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Web Design Comparison5 min read

Mackenzie Bowes vs Lesia Design & Digital

Mackenzie Bowes builds custom websites on Next.js with full code ownership and no platform lock-in ($2,400-4,000). Lesia Design & Digital specializes in Squarespace websites for non-profits, offering DIY courses and easy self-editing but with ongoing Squarespace hosting fees ($276-588/year). The key difference is platform (custom vs Squarespace), ownership (own vs rent), and target client (rural businesses vs non-profits).

At a Glance
Mackenzie BowesCompetitor
Starting Price$2,400 (rebuild)Custom quote
TechnologyNext.js (custom)Squarespace
Turnaround2-3 daysVaries
HostingOptional ($0-50/mo)$276-588/year required
SupportDirect developer accessDIY + courses available

Platform Philosophy

Lesia Design is a Squarespace specialist—Marketplace Expert and Circle Platinum Partner, top-tier credentials. Squarespace is a closed platform: easy to edit, but limited in customization and performance optimization.

Mackenzie Bowes builds custom sites on Next.js. Full control over code, performance, and features. No platform limitations—but also no drag-and-drop editor for clients.

Ongoing Costs

5-Year Cost Comparison

ProviderBuildHosting (5 years)Total
Mackenzie Bowes$4,000$0-3,000$4,000-7,000
Lesia Design (Squarespace)~$3,000*$1,380-2,940$4,380-5,940

*Lesia pricing estimated; they don't publish rates. Squarespace hosting is $23-49/mo.

DIY vs. Done-For-You

Lesia Design offers Squarespace courses on Udemy and Skillshare. If you want to build it yourself, they'll teach you. Mackenzie Bowes doesn't offer courses—the value proposition is "I'll build it for you, fast."

Who Each is Best For

Mackenzie Bowes

  • Businesses that want custom functionality Squarespace can't do
  • Companies that want to own their code (no platform lock-in)
  • Organizations that want faster performance than Squarespace allows
  • Businesses that don't want to edit their own website

Lesia Design & Digital

  • Non-profits and charities (their specialty)
  • Businesses that want to edit content themselves after launch
  • Organizations comfortable with Squarespace's limitations and pricing
  • Anyone who wants to learn Squarespace (via their courses)
The Bottom Line

Lesia Design is excellent at what they do: Squarespace sites for mission-driven organizations. If you're a non-profit that wants a site you can update yourself, they're the local expert. If you want a custom site with no platform limitations, better performance, and full code ownership, Mackenzie Bowes offers more technical flexibility—at similar or lower long-term cost.

Frequently Asked Questions

What platform does Lesia Design use?

Lesia Design builds exclusively on Squarespace, a hosted website platform. Mackenzie Bowes builds on Next.js, a custom development framework. Squarespace is easier to edit yourself but has platform limitations; Next.js offers full customization and code ownership.

Can I edit my own website after Lesia Design builds it?

Yes. Squarespace has a drag-and-drop editor that lets you update content yourself. Mackenzie Bowes builds custom sites that typically require a developer for changes, though content can be managed through a headless CMS if requested.

Is Squarespace or custom development cheaper long-term?

Over 5 years, costs are similar. Squarespace charges $276-588/year for hosting. Custom development from Mackenzie Bowes costs $2,400-4,000 upfront with optional hosting ($0-50/mo). The difference is ownership: with Squarespace you rent the platform; with custom development you own the code.

Want a custom website you own, not rent?

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Last updated: March 2026