell Elsesser needed a digital presence as refined and future-ready as their engineering work—and that’s exactly what we delivered.
challenge
The original site lacked strategic layout, cohesive branding, and intuitive navigation. Case studies were buried, mobile performance was inconsistent, and prospective clients had no clear journey through the site. Meanwhile, internal staff found the CMS rigid and difficult to manage. Security and performance were also concerns, as the aging front-end stack offered limited flexibility and scalability. Forell Elsesser needed a partner who could bring deep technical skills and design thinking to the table—without starting from scratch on their data or backend architecture.
our approach
We reimagined the site from both a UX and technical perspective, building a React-based headless front end that interfaces seamlessly with the existing content management system. This approach gave us the freedom to create a fully custom, high-performance design while enhancing security and control. Our design team worked closely with Forell Elsesser to create a visual identity that highlights their project portfolio, team, and thought leadership. From an editorial perspective, we introduced flexible content modules that allow staff to build engaging pages with ease and consistency.
results
The new forell.com launched as a modern, dynamic platform that showcases the firm’s innovation, legacy, and leadership. Visitors can now explore projects by sector, expertise, or structural challenge—with a smooth and engaging user experience on every device. The React headless front end offers excellent performance and security, while the content system empowers Forell Elsesser’s marketing team to keep the site fresh and relevant. This project demonstrates how Aero Design helps technically advanced organizations translate their leadership into a digital presence that’s equally bold and future-facing.
