Question 1

Do I need AI consulting or a developer?

Accepted Answer

If you know what to build and need execution, hire for development. If you're deciding whether AI fits, which approach to take, or reviewing a vendor proposal - consulting first saves money.

Question 2

Can consulting lead to implementation?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Many clients start with a strategy session, then engage me to build the recommended architecture. Consulting fees can be credited toward implementation.

Question 3

What deliverables do I get from a consulting engagement?

Accepted Answer

You receive a written architecture document, technology recommendations, cost and timeline estimates, risk analysis, and a prioritized roadmap. Architecture reviews include a follow-up call to walk through findings.

Question 4

Can you review a proposal from another AI vendor?

Accepted Answer

Yes. I do technical due diligence on vendor proposals - evaluating architecture feasibility, hidden costs, lock-in risks, and whether the approach matches your actual requirements.

Question 5

Do you help startups hire their first AI engineer?

Accepted Answer

Yes. I advise on job descriptions, interview questions, tech stack choices, and whether to hire full-time vs contract. I can also review candidates' take-home assignments.

Question 6

How do you recommend agent orchestration tools?

Accepted Answer

I do not default to a single framework or vendor. After reviewing your workflow, team skills, and constraints, I recommend the simplest option that will hold up in production - including advising against tools that add unnecessary complexity.

Question 7

How much does this cost for a startup?

Accepted Answer

I offer two options: hourly work at $70/hr depending on the complexity of your requirements, or a custom fixed-price quote after a free discovery call. The quote option is best when you have a defined scope and want a single number upfront.

Question 8

Do you sign NDAs and work with confidential data?

Accepted Answer

Yes. I routinely sign NDAs before reviewing proprietary code or data. Your documents, API keys, and business logic stay confidential. I can work within your existing security policies and VPC if required.

Question 9

How do we communicate during the project?

Accepted Answer

Weekly video demos plus async updates on Slack or email. You see working software every week, not status reports. I'm responsive across time zones - I've delivered for clients in 15+ countries.

Question 10

What is your payment structure?

Accepted Answer

For custom quotes: typically 30% upfront, 40% at midpoint, 30% on delivery. Hourly work is billed weekly or biweekly based on hours logged. Payments via bank transfer, PayPal, or platform escrow (Upwork/Fiverr) if you prefer.

Question 11

Do you provide post-launch support?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Every project includes a handoff period with documentation and knowledge transfer. Optional maintenance retainers cover bug fixes, model updates, and feature iterations after launch.

Question 12

Why hire a freelance AI engineer vs an agency?

Accepted Answer

You work directly with the person building your system - no account managers or junior devs passed off as seniors. Faster iteration, lower overhead, and 6+ years of hands-on production AI experience including published research.

AI Consulting

Why teams get stuck

What you get

Pricing

Hourly rate

Custom quote

AI Consulting - common questions