At Clean Build Studio, we specialize in helping non-technical organizations clean up messy code, replace patchwork no-code setups, and finally build internal software they can trust and scale.
Our clients aren’t tech startups—they’re schools, fintech companies, engineering firms, and service-based businesses whose operations depend on reliable systems. Over time, many of these systems grow clunky, break under pressure, or become impossible to maintain. That’s where we come in.
Whether it’s stabilizing a legacy Rails app, migrating away from spreadsheets, or building an internal tool to streamline HR or reporting—we bring order to technical chaos.
Clean Build Studio is led by senior software engineer Kristen Albrecht, who works directly on every project. For larger engagements, we collaborate with a trusted network of developers and designers. But no matter the size of the team, every solution we deliver is grounded in:
Our goal is simple: build software foundations that help you move forward with confidence—not duct-tape things together until they break.
Committed to writing clean, maintainable, and scalable code that supports long-term business growth.
Honesty, transparency, and empathy in every client interaction — building trust through clear communication and reliable execution.
Embracing challenges as opportunities to evolve — constantly improving systems, processes, and skills.
Treating others — and myself — with fairness and consideration.
Prioritizing thoughtful architecture and lasting solutions over shortcuts. Delivering high-quality code that stands the test of time.
Cutting through complexity to build streamlined systems that are easy to use, understand, and scale.
My mission is to help growing startups clean up technical debt and build solid foundations for scalable software. I bring integrity, clarity, and craftsmanship to every project — prioritizing clean architecture, sustainable growth, and thoughtful solutions. With a commitment to excellence and a growth mindset, I partner with teams to transform messy codebases into reliable, future-ready systems.
Symbolizes: Fresh starts, clarity, and modern thinking.
Why it’s perfect: Mint reflects the “clean build” aspect — a fresh codebase, a new foundation, and a system that’s elegant and sustainable. It positions me as a partner who brings clarity and creativity to what previously felt chaotic or outdated.
Symbolizes: Trust, structure, maturity, and technical confidence.
Why it’s perfect: Charcoal reinforces depth of expertise. I’m not just trendy or surface-level; I offer solid engineering and thoughtful architecture. It’s the foundation under the clean build — strong, serious, and reliable.
Symbolizes: Openness, simplicity, and space to breathe.
Why it’s perfect: White reflects the decluttering process my clients experience. It supports the idea of stripping away bloated code, fixing systems, and leaving room for future growth.
I’m Kristen Alford, senior software engineer and founder of Clean Build Studio. Over the past 10 years, I’ve helped schools, engineering firms, fintech companies, and service-based teams fix broken systems, clean up fragile codebases, and build internal tools they can actually rely on.
Whether it’s a no-code setup that’s grown out of control, a Rails app held together with duct tape, or an Excel-based “platform” powering critical workflows—I’ve seen it all. And I’ve fixed it.
Most of my clients come to me overwhelmed. Their tech stack is slowing them down. New features take forever. Bugs never seem to stay gone. And hiring new devs is a nightmare because no one wants to touch the code.
Here’s what I do instead:
Outside of coding and consulting, I’m a mom—which means I know a thing or two about multitasking, patience, and creative problem-solving. Those same skills show up every day in my development work.
I love spending time in nature, reading about personal growth, and hanging out with my family and our two dogs. On weekends, you’ll often find me working on DIY home projects with my husband or enjoying a quiet morning yoga and meditation practice. I’m drawn to mindfulness and intentional living, and I bring that same grounded, focused energy into the way I build software.
I started Clean Build Studio not just because I love to code—but because I believe small businesses deserve tech that works with them, not against them. My goal is always the same: to create stable, scalable systems that give you clarity, not complexity.
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