Adopting modern tools like Statamic isn’t just about improving our workflow; it reflects our commitment to staying ahead, embracing innovation and continually building a better way of working. I spoke with the team to understand why they decided to switch to Statamic, the challenges we faced and how that decision has shaped the way we work today.
Time to evolve
Q. What made you rethink using WordPress for the new Monogram website?
Dan: We were in the process of building our new website as part of our relaunch, known internally as Monogram 2.0. Colin’s design for the new site was excellent. The WordPress build was going smoothly, but as we approached the final stages, I realised something felt wrong. Using WordPress no longer aligned with the direction we wanted to take as a company.
Q. Why did WordPress feel like the wrong fit?
Dan: WordPress is solid, but it started to feel like we were working against the platform rather than with it, and it was time for us to do something different. As Monogram was evolving, we needed tools that reflected that change. WordPress just didn’t seem like the right choice anymore.
Colin: It was more than just changing the CMS. It was about embracing a new way of working. Switching platforms symbolised the shift we were making with Monogram 2.0 and the culture we wanted to build.
A more modern CMS
Q. What challenges did you encounter with WordPress?
Dan: One of the ongoing issues we had with WordPress was managing databases. Moving databases between development, staging and production environments was always a hassle. It felt unnecessarily complex. The reality is that WordPress was originally designed as a blogging tool and though it’s grown into a CMS, that legacy brings a lot of baggage. It needs to support both older features and new ones, which leads to unnecessary bloat. For this project, we wanted something cleaner and more efficient.
Q. How did you discover Statamic?
Dan: I started searching for a more modern CMS that aligned with the way we work. That’s when I found Statamic. It stood out because it’s built on Laravel, which we were already using for other projects. It’s also a flat-file CMS, which eliminates a lot of the complexities around databases. Every change is tracked in the project’s repository, making it easy to sync across environments.
Q. How did the team feel about switching platforms mid-project?
Colin: It was a bit of a risk, since the front end was already built in WordPress, but because this was our own site it was the perfect chance to try something new. We agreed that switching to Statamic aligned with our new direction, so we made the call.
Dan: It’s part of our culture to embrace change if it’s the right thing to do. We didn’t want to stick with WordPress just because it was familiar. Switching gave us a chance to explore something potentially better suited.
Flexible and intuitive
Q. What features of Statamic stood out to you?
Dan: It has modular components, a templating language and built-in tools that include SEO and image manipulation. These are all available from the moment you install it, so there's no extra work needed. For us, this aligns perfectly with how we design and build: flexible, efficient and clean.
Colin: I love that Statamic is built on Laravel, which is a framework we enjoy working with. It’s elegant in its simplicity and intuitive for developers and end-users alike. Statamic gives us the flexibility to extend the platform without relying on extra plug-ins. Everything is cohesive, which fits the way we work perfectly.
Q. How has Statamic improved your process?
Dan: It’s made everything more efficient. Tracking changes is easier, and development is faster and smoother. Statamic’s modular approach to components fits perfectly with how we design sites. It allows us to be more agile and produce better results.
Colin: The simplicity of Statamic makes a huge difference. It aligns beautifully with our component-based design process, from the wireframing to final delivery. Everything fits together seamlessly.
A breath of fresh air
Q. How have clients responded to Statamic?
Dan: Some clients were initially hesitant because they’re familiar with WordPress, but once they see how intuitive Statamic is, they’re on board. It’s very user-friendly.
Colin: Clients don’t need much training, and they love how easy it is to manage content without worrying about breaking anything.
Q. Any final thoughts?
Dan: Working with Statamic feels like a breath of fresh air. It’s modern, intuitive and efficient—exactly what we were looking for.
Colin: Statamic fits the way we think, design and build. The entire process, from planning to handoff, feels harmonious. Making the switch was absolutely the right decision, and it’s put us in a stronger position for every project since.