I'm looking for a great full service app design firm to build my app and help with all design, branding, development, etc. Anyone know any good ones?

Yes. Who I would recommend would depend on what you'd like to see happen. Are you building only for iOS, or only for Android, or both? Will you have a bunch of content/stuff in your app or just a little? Are you thinking game or non-game app? Do you already have a big fanbase or would you be trying to build one while building the app?

It's easy to save a bunch of money on mobile development if you know how, and even easier to overspend. Making an app can be a ton of fun or a major headache. I'd recommend the fun.

So if you want an outside perspective, give me a ring.

The best way to figure out 'which firm is best for me' is to drill down into what your needs really are.

For example, is it really necessary that a single firm does the design, branding, development and everything? A full service firm like that is easily found, but they are frequently expensive and there is usually something they are 'best' at (i.e. they are stronger at design than development, or the reverse).

There is also your budget to consider. Some firms will happily eat up your whole budget, but you can save a ton of money by separating out a few things and looking for multiple vendors to handle them. For example, hiring a freelance designer to do the logo/designs, and a ui/ux freelancer to wireframe it out would allow you to search for a firm that just does development, and that's going to be easier and cheaper (usually) than finding a full service shop.

It's also a good idea to consider the specifics of what you need built, as has already been mentioned. If you have a complex app that is going to really take some technical chops that might lead you to a different vendor than a relatively simple app. Along those lines, don't forget to consider the back-end - most 'full service shops' are standardized on a specific stack (i.e. php/mysql) and that may or may not be a good choice for you.

Finally, consider what you can bring to the table so that you aren't paying for service that you don't need. If you are very good at documenting and are able to write up the specifications yourself, you might not need such a full service firm. If you are new to project management or the whole app world in general, a powerhouse project manager could bring a lot of value but just because a shop offers soup-to-nuts service doesn't mean they are good at project management. So many of my clients are refugees from the soup-to-nuts shops, actually.

Look in the mirror and try to define your needs in more detail, and you'll have a better idea about what that 'perfect-fit' vendor might look like, and it'll be much easier to find them!

Check out NFNLabs/Effectworks(nfnlabs.in). They built the demonstrate app which is pretty well designed and executed and has been featured in a tonne of places for being a nicely built app. (Full disclosure: these guys are good friends. But I do really like their work :) )
You can also reach out to contractIQ who will help you find the right folks based on your needs.

Try Allstruck.com I've worked with them and seen their work.. Amazing and very clever simple programming which keeps my apps and websites small in size but super fast... Operates out of Gangplank Chandler in Arizona

http:www.seguetech.com

My company Motto is well versed in brand development, web development and app design. I'd love to chat to learn more about your app and see how we could help.

Set up a free call with me on Clarity or send me a DM to discuss further. https://clarity.fm/ashleighhansberger/wearemotto

Thanks!

Ashleigh
www.wearemotto.com

http://pterneas.com

My team does not simply create digital content. We ensure that our clients reach their business goals. Here are some business results we achieved for past clients:

TopAdvisor (iOS, Windows 8, Windows Phone)
- https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/id365337656
- http://apps.microsoft.com/windows/el-gr/app/topadvisor/9b712d28-f70d-4d29-9531-994b08869826
- http://www.windowsphone.com/el-gr/store/app/top-advisor/a7a7f310-01b4-4ac4-9ed7-2781989e2ff3

After we redesigned and redeveloped TopAdvisor, it became the leader in the local food & dining industry, featuring an active community of 22,000 registered users and 7,000 restaurant reviews.

Guidora (website design, logo design, branding, social media campaign)
- http://guidora.com

Guidora is a brand-new online store for tour guides. We designed their website, logo and branding and also run their social media ad campaigns (Facebook, LinkedIn, Pinterest, Google). The results? They had more than 20,000 visitors before they even launched their product.

Vassilis Zoulias (Windows 8, Windows Phone)
- http://apps.microsoft.com/windows/el-gr/app/vassilis-zoulias/ea2d05b1-663e-4cd8-a3d2-07c0c7772405
- http://www.windowsphone.com/en-us/store/app/vassilis-zoulias/fb67e779-4ce3-445b-9430-a8b6b1b665de

We designed and developed the mobile & tablet app for the famous fashion designer Vassilis Zoulias. The app was chosen by NOKIA to promote the LUMIA series phones and has won many prizes for its innovative design approach.

Acropolis Rock (website + mobile app)
- http://acropolisrock.com/
- https://itunes.apple.com/gr/app/acropolis-rock/id659803283

Acropolis Rock is cultural app that got in the top-30 paid apps in the AppStore.

If you need proven results for your app, just contact me: http://pterneas.com/contact

My company Arctic Empire has been building apps since the app store launched. We are well versed in helping our clients reach their vision and build a great brand. We do everything with our in house designers, app and web development team. In addition, we help with copy as we have a copywriter on staff. I'd love to learn more about your app and see if we are the right team for you.

Happy to setup a call:
https://clarity.fm/joshgarellek

www.arcticempire.ca

Cheers,
Josh

http://EPIC.im
Mobile strategy and design.

We have been designing mobile apps, mobile OS and platforms for over 10 years. We work with global leaders like Facebook (designed their first tablet app) and startups like UberConference (won TechCrunch Disrupt).

www.spes.co

I am an experienced mobile UI/UX product graphic designer that can not only design your app but leverage and partner with my strong network of mobile app developers that will save you 1/2 the price if you were to go through an agency or company. View some of my work at www.behance.net/jaceperry and message me if you want to talk more. Good luck!

I've heard great things about http://Electrik.co in Austin.

They specialize in taking a product from an idea on a napkin to a full blown product in the market and everything in between. More than happy to put you in touch.