Skip to main content

/about

I'm Matze Schmidbauer. I build accessible, thoughtful web experiences - mostly with Svelte, but I dabble in Astro and Next.js too. I focus on results, not just writing code.

Who I Am

I craft web projects that don't just look good but feel good to use. Accessibility, performance, and simplicity sit at the core of what I do. I believe the web should work for everyone - and that means sweating the small stuff, from ARIA roles to alt text.

Before diving deep into development, I spent a long time working as a project manager (PM). I also worked as a photographer for years, capturing everything from portraits to commercial projects. I even ran an online gallery for contemporary photo-art – unfortunately, a little too early, before the hype. Somewhere along the way, I even invented and sold my own tick & mosquito repellent – because why not?

And yes, I once worked in the deep-freeze warehouse of Lidl. It's exactly as cold as you'd imagine. Freezing your ass off builds character (or so I tell myself).

What I Do

Honest spoken – while my capabilities to build something from scratch with i.e. TypeScript are limited, I know how to read code, spot bugs or stumbling blocks, guide, ask the right questions, and leverage AI to get things done. It's not about knowing everything, but about finding the right solutions efficiently.

  • Web Development (SvelteKit, Astro, Next.js)
    I leverage Svelte ❤️ for fast, accessible interfaces but also work with Astro for static site generation and Next.js for more dynamic needs.
  • Databases (Postgres, MongoDB)
    I manage and design database solutions with Postgres and MongoDB, ensuring the backend scales as smoothly as the frontend.
  • Payload CMS
    Content-driven projects? I'm all in. I integrate Payload CMS for headless, flexible content solutions that scale.
  • Accessibility First
    If it's not accessible, it's not finished. I build with inclusivity in mind from day one.
  • AI as a Tool
    I'm not shy about using AI to accelerate development, debug, and sometimes brainstorm ideas. But at the end of the day, I shape the results.
  • JIRA (Love & Hate)
    I really do love and hate JIRA. It's an essential tool, but it has its moments.

Why I Do It

Up until two years ago, my development horizon barely extended beyond WordPress. Since then, I've jumped headfirst into modern web development – and I haven't looked back.

I like making things better. Whether it's optimizing a logo carousel that won't stop lagging in Safari or refining an infinite scrolling menu, I enjoy finding creative solutions to tricky problems. The small details matter – and I care about the experience users take away from the web projects I touch.

A Few Facts

  • I work for mtc.berlin
  • Accessibility isn't just a job; it's part of my personal philosophy. I believe tech should open doors, not close them.
  • I'm a sucker for clean, minimalistic design – both in code and life.
  • I know what minus 20 degrees feels like while stacking frozen pizzas.

Let's build something that works for everyone.