Hello, World (and Everything In Between)
Hey there! So, you're curious about the person behind the code, huh? For the last two decades, I've been happily crafting those cool, interactive bits you see online, turning complex ideas into smooth, user-friendly experiences. While making things look good is part of the fun, my real passion lies in creating digital experiences that are not only beautiful but also robust and accessible. I geek out over clean code and believe the web should be a welcoming place for everyone.
My Mission
Building for the Long Haul
I like to architect things so they can grow and change without turning into a tangled mess. Think of it as building a really solid foundation for a house.
Making it Accessible for Everyone
The web should be for everyone, right? I make sure the interfaces I build are usable by people of all abilities, following accessibility guidelines like WCAG 2.1 (and often going above!).
Keeping Things Tidy
Nobody likes a messy codebase. I focus on writing clean, maintainable code that's easy for other developers (and my future self!) to understand and work with.
Tools of the Trade
Now, you might be wondering about my "tools." Sure, I've got my favorites! I'm pretty handy with modern front-end frameworks like Vue and React – think of them as different types of really versatile building blocks. I also speak fluent CSS (whether it's plain vanilla, the utility-first approach of Tailwind, or the more structured Sass), which is like knowing all the different ways to paint and decorate. And I've even dabbled in full-stack stuff like Ruby on Rails – kind of like knowing how the plumbing and electrical work behind the walls.
But here's the thing: I see these tools as just that—tools. Like a carpenter with their saws and chisels, they help me do the job. What I really care about is the core stuff: having a solid plan (good architecture), making sure everything is tested thoroughly (like checking if the door opens and closes properly), and building in a way that everyone can use what I create (accessibility!).
My Toolbox
Experience
- 2023 – 2024
Senior UI Developer
Logatot, Inc.
At Logatot, my focus was on building the visual heart of their application – those reusable UI components that make everything feel consistent and work smoothly on any device. Using Ruby on Rails ViewComponents, I aimed to create a library that not only looked good but was also accessible to everyone, ensuring a great experience for all users.
- 2022 – 2023
Senior Software Engineer
America's Test Kitchen
My time at America's Test Kitchen was all about making their delicious content shine online. I built and documented UI components using React, Next.js, and Storybook, creating a well-organized toolkit that helped the team deliver new features quickly and consistently across their various projects – ensuring every recipe and review looked its best!
- 2018 – 2022
Principal Design Engineer
Berkshire Hathaway Specialty Insurance
As Principal Design Engineer at BHSI, I spearheaded the creation of a custom UI component library using Vue.js and Nuxt.js. This wasn't just about making things look the same; it was about setting a standard for front-end development that sped up how quickly we could roll out new features while keeping the user experience top-notch.
- 2016 – 2018
Lead UI Developer
America's Test Kitchen
Back at America's Test Kitchen, I took on the challenge of designing and implementing a smart system for styling the UI. This 'utility system' was all about streamlining our workflow, reducing the time developers spent on repetitive tasks, and ultimately making the whole team move faster and more efficiently.
- 2013 - 2016
UI Designer & Front End Developer
Sports Technologies, Inc.
This was a fantastic opportunity to blend my design and development skills, leading the charge on UI for Ruby on Rails and Angular web applications used by some of the biggest names in sports – the NFL, NASCAR, NHL, MLS, PGA, and more! It was all about creating intuitive and engaging experiences for these elite organizations.
- 2010 - Present
Freelance UI Developer
Self-Employed
Being self-employed has allowed me to collaborate with a diverse range of clients, helping them bring their web application ideas to life. My focus has always been on building solutions that not only look great but also perform smoothly and are accessible to everyone.
- 2009 - 2013
Web Designer & Front End Developer
ImageWorks, LLC
At ImageWorks, I had the chance to wear both design and development hats, creating web experiences for a variety of clients, including Aetna Insurance. This role gave me a broad understanding of different industries and the importance of user-centered design.
- 2005 - 2009
Owner, Web Designer and Front End Developer
Para-Diddle Design, LLC
Running my own design and development company was an incredible learning experience. Beyond the coding and design, I was responsible for the whole picture – setting the vision, managing the budget, and even handling marketing and sales. It gave me a real appreciation for all the moving parts of a business.
So, if you're looking for someone with a good chunk of experience who's focused on building robust, accessible, and easy-to-live-with user interfaces, and who believes in good planning and teamwork, then let's connect! I'm all about bridging the gap between the design vision and the engineering reality to deliver solutions that really work.