Public Sphere works through focused, finite engagements designed to remove friction.
We don’t offer open-ended retainers or ongoing maintenance. We step in where structure is missing — and step out once it’s in place.
What We Optimize For
Every engagement is designed around simple principles:
- Reduced cognitive load
- Clear structural decisions
- Momentum over optimization
- Systems that disappear once working
This allows us to work deeply without creating dependency.
Engagement Types
1. System Audit & Direction
For when something feels stuck — but the path forward isn’t clear.
This engagement is diagnostic. We identify where structure is failing, what decisions are being revisited unnecessarily, and where intervention will have the highest leverage. It provides early-stage clarity.
What this looks like
- Review of your product, media workflow, or internal systems
- Identification of bottlenecks and decision overload
- A clear intervention plan — including what not to build
What you leave with
- A systems map (written + visual)
- Prioritized next steps
- Direction you can execute with or without us
2. Focused System Build
For when the problem is clear — but execution keeps stalling.
This is our core engagement. We design and build one primary system that removes a major source of friction (e.g., product architecture, design system, or media infrastructure).
The scope is intentionally narrow so the outcome is durable.
What this looks like
- 4–8 week engagement
- Clearly defined system boundary
- Direct communication
- Execution without unnecessary process
What you leave with
- A working system
- Clear ownership and documentation
- Fewer decisions to revisit moving forward
3. Embedded Systems Partner
For projects where complexity is evolving quickly and alignment matters.
In rare cases, we embed for a short window to help guide multiple systems in parallel. This is not a retainer — it’s a temporary extension of strategic and technical thinking.
What this looks like
- 2–3 month window
- Highly selective availability
- Direct collaboration with founders or small teams
What We Don’t Do
To protect the quality of our work, we don’t offer:
- Hourly work
- Ongoing maintenance retainers
- Generic service packages
- Large, undefined scopes
If a project requires those things, we’re likely not the right fit — and we’ll say so early.
How Engagements Typically Begin
Most engagements start the same way: you have momentum, but something feels heavier than it should.
You don’t need a perfect plan. You need a clear pressure point.