The verdict in three sentences
For a design and build architecture firm in Nassau, the website mostly has to win over second-home buyers based in Florida, New York or Canada, who will only visit your sites after several online exchanges. The real question is therefore the ability to produce credible construction content, especially in the Out Islands, more than the web provider's proximity. A Nassau agency is worth it if it handles shoots and ongoing site coverage; otherwise, a remote studio at USD 2,900, 4,900 or 8,900 delivers a solid site in 3 to 4 weeks and leaves you the budget for a good local photographer.
Who is your website really for?
The Bahamas run on Eastern time, like Miami and New York, and the Bahamian dollar is at par with the US dollar. Your overseas prospects therefore compare your fees and your website with those of Florida firms. Before choosing a provider, list your audiences:
| Audience | What they look for | What it means for the provider choice |
|---|---|---|
| Second-home buyer in the US or Canada | Completed references, realistic timelines, remote site management | Native English copy and detailed project pages |
| Small resort developer in the Exumas or Eleuthera | Island logistics capability, hurricane resilience | Construction content, drone video, technical notes |
| Homeowner living in Nassau | Proximity, local reputation | Real testimonials, office address, in-person meetings |
| Partner real estate agents | Downloadable pack, cleared photos for their listings | Clear image licences, press area |
| Investors and banks | Company strength, insurance, team | Team page, verified professional credentials |
If the first two rows make up most of your revenue, the web agency's physical proximity matters little. What matters is the quality of the construction story.
Nassau agency or remote studio: a side-by-side comparison
The local figures are a 2026 ballpark based on typical agency quotes and public rate pages of local agencies.
| Point of comparison | Local agency in Nassau | Remote studio |
|---|---|---|
| Build price | USD 12,000 to 30,000 (freelancer: USD 4,000 to 10,000) | USD 2,900 / 4,900 / 8,900 (Kolonell grid) |
| Time to launch | 8 to 12 weeks | 3 to 4 weeks |
| Out Island shoots | Possible, with flight or boat costs of USD 400 to 1,500 per trip | Commission a local photographer or drone operator |
| Meetings | In person at the office | Video calls on Eastern time |
| Online construction log | Often updated by the agency, billed as a retainer | Updated by your team through the CMS |
| Domain and code | To check, sometimes in the agency's name | In the firm's name, written into the contract |
| Maintenance | USD 250 to 600 a month | 3 months of support included, then on quote |
Every Kolonell tier includes a project manager reachable in your time zone, native English copywriting, delivery in 3 to 4 weeks and 3 months of support. The scope of each tier is on the international website offer.
When does the local agency win, and which questions should you ask?
A Nassau agency is the better choice in three concrete situations. First, if you want to fully outsource photo and video coverage of your sites, with someone travelling every month. Second, if your team has neither the time nor the appetite to update the site itself. Third, if the site supports a local sales operation, such as off-plan villa sales with a sales suite and events.
A remote studio fits better when you already have a trusted photographer, someone in-house who can add a project in 20 minutes, and a need for a fast-loading site for visitors browsing on mobile.
Decision questions to ask both providers:
- Will the domain account be opened in the firm's name, with your credentials?
- Can the CMS add a construction milestone with photos without technical help?
- Are drone videos hosted so they do not slow the page down?
- Who obtains clients' written consent before their home is published?
- What is the cost and timeline of a handover if you change provider?
What should the site include, and which rules apply?
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A design and build firm has to show what sets it apart from an architect alone: project pages with a construction timeline, notes on building choices for hurricane resilience, materials logistics in the islands, and a portfolio filterable by island, by type (villa, renovation, small resort) and by indicative budget. The enquiry form should qualify the project: island, land status, planned floor area, budget band, schedule. Images should be served as AVIF or WebP with lazy loading, because overseas visitors often browse while travelling.
On data, the Bahamas Data Protection (Privacy of Personal Information) Act governs personal information collected through your forms; publish a clear privacy notice and limit retention. If you actively target Californian or European residents, check whether their own laws apply to you. For the title architect, check local registration requirements with the relevant body before giving it to a team member. Aim for WCAG 2.2 AA accessibility. This is not legal advice.
Mini case study
Illustrative example: Andre Rolle runs a 12-person design and build firm in Nassau, with 30 completed villas, half of them in the Exumas. A local agency quotes USD 26,000 plus USD 400 a month, so 26,000 + 14,400 = USD 40,400 over three years. Studio option: Premium at USD 8,900 for the construction log and island filters, USD 4,700 of photography and drone work including two island trips, then USD 150 a month over 33 months, so 8,900 + 4,700 + 4,950 = USD 18,550. The gap is USD 21,850, which Andre reinvests in an annual shoot of his three best projects.
FAQ
Can a remote studio cover our Out Island sites?
Not physically: it provides the tool and you provide the images. A local photographer often charges USD 1,500 to 3,000 a day, plus USD 400 to 1,500 of travel per island.
Should we show indicative budgets on the site?
A range per project type, for example from USD 450 per square foot, filters out unqualified enquiries. Stay prudent and state that every plot is priced separately.
Which tier suits a design and build firm?
Premium at USD 8,900 if you want a construction log and more than 30 filterable projects. Growth at USD 4,900 is enough for a classic portfolio of 15 to 30 projects.
Is the time difference a problem?
No, if the studio works on Eastern time like Nassau. You keep 6 to 8 shared hours a day for review calls.
How long before launch?
Allow 3 to 4 weeks of production once content is received. Gathering construction photos from the islands often takes 2 more weeks.
Let's scope your project. A portfolio filterable by island, a construction log and a qualification form, from USD 2,900 to 8,900, delivered in 3 to 4 weeks. See the international offer or request a free quote: detailed reply within 48 hours.
Mohamed Bah
Fondateur, Kolonell
Passionate about digital and entrepreneurship in Africa, Mohamed has been helping Sénégalese businesses with their digital transformation since 2020. Founder of Kolonell, he believes every SME deserves a professional and accessible online présence.