hi. i'm
Griffin Hale
Build full-stack applications and interactive tools, from domain research and architecture through documentation, deployment and user support.
Build full-stack and backend systems in TypeScript, Python, Go and C#, with systems work in C, C++ and Rust. Founded KnownBetter Studios and develop freelance software through Silicon Forest Solutions in Portland, OR.
About
Founder of KnownBetter Studios, which publishes the products and games: catlg.app, a desktop GIS, a coding-agent control plane and a tile game with a portable C core. Product pages live there; this site keeps the engineering write-ups. Freelance work goes through Silicon Forest Solutions. Looking for an engineering role where the software supports a system people use every day.
Most of the work is full-stack: TypeScript and Python services, PostgreSQL models, generated API contracts, background workers, and the Docker, Dokku and CI around them. The rest is systems work: a C++ bridge between a Rust core and Qt, a heap-free C simulation that runs the same bytes on every platform, and RP2040 keyboard firmware. Before that, diagnosed and repaired ultrasound machines and their embedded boards, and built the shop's data and automation layer alongside. Started on a TI-84, writing RPGs in a calculator's spare memory.
Featured projects
All projects →Catlg
In developmentA cross-media catalog with shareable, forkable collections and recommendations that identify their source.
ageomaps
In developmentA Rust desktop GIS for readable, repeatable, branchable and comparable analysis workflows.
Clankkers
Working private toolRuns coding agents as durable, auditable jobs with restart recovery, human gates and protected Git operations.
Repair Shop Automation & Label Printing
Used in productionAdded one-click labels, pre-filled forms and automated lookups to a repair shop's legacy inventory workflow.
Pixelata
In developmentA Python workflow for small game teams to test visual directions and produce coherent pixel-art packs.
Qurite
In developmentA document-analysis system that supports answers with source-resolving citations and refuses answers without enough evidence.
Permit Office
Public betaA 12-week city-management game built in ArcGIS Pro, where permits, inspections and map selections change the city.
And More Will Follow
In developmentA deterministic tile game with a portable C simulation, exact 2,048-bit arithmetic and native shells for input, lifecycle and pixels.
Corne Arcane OLED
Accepted on hardwareA spell duel on a split keyboard's OLED screens, driven by timing and key positions from ordinary typing without retaining text.