Software consulting
built to ship.
555 Labs delivers independent software consulting for teams that need clean, scalable code — fast. Specializing in Python / Django backends and Firebase / React frontends.
What 555 Labs builds
End-to-end consulting across the full stack — from database schema to polished UI. Every engagement is scoped to your needs, with no filler.
Python / Django Development
Robust backend systems, REST APIs, and admin tools built on Django's battle-tested framework. Optimized for performance, security, and long-term maintainability.
Firebase Architecture
Scalable backends on Google's Firebase platform — Firestore data modeling, Auth flows, Cloud Functions, and real-time data pipelines without the ops overhead.
React Frontend Engineering
Fast, accessible React applications with modern tooling. From single-page apps to complex dashboards — built for performance and a great developer handoff.
API Design & Integration
Well-documented RESTful and GraphQL APIs that third parties can actually use. Plus seamless integration of payment gateways, CRMs, analytics, and more.
Architecture & Code Review
Bring in an experienced eye before you build — or after. Technical audits, architecture diagrams, and concrete recommendations to de-risk your codebase.
MVP & Prototype Builds
Go from idea to working product fast. 555 Labs specializes in focused MVP builds that validate your concept without over-engineering the first version.
AI Integration & LLM Development
Bring AI capabilities into your product with confidence. Experienced with Claude (Anthropic), ChatGPT (OpenAI), and Gemini (Google) — from prompt engineering and RAG pipelines to building full agent workflows and integrating LLM APIs into Django and React applications.
How we work together
Simple, transparent, no-surprises engagements.
Scope & align
A focused intro call to understand your goals, timeline, and technical context. No commitment required.
Clear pricing
You receive a written proposal with scope, deliverables, and pricing — either hourly or a fixed-fee project estimate.
Heads-down execution
Regular async updates, weekly check-ins, and a shared repo or workspace. You stay informed without micromanaging.
Clean delivery
Documented code, a walkthrough session, and support during transition. Your team inherits something they can own.
Flexible engagement models
Choose what fits your project. Both models include the same quality of work and communication — just structured differently.
Hourly Retainer
Best for ongoing work, maintenance, audits, or projects with evolving scope.
- ✓ Flexible hours each week
- ✓ Transparent time tracking
- ✓ Ramp up or down anytime
- ✓ No long-term commitment
- ✓ Ideal for ongoing support
Fixed-Price Project
Best for well-defined features, MVPs, or greenfield builds where you want budget certainty.
- ✓ Fixed scope & price upfront
- ✓ Milestone-based payments
- ✓ Clear deliverables & timeline
- ✓ Full documentation included
- ✓ Handoff & transition support
All projects begin with a free 30-minute discovery call. Rates depend on scope and duration.
The person behind the work
555 Labs is Michael Blonsky — an independent software consultant with deep experience shipping Python/Django backends and Firebase/React products.
Michael Blonsky
linkedin.com/in/michaelblonskyMichael has spent years building and scaling web applications across industries — from early-stage startups to established product teams. He brings a pragmatic, quality-first approach to every engagement: clean architecture, readable code, and a bias toward shipping.
He's also deeply experienced with the current generation of AI tools — Claude (Anthropic), ChatGPT (OpenAI), and Gemini (Google) — integrating LLM APIs into production Django and React applications, building RAG pipelines, and designing agent workflows that actually work in the real world.
When you work with 555 Labs, you work directly with Michael from day one. No handoffs, no middlemen — just focused execution on your project.
Independent. Focused. Accountable.
Working with an independent consultant means you get an expert — not a junior billed at a senior rate.
Senior-only work
Every line of code is written by an experienced engineer, not delegated down to a team of juniors after the sale.
Direct communication
You talk to the person doing the work. No account managers, no translation layers, no status games.
Deep stack focus
Years of specialization in Python/Django and Firebase/React — not a generalist who Googles your stack after signing.
Code you can own
Clean, well-documented code with tests. When the engagement ends, your team can run and extend it independently.
Fast start
No long sales cycles. Discovery to kickoff in days, not weeks. When you need to move, 555 Labs moves with you.
Security-first
Auth, permissions, and data handling are treated as first-class concerns — not an afterthought bolted on at the end.
Common questions
Still curious? Reach out directly — happy to chat.
555 Labs works with startups, scale-ups, and product teams of all sizes. Projects range from a focused two-week feature build to multi-month product engagements. The sweet spot is 1–6 month scopes where deep technical expertise adds the most value.
Absolutely. Many clients bring in 555 Labs to complement an existing team — filling a stack-specific gap, accelerating a critical feature, or providing a senior review layer. Git, PRs, and code reviews are standard practice.
NDAs and IP assignment agreements are standard for every engagement. All code and business information is kept strictly confidential. 555 Labs has no interest in your trade secrets — only in delivering great work.
555 Labs operates in US timezones and collaborates with clients worldwide. Async-first communication keeps things efficient, with overlap hours available for live syncs and demos.
It's a 30-minute intro focused on understanding your problem, current stack, and timeline. No slides, no pitch — just a practical conversation. You'll leave with a clear sense of whether 555 Labs is the right fit and next steps.
Yes. Common migrations include moving from monolith to microservices, Firebase to Django (or vice versa), REST to GraphQL, and legacy jQuery apps to React. These are scoped carefully to avoid big-bang rewrites.
Let's build something together.
Send a note with a brief description of your project and the best time to connect. Expect a reply within one business day.
Free 30-minute discovery call · No commitment required