We have several options:
Hire an experienced frontend developer (that's comfortable with a framework such as React), and have that person tag team with someone from the backend to create an API + SPA.
Pros: Decoupled approach makes things easier/quicker to develop the product further as everyone just concentrates on what they do best.
Cons: Going will be slow as no backend API exists at this point AND we will have to support 2 applications going forward. The complete responsibility of the frontend will lie with the sole frontend developer now and in the future, as we will always be a backend heavy team that will not be able to help with the frontend if necessary.
2. Hire a mid-level frontend developer: stick with Django templates, get frontend dev to upgrade current template to latest bootstrap(or whatever works and is popular these days), and implement new design.
Pros: No API needed, backend team can continue working on product roadmap. Will have to support only 1 app. Backend devs will be comfortable fixing bugs/supporting frontend code if necessary.
Cons: Lose out on super cool new frontend tech(?), oldschool approach ?
3. Hire an experienced frontend developer and do a hybrid approach (page-as-a-component ? https://hackernoon.com/reconciling-djangos-mvc-templates-with-react-components-3aa986cf510a)
I'd love to hear from someone that grew a project and a team and had to face a similar decision.
Thanks in advance!