Next.js/Supabase Architect Needed for Penpal Platform Architecture Review

Job Description:

I'm looking for an experienced full-stack architect with deep expertise in Next.js and Supabase to review and provide recommendations on an architecture document and development roadmap for penpals.ink, which will be a website where people can find penpals to write to.

Project Overview:

Penpals.ink is being developed by a solo developer (myself) who has basic HTML, CSS, and JavaScript knowledge, who is relying heavily on AI, and who will need to rely heavily on automated moderation systems. The website will emphasise meaningful written correspondence instead of social networking, feature no advertising, have a restrained and minimalist but charming aesthetic, and a percentage of the revenue that it raises will be donated to literacy charities. A functional prototype has been built with Glitch and Firebase, and I'm now planning the production version using Next.js and Supabase.

Required Expertise:

- Expert-level knowledge of Next.js application architecture

- Extensive experience with Supabase (Auth, Database, Storage)

- PostgreSQL performance optimisation and security implementation

- Strong understanding of scaling considerations for social/messaging platforms

- Experience with envelope encryption and secure data handling

- Knowledge of effective moderation systems for platforms with limited resources

Specific Tasks:

1. Review the comprehensive architecture document (approx. 30 pages)

2. Evaluate the database schema for scalability to potentially millions of users

3. Assess security approach for authentication and data access patterns

4. Identify potential bottlenecks in the messaging architecture

5. Recommend cost optimisation strategies that don't sacrifice performance

6. Suggest maintenance-friendly architectural decisions for a solo developer

7. Propose AI-powered moderation tools compatible with project constraints

8. Recommend a development roadmap aligned with a 2-3 year timeframe

Ideal Candidate:

- Has architected and launched successful messaging or social platforms

- Can provide clear, actionable recommendations with rationales

- Understands the challenges of solo development with limited technical expertise

- Can simplify complex concepts for someone with basic programming knowledge

- Has experience with AI-assisted development workflows

- Takes a pragmatic approach to balancing ideal solutions with implementation constraints

Deliverables:

- Comprehensive written review of architecture document with specific recommendations

- 1-2 consultation calls to discuss findings and answer questions

- Suggested modifications to database schema and API structure if needed

If you're an experienced architect who enjoys mentoring and can provide valuable insights to help this project succeed, I'd love to connect. This is a passion/side project (during the day, I work in a public library) aimed at creating a sustainable platform that fosters meaningful connections through letter writing.

Additional Mentor Opportunity:

While this initial engagement focuses on architecture review, I'm seeking a potential longer-term mentor relationship. If we work well together during this review phase, I'd be interested in scheduling periodic consultation sessions (perhaps quarterly, depending on project phase and budget) throughout the production development period. These check-in sessions would help ensure the implementation stays aligned with architectural recommendations and provide guidance when tackling more complex features. My goal is to find an experienced technical advisor who can provide targeted support at critical development junctures while respecting budget constraints. If this extended mentorship role interests you, please mention your availability for such an arrangement and typical consulting rates for ongoing advisory sessions.

Contact:

Please include in your application:

1. Your experience with Next.js and Supabase architecture

2. Examples of similar architecture reviews you've conducted

3. Your approach to mentoring developers with limited technical expertise

Looking forward to collaborating on bringing penpals.ink to life!