I am a designer living in Seattle. After practicing architecture for many years I decided to transform into a UX Designer.
In my ideal world I get to combine my love for design and my passion for creating positive social change.
Check out my résumé below and read about why I think architects make great UX designers. #ShamelessSelfPromotion
Experience
Director of UX Design and Development | Curran Catalog
Seattle, WA | April 2021 - present
The catalyst and product owner for a major digital transformation of two outdated e-commerce websites. Currently overseeing the creation of a new cohesive cross-branded design system in Figma, major UX & UI improvements, a new information architecture, recoding the front-end to meet/exceed current standards and a CMS migration.
-
Achieved buy-in to update an archaic tech stack, the largest investment in tech in the company's 30+ year history.
-
Identified and vetted digital agencies to help with the digital transformation while securing priority for UX needs.
-
Collaborated with designers and developers to define goals and success metrics for the digital transformation.
-
Continually educate and advocate for UX to garner support and create UX cheerleaders throughout the company
UX Designer | Curran Catalog
Seattle, WA | July 2020 - April 2021
Conducted site audits, tree testing and usability studies to inform new information architecture and taxonomy. Customer journey mapping, wireframing, and digital prototyping for various UX & UI improvements. Collaborated with Agile development team. Conducted research and presented insights to stakeholders, including CEO.
-
Implemented various UX & UI improvements that increased conversions up to 23%.
-
Used heuristic evaluations and a modern design system to overhaul a confusing product customization tool.
-
Achieved buy-in from leadership for implementing a UX outcomes roadmap based on UX research findings.
UX Design Certificate | School of Visual Concepts
Seattle, WA | September 2018 - September 2019
Completed expert-led classes for 40 weeks, created 3 UX portfolio projects, and had my work evaluated and approved by experts from companies such as Amazon, Nordstrom, Microsoft, and Google. Classes included Sketch & InVision, user research, information architecture, UX writing, design thinking, interaction design, visual design, prototyping & usability testing, and a 5-week capstone project culminating in a final presentation for a panel of experts.
Associate Director for Donor Relations | UW Medicine Advancement
Seattle, WA | February 2015 - July 2020
During this transitional phase in my career I completed my UX design certificate and applied a UX lens to the philanthropic donor experience.
-
Conducted a web audit and identified information architecture improvements for the online donation experience.
-
Created donor personas and journey maps to help increase engagement and retention of donors.
-
Improved efficiency with workflow redesigns for my team and to address pain points in cross-team collaboration.
Lead Project Architect & Manager | JAS Design Build
Seattle, WA | November 2007 - September 2014
As an architect I was the user experience designer for dozens of clients, combining their unique needs with best design practices to create innovative and beautiful spaces. Guided clients (end-users) through all phases of home remodels, from preliminary design sketches to cost analysis, permitting, and construction. Created detailed building blueprints (wireframes) for the construction (development) team.
Project Architect | Maya Lin Studio
New York, NY | February 2007 - November 2007
Junior Project Architect | studioMDA
New York, NY | December 2004 - February 2007
BA Architecture | University of Washington
Seattle, WA | 2001-2004