We Are Bearded Studio

Bearded Studio is a full-service design and web development studio in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, founded by Matt Griffin and Michael Hellein in 2008. Our backgrounds include a range of web and print experiences. We develop dynamic content-managed web sites and custom web applications, optimized for download speed and search engine indexing. We're also fully versed in traditional design solutions such as logos, identity systems, annual reports, brochures, and posters. Our designs have been featured on the Communication Arts website, in Pittsburgh design exhibitions, and on numerous web design galleries.

If you haven't already, please take a look at our work. If we can help you with anything, online or off, please let us know.

Michael Hellein

Co-Founder, Developer

Michael Hellein has built web applications for a decade, writing code that supports a compelling user experience. From developing custom email systems to crafting innovative graphical user interfaces, he immerses himself in programmatic solutions without losing sight of the fact that every system exists to serve a human need.

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Matt Griffin

Co-Founder, Designer

Matt Griffin is a graphic designer and founder of Bearded Studio, and teaches in the School of Design at Carnegie Mellon University. He also has a great love for letterpress printing, which he acquired while attending Indiana University in Bloomington, Indiana, where he received a BFA in Graphic Design.

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Dominic Dagradi

Senior Developer

Dominic Dagradi is a skilled programmer, and recent graduate of the School of Computer Science at Carnegie Mellon University. As a student, he focused on user interface design, and low-level systems programming.

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Matt Braun

Senior Designer

Matt Braun is a graphic designer with a keen focus on branding and the web. He believes that successful design is driven by content and purpose rather than solely by aesthetics, and that passion for work is infectious.

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Lauren Fries

Project Manager

Lauren Fries is in charge of Bearded Studio’s project management and client relations. Lauren’s top priorities are to ensure that all projects go smoothly, finish on time, and that nothing ever falls through the cracks.

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Brett Bender

Developer

Brett Bender is graduate of the University of Pittsburgh, where he received his BS in Computer Science. His strengths include software engineering and server-side development.

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Carl Hellein

Systems Administrator

Carl Hellein is Bearded Studio's systems administrator. His tasks range from setting up Drupal sites to managing our internal sites and network, but there is rarely a Bearded Studio project that Carl doesn't have a hand in.

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