Mosaic

Chicago and Northern Michigan

818-634-4364 | [email protected]

September 2025

Project Description

Mosaic, an initiative of the National Council of Churches (NCC), will be the digital home for stories of faith, resilience, hope, and justice.

With the official launch tied to NCC’s 75th Anniversary in October 2025, Mosaic requires:

Mosaic is more than a website — it is a movement of storytelling across Christian traditions. The initiative reflects the heart of the National Council of Churches: to bring diverse voices together in unity, demonstrating faith, resilience, and justice through lived stories.

The website must balance beauty and practicality: it should be visually striking to honor Mosaic’s new branding, but also structured to empower your team, reduce bottlenecks, and invite wide participation. It must serve pastors, congregations, and younger generations alike — offering clarity, inspiration, and accessibility across devices.

Custom Design

We will create a custom design for the Mosaic homepage and story pages, beginning with a short discovery process to gather inspiration and clarify priorities. From there, we will present three initial design concepts that will guide the project forward and set the tone for Mosaic’s digital presence.

Our approach is theme-agnostic, meaning we will not rely heavily on rigid custom theme elements. This ensures that future updates, new features, and content growth can happen smoothly without the risk of breaking the site.

This represents a major upgrade from the current Mosaic pages, which are weighed down by mismatched code and excess complexity. By starting fresh, we eliminate unnecessary cruft, resulting in a platform that is faster, more stable, and far easier to maintain.

The design process will be iterative and collaborative with the Mosaic team. We will refine the concepts until you are confident in the direction, carrying that same collaborative approach through to the quality assurance (QA) phase to ensure a polished, launch-ready site.

Story First

At the heart of Mosaic is the power of storytelling — and the website will reflect that by putting video content front and center. Every design decision will prioritize how stories are displayed, discovered, and shared.

Engaging Presentation: Videos will be showcased in layouts that invite exploration — large, bold visuals paired with concise context that pulls users in.
Shareable by Design: Built-in sharing options ensure stories can spread easily across social platforms, amplifying their reach.
Easy to Find: Stories will be organized with search, categories, and intelligent filters so users can quickly discover content that resonates with them.
Pathways to More: Each story experience will naturally lead to others, encouraging users to continue exploring Mosaic’s growing collection.

This “Story First” approach ensures that visitors don’t just watch a single video — they are drawn deeper into the library, discovering voices across denominations and experiences, and returning again to hear what’s new.

Sharing

We want users to be able to share the website and stories with others. This means appropriate content will have sharing buttons. We want to have a social aspect that increases engagements and sharing.

We keep in mind that Social platforms are always subject to change, so we suggest incorporating social elements while not relying on the platforms as a main traffic source.

Custom Post Types

We will create custom content channels as needed for sections of the website and display the information in a more dynamic way in the future including the ability to filter.

Additional Custom Post Types will be created as needed in order to keep the backend of the website clean, clear, and easy to use!

Site Architecture

We will create custom content channels as needed for sections of the website and display the information in a more dynamic way in the future including the ability to filter.

To reiterate, we will start from a new foundation with a vanilla theme for the maximum lightness. We will employ only what is needed to acheive the desired outcomes. The end goal is less plugins, less overhead, and less risk.

Template Library and Site Settings

All design elements will be placed into a user template library titled with the available elements so it can be easily searched and placed into new pages. Full pages will also be saved for re-use.

We always build with the latest standard settings in place like Global Fonts, Colors and Site Settings so the styles are easy to replicated and updated. We will create a library of elements that will allow easy creation and updating of pages, videos, and other styled content by the Mosaic team. While we are available for maintenance, our goal is to create a website that is easy for the client to iterate on without professional help. With this thinking, our maintenance work can be more strategic and focused on more technical issues.

SEO & PageSpeed

We will optimize for SEO. This means proper tags, schema and markup and increasing the sites speed. We want to make sure that all content schemas are properly tagged so that product show up in search engines.

Google Search Console will also be set up, configured, and connected if it has not been to track on-going SEO metrics and to solve any issues the minute they come up.

We will target a high page speed score via various tools. Tools such as caching, CDNs, compression, deferred JS and other best practices will be employed to achieve this. The main goal here is to increase Organic search and produce more revenue and traffic to the website.

Note: we will never sacrifice user experience for page speed scores. It is about the balance between scores and UX.

Analytics

All website data is tracked via Analytics, Facebook Pixel and any other pertinent scripts. We like to track as much as possible so we know ‘who’ is coming, what they are clicking on, where they came from, when they came back, if they came from Social media, etc.

Events and goals are set up and configured for tracking how users are finding Mosaic, which channels are the best at converting and identifying areas for growth. This is part set-up, part reporting, and part finding areas for improvement and executing them.

Ongoing consultation on Analytics is a part of the optional monthly maintenance.

Quality Assurance

The Sky Floor will work with Mosaic on a rigorous Quality Assurance phase that will extend until four-weeks post launch. We a custom Google Sheets process (although we are currently demoing a live visual feedback tool with assignments built-in) so we can all track bugs and updates together and easily track issues.

It is important that the site is operating at the highest possible level so that users have the best possible experience.

General Monthly Maintenance (Optional)

Keep the site up to date with plugin updates, core updates and the latest in server speed and security. We will evaluate the site health and make any recommendations each month.

We are available for emergency support when a true crisis is involved on our monthly maintenance agreements. We also offer quick turnaround on most small edits and tweaks.

Analytics reporting is included with a monthly report of users, traffic sources, events and conversions on the site. Any actionable data is relayed and incorporated with the maintenance plan.

With our direct maintenance plans, we work to provide value every month. This means a proactive role vs. a wait-and-see what goes wrong or what is needed approach.

Value Mosaic Receives

Impactful Launch: A beautiful debut at NCC’s 75th Anniversary.
Longevity: Platform designed for hundreds of submissions and years of growth.
Credibility: Professional design that builds trust and inspires participation.
Empowered Team: Tools + training for independence and confidence.
Insightful Analytics: Data to understand which stories resonate most, helping Mosaic highlight impact and refine outreach.
Strategic Partnership: We’re not just builders — we’re collaborators invested in Mosaic’s mission.

Conclusion

Mosaic has the opportunity to transform ecumenical storytelling online, becoming a living archive of hope and resilience. With a phased approach, The Sky Floor will help you launch with impact in October — while laying the foundation for long-term growth and insight.

We’d be honored to collaborate with you to bring Mosaic’s vision to life.

About Us

The Sky Floor was founded in 2009 by Alan and Joel Miller with the purpose of creating original designs, custom websites and creative content for businesses and non-profits.

We have had the chance to work with a wide variety of Churches, non-profits and businesses. From Fortune 500 company Pitney-Bowes to local plumbers. We enjoy learning about different organizations and how they run.

We view every element of operating as marketing, as a chance to tell the story of why you do what you do.

Marketing is more than flyers or ads.

It is how your people interact with your customers. It is how your website is designed and functions. It is figuring out the best flow for your space.

In short it is caring about what you do.

We join your team to define and meet these goals.

Alan and Joel were featured on PBS in 2020 for being twins born on leap day
Joel appeared in background of HGTV show Hometown in 2020
Nationally published photographers (CCM Magazine)
Worked in uncredited internship on Vin Diesels film Triple X while in high school
Mixed a song, mastered albums for an indie hip-hop artist in OK with 498,000 youtube views
Toured with a band signed to a Universal Imprint for 5 weeks when we were 16
Production Assistants and in audience for Brian Wilson (Beach Boys) Smile DVD
On IMDB for camera assisting on a short film
Engineered and produced an album which charted in the top 10 on iTunes

Our Team

At The Sky Floor there are no sales people. You collaborate directly with your designers and developers. This means you get a consistent approach and realistic expectations. We have different roles but collaborate within our strengths and weaknesses. A two person team dedicated to quality and creativity.

Alan Miller

Position : Designer / Developer
Experience : 17 years

Alan started creating websites for clients when Flash was still alive and kicking.

He is well versed in coding PHP, html, CSS, Javascript. Alan has worked extensively in Craft, Expression Engine, Monk, Drupal, WordPress and Magento, among others.

Design is just as important to him as good code. He enjoys the challenge of creating user friendly designs that function beautifully.

“Design isn’t just how it looks, it is how it works.”

Joel Miller

Position : Project Manager / Design / Marketing
Experience : 14 years

Joel handles most of the communication and scheduling. He also works on designing, WordPress, eCommerce and marketing efforts including Adwords and Analytics. The Sky Floor also offers video and audio production.

Joel has 15+ years experience creating original video and audio content on The Sky Floor’s studio equipment. He is proficient in Avid Media Composer, Pro Tools and Final Cut Pro.

“It is not just where you end up, how you get there matters.”

Hover images for details.

Our Process

Web design is not just about what is trending or cool, it is a collaborative process of creating a welcoming, informative experience which conveys who you are.

Initial Concepts

Our unique approach begins with crafting 2-3 distinct live design concepts. Instead of static mockups, we believe in providing a tangible experience. This allows you to truly visualize the end product from the get-go.

Responsive Preview

In today’s multi-device world, responsiveness isn’t just a luxury; it’s a necessity. Our live designs will give you an immediate sense of how the website will adapt across different devices, ensuring a seamless user experience. While our initial designs aren’t 100% optimized for mobile, they will be 80%+ there to give a live feel for the website.

Refinement in Real-Time

The advantage of working live is twofold: It accelerates the feedback loop, and it streamlines the transition from design to development. Once we settle on a design, we’re already poised to leap into full-scale development without missing a beat.

Collaborative Content Crafting

Partnering with you, we’ll weave a compelling narrative that resonates with your brand values and objectives. While we need your subject matter knowledge to write the content, our combined expertise ensures that every word, image, and design element aligns perfectly with your vision and drives the intended outcomes.

Development Timeline

The typical duration of our development process is three months. However, the key to a successful and timely project lies in collaboration. An active feedback loop with you ensures that we remain aligned at every stage, resulting in a final product that truly reflects your vision and serves your business goals.

Rigorous Testing

Before your website sees the digital light of day, it undergoes meticulous testing. From cross-browser compatibility to mobile responsiveness, we ensure that the user experience is seamless, regardless of where or how users access it.

Launch: Seamless Transition

Our launch process is designed for minimal disruption. With careful planning and execution, we ensure that transitioning your new website to a live environment is smooth and hassle-free.

Monitoring & Immediate Action

The initial days post-launch are crucial. We closely monitor the website’s performance and user interactions, ready to address any unexpected challenges or opportunities that may arise.

Any maintenance plans start after your post launch support.

We create websites that are:

Visually Engaging – Inspiring visitors at first glance with a design that “pops.”
Searchable & Organized – Structured for easy discovery by theme, topic, or keyword.
Scalable – Built to handle hundreds of story submissions over time.
Empowering – Simple backend tools and training to give your team control.
Personalized – A small, accountable team ensures direct communication and quick delivery.

Project Timeline

Week 1 (Contract & Kickoff): Confirm branding + requirements
Week 2–3: Foundation build + live design options
Week 4 (by Oct. 13): Launch Phase 1 landing page
Phase 2+: Silver+ growth features and analytics rolled out post-anniversary
Actual weeks depend on contract start

Pricing

Prices are for the entire project and are fixed. We try to offer the maximum value for the contract. We believe this allows us to work as collaborative team members and reduces your risk in taking on an independent contractor. Payment terms for the project are 50% on signing and 50% upon completion unless otherwise stated.

Optional monthly maintenance agreements start with a 3 month contract and then go month to month with a 15 day cancel notice. At the end of the 3 months, we evaluate the service level to make sure we are providing value.

Service Levels

$ 8,500

Branded landing page (responsive design)
About page + initial story showcase
Pop-up story booth video posting for October events
Staff training session (recorded)
Best for: Launching Mosaic at the anniversary with immediate impact.

$ 17,500

Includes Bronze, plus:
Story library with filters + keyword search
Submission & approval workflow for story uploads
Optional AI transcription for advanced search
Podcast/blog integration
Analytics Dashboard (basic): Track overall visits, submissions, and audience engagement
Best for: A fully featured storytelling platform that grows with Mosaic.

$ 25,000

Includes Silver, plus:
Extended content strategy support (story categories, user experience design)
Custom storytelling enhancements (interactive displays, flexible layouts for story features)
Advanced Analytics & Insights: Understand top-performing stories, visitor paths, and engagement trends to guide future decisions
One year of priority support & plugin and core updates included from first launch (troubleshooting, security)
Best for: A long-term partner to launch, maintain, and continuously improve Mosaic’s digital storytelling impact.

Monthly Maintenance

$ 500 / month

Plugin updates as needed or once a month
Up to 24 - 36 hours Turnaround (often faster)
Up to 4 small updates per month
Up to 1 meetings per month
Ongoing training for team
Analytics configuration, more in depth reprorting with Goals/Events and action items

Superlatives

 4.8/5

We have a 4.8 on Google with 31 reviews and counting.

The brains and talent behind The Sky Floor are two of the most incredible developers I’ve ever had the pleasure of working with. Joel and Alan are brilliant, kind, and they care so much about the work they do and the clients they serve. | would recommend The Sky Floor to absolutely everyone!

It has been a joy working with The Sky Floor! These are some very smart and humble guys that know what they are doing. They helped us create a fast, beautiful and easy to update site that was exactly what we were looking for. My favorite thing about working with The Sky Floor is their responsiveness and willingness to help solve problems. You won't be disappointed!

The Sky Floor has been instrumental in the creation, implementation, and maintenance of our website and numerous marketing projects. Everything they have done for us is top-notch.

Big fan of this company. Super-quick with quotes/estimates, and really solid dudes that run the place. Highly recommend for any of your graphic design or website needs!

The Sky Floor is excellent! They do a great job with all components of campaigns, web development/design, and digital marketing. I can't stress how much I have learned from them and been able to implement into my work. I look at them as partners more than consultants and that is one of the best signs of working with someone outside of your company.

I have only high praises for the team at Sky Floor! From the start, they strived to understand the scope and scale of our project. I would not hesitate to use their services again... actually, I look forward to next time!

I have worked with The Sky Floor on four websites revamps now and I have nothing but good things to say about this company. Their design is far superior to most and I have received nothing but high compliments on each of the websites they have done for me.

The Sky Floor has provided us with the most positive experience our organization has had in the last 8 years of working with website development and maintenance companies. They do exceptional work. I have found them to be honest, collaborative, careful in their execution, have high integrity, and are very relational.

The Sky Floor are creative and worked very hard to build a custom website that was fresh and would remain fresh in this rapidly changing web marketing environment. I get many compliments on the website!

The guys at The Sky Floor are rockstars! We had one face-to-face meeting at a hotel by SFO to accommodate our CEO's travel schedule (Thanks Joel, for doing a one day trip from Chicago to SF and back to Chicago that night.), we did a few hours of brainstorming and then they were off and running.It's great to have Silicon Valley development skills without the attitude that often comes with it.

Terms And Conditions

Some simple terms and conditions that go along with the acceptance of this proposal.
We don’t think web projects need complex contracts. Please let us know if you have any questions!

Warranties by The Sky Floor

The Sky Floor represents and warrants to Client that it has the experience and ability to perform the services required by this Agreement; that it will perform said services in a professional and competent manner; that it has the power to enter into and perform this Agreement. However, the Client will not determine or exercise control as to general procedures, formats or sub-contracting necessary to have these services meet Client’s satisfaction.

Completion Date (When Required)

The Sky Floor, LLC and the Client must work together to complete the Web Design Project in a timely manner. We agree to work expeditiously to complete the Web Design Project no later than 28 days after Client has submitted all necessary materials.

Confidentiality

In the course of the Collaboration under this Agreement, a Party (“Receiving Party”) may learn about or come into possession of “Confidential Information” (as defined below) about the other Party or its affiliated organizations or individuals (“Disclosing Party”). The Sky Floor and Client agree not to disclose any Confidential Information and promise to take all reasonable precautions to prevent its unauthorized dissemination, both during the term of this Agreement and thereafter. The Receiving Party agrees to limit disclosure of any Confidential Information to only those employees and agents of The Sky Floor or Client who have a need to know the information. The Receiving Party also agrees not to use any Confidential Information for its own benefit or for the benefit of anyone other than the Disclosing Party. The Parties acknowledge that all Confidential Information is and remains the property of its owner and that no license or rights in the Confidential Information has been or is granted under this Agreement. Receiving Party agrees to return all Confidential Information to the Disclosing Party upon request. For purposes of this Agreement, “Confidential Information” includes, but is not limited to, all information relating to business plans, financial data and budgets, funding, donors, personnel data, employee compensation and benefits information, trade secrets, details of contracts, pricing policies, operational methods, and marketing or public relations plans or strategies related to the business or affairs of The Sky Floor, Client and/or their affiliated organizations or individuals. “Confidential Information” also means any information that derives economic value from not being known to the general public or to others who could obtain economic value from its disclosure or use, which the owner takes reasonable efforts to protect the secrecy of, and any information that could be embarrassing or detrimental to the owner if disclosed publicly.

Governance

This agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Michigan. Any litigation pertaining to this agreement shall be filed and heard only in either a state or federal court located in Michigan and each party here to hereby submits to the personal jurisdiction of any such court.

Copyrights and Trademarks

The Client unconditionally guarantees that any elements of text, graphics, photos, designs, trademarks, or other artwork furnished to The Sky Floor, LLC for inclusion in the Web Design Project are owned by the Client, or that the Client has permission from the rightful owner to use each of these elements, and will hold harmless, protect, indemnify The Sky Floor, LLC and its subcontractors from any liability.

Project Copyright

The client will be provided with source code for web sites developed, and will retain the right to use and modify the source code for their own purposes. Unless otherwise agreed in writing, clients will not have the right to re-sell any web site product developed by The Sky Floor, LLC, or use the source code provided as the basis for development of future products for anything other than the client’s own use.

Timely Payments

Final payment shall be due, upon Client’s acceptance of the deliverable.

Payments are 50% at signing, 50% upon completion unless otherwise noted. In order for The Sky Floor, LLC to remain in business, payments must be made promptly. If an amount remains delinquent 30 days after its due date, an additional 0.5% penalty will be added for each month of delinquency.

Acceptance of Proposal

Fill out the form, select the options from the proposal you would like to book and press the button. You will be emailed a date stamped copy of the submission.

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