Subud Washington DC
Client: Subud Washington DC (local branch of the international Subud spiritual community), Beltsville, MD
Scope: Website design and development
Role: Design, UX, visual direction, front-end implementation, content structuring
Platform: Squarespace
Timeline: December 2023
Context: Subud Washington DC is part of a global spiritual organization centered on the practice of the Latihan kedjiwaan. Prior to this project, the local group did not have an online presence, limiting their ability to provide information to newcomers or communicate clearly with the broader community.
The Challenge: The primary challenge was to create an initial online presence from scratch that could clearly explain a spiritual practice that is experiential and non-dogmatic, while remaining accessible to individuals encountering Subud for the first time. The site needed to convey clarity and trust without over-explaining or overwhelming visitors, and to do so in a way that aligned with Subud’s values of simplicity, openness, and inner quiet.
The Solution: I designed and developed a concise, informational website that introduces Subud and the local Washington DC group, outlines what newcomers can expect, and provides clear access to the Latihan schedule and contact information. The site functions as a calm, welcoming entry point rather than a promotional or content-heavy platform.
Key design decisions included
Serene, minimalist visual language
A restrained gold and navy color palette, aligned with Subud’s broader visual identity, was chosen to evoke warmth, stability, and calm.
Clear, gentle information hierarchy
Content was structured to guide visitors gradually—from an introduction to Subud, to local participation details—without pressure or calls to action that might feel intrusive.
Focus on accessibility and clarity
Navigation and page layouts were kept intentionally simple, ensuring that essential information (practice overview, schedule, contact details) is easy to find.
Quiet, respectful design tone
Typography, spacing, and layout decisions prioritized readability and visual stillness, supporting the contemplative nature of the community.
The Result: Subud Washington DC now has a clear, welcoming online presence that serves both newcomers and existing members. The website provides essential information, supports community outreach, and establishes a foundation that can evolve as the group’s needs grow.
What This Project Demonstrates
Designing for spiritually and culturally sensitive communities
Translating abstract or experiential practices into clear, approachable web content
Creating calm, minimalist interfaces that prioritize meaning over decoration
Building foundational websites that balance clarity, restraint, and trust
