Hi, my name is

Adam Brewer

I build things for the web

Enthusiastic, dedicated, adventurous.

Senior full-stack developer with 12+ years crafting scalable applications. Former British Army aircraft technician turned web developer. I specialize in React, TypeScript, and turning complex problems into elegant solutions.

See my work Download CV

01. About Me

Former British Army aircraft technician turned web developer. I spent 5 years maintaining helicopters before moving into tech full-time in 2010.

I love building component systems, interfaces and APIs. Communication is one of my strongest assets—I'm comfortable translating between frontend, backend and stakeholders, and getting stuck in wherever needed.

I've worked with brands like Google, Apple, The Economist, Burberry, Adidas and Virgin Galactic. I also co-founded Paper Trails with my designer brother Jake—he handles the visuals, I handle the tech.

Outside of work, I'm kept busy by my wife, two girls, and a Vizsla who thinks she's in charge. When I can salvage some spare time, I like to run, cycle, lift heavy things, and build furniture.

Technologies I've been working with recently:

  • React / React Native
  • TypeScript
  • Next.js
  • Node.js
  • PHP / Laravel
  • MongoDB
  • AI-augmented workflows

02. Featured Projects

Enterprise Fintech

Quilter

Portfolio management platform for financial advisers. Led frontend development from POC to production, shipping multiple releases within the first year. Cross-platform solution serving both web and mobile clients.

  • React
  • Next.js
  • React Native
  • TypeScript
  • Azure
  • Nx

Co-founded SaaS

Paper Trails

Turn your adventure data into wall art. Built this SaaS from scratch with my brother Jake—I handle the tech, he handles the design. Full-stack ownership from Stripe payments to Strava integrations.

  • React
  • Next.js
  • TypeScript
  • Laravel
  • MongoDB
  • Docker
  • Stripe

Web3 Mobile App

Meshii WiFi

Blockchain-integrated mobile app for decentralized WiFi sharing. Led architecture decisions and deployment strategies. Integrated Polygon blockchain functionality for token rewards using Alchemy API.

  • React Native
  • TypeScript
  • AWS Serverless
  • Python
  • Polygon
  • Alchemy

Design System

The Economist

Extended the Design System powering all of The Economist's digital products. Built the styleguide showcase website. Enterprise-scale work with exacting standards.

  • React
  • Design Systems
  • Component Libraries
  • Documentation

Agency Work @ Toaster

Google Projects

Google Play Policy developer guidelines and Google Search Indonesia mobile experience. Built with Polymer web components following Material Design specifications.

  • Polymer
  • Web Components
  • Material Design
  • i18n

03. Where I've Worked

Senior Developer

@ Quilter

Jan 2024 — Present

  • Leading frontend UI/UX development for fintech portfolio management platform
  • Shipped POC to production within first year, multiple releases since
  • React, Next.js, React Native, Ionic, TypeScript, Nx monorepo, Azure DevOps

Technical Director

@ Paper Trails

Mar 2019 — Present

  • Co-founded SaaS turning adventure data into custom art prints
  • Full-stack ownership from payments to Strava/Komoot integrations
  • React, TypeScript, Laravel, PostgreSQL, Docker, Stripe, Jest, GitHub Actions CI/CD

Contract Developer

@ Apple, The Economist, Novata, Etch

2019 — 2023

  • Apple: Upgraded internal software tools (React, TypeScript)
  • The Economist: Extended Design System, built styleguide site (React, Storybook, Component Libraries)
  • Novata: Carbon emission calculators with data visualisations (React, TypeScript, PostgreSQL, Prisma, Jest)
  • Etch: Interactive investment planning tools (React, D3.js, TypeScript)

Earlier Roles

@ Applied Works, Toaster, Burberry, Saatchi & Saatchi, Outside Line

2011 — 2018

  • Applied Works: Led frontend team of 15-20 (React, TypeScript, Redux, Storybook, Node.js)
  • Toaster: Google Play Policy, Google Search Indonesia, Adidas (Polymer, Web Components, GSAP animations)
  • Burberry: Burberry.com e-commerce frontend (Backbone.js, SASS, Grunt)
  • Freelance: Lost Boy, Ash Thorp, Film Locker, Wandering Fever (React SPAs, Kirby CMS, PHP)
  • Agency: Toyota, Virgin Galactic, Cravendale, Budweiser, Blackwell eReader (Knockout.js, Patternlab, Gulp)

Aircraft Technician (Corporal)

@ British Army

Feb 2005 — Nov 2009

  • Served in UK, Germany, and Iraq
  • Where I learned discipline, adaptability, and problem-solving under pressure

04. Get In Touch

I'm currently open to new opportunities—primarily contract work, but open to the right permanent role. Whether you have a project in mind or just want to say hi, my inbox is always open.

Say Hello