Why Design Matters Right Now

Design teams are shrinking. Companies think AI means they can do more design work with fewer designers. But I think they have it backwards—when features become easier to build and replicate, the companies that win will be the ones that focus on how their products make people feel.

I’m looking for teams that understand this moment and want to invest in design that creates differentiation, not just prettier interfaces, but enahanced experiences and real value for users.

My Approach to Design

I start every project by asking critical questions. Not “How should this look?” or “What colors should we use?” but “What problem are we actually solving?” and “How do we know this matters to users?” At its best, design generates business intelligence that can reshape entire product strategies.

I treat design like a toolbox. Rather than following rigid processes, I assess where a project stands and apply the right combination of tools (strategic workshops, user research, rapid prototyping, detailed specifications, whatever moves things forward).

My work spans from C-suite strategy sessions to pixel-perfect implementation details. I present business impact insights to executives and collaborate on interaction flows with engineers. This range lets me create solutions that are desirable for users, viable for business, and feasible within technical constraints.

Background & Experience

I’ve spent 15 years helping Fortune 500 companies, major sports organizations, and government agencies transform their digital experiences. The projects I’m most proud of are the ones where research and collaborative design leads teams to solutions they couldn’t have reached by working in silos.

My collaborative style stems from a simple belief: everyone wants to build great things — we just bring different perspectives on how to get there. Whether I’m leading a design team, contributing as a senior individual contributor, or serving a player-coach role, I focus on creating environments where innovative ideas actually get built, not just talked about.

When I’m not designing, I’m in Pittsburgh with my family, staying involved in the local design community, and mentoring designers who are building their careers.