Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
Working with early-stage and growth companies on design systems, operational efficiency, and AI workflow integration while exploring the right permanent role.
I help startups:
Build and govern scalable design systems from scratch
Document and systematise processes that actually get followed
Implement AI workflows that enhance productivity while preserving craft and designer autonomy
Structure design teams and cross-functional collaboration
Implement quality assurance systems that don't slow teams down
After 20+ years building products and leading design teams (including running my own consultancy for two decades), I know what works when you need to move quickly without breaking things. I'm particularly good at translating between technical and non-technical stakeholders, creating lightweight documentation systems, and mentoring designers on system thinking, component architecture, and UX design best practices.
Currently open to consulting projects and exploring Staff/Principal IC roles at design-led SaaS companies that value independence, continuous learning, and thoughtful systemisation.
Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
Design Team Advisory
Guide design team on workload balance and performance optimization
Lead team meetings and 1:1s to address challenges and foster collaboration
Implement strategies to enhance team productivity and quality
Build relationships with product teams to improve workflows
Design System Lead
Lead system planning, development, implementation, and governance
Own design and execution of system components
Ensure system scalability and alignment with brand guidelines and UX standards
Collaborate with technical teams on Figma component implementation
Partner with teams to integrate system into development process
Drive system adoption through training and resources
Align system goals with platform objectives
Create documentation and usage guidelines
Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
Design Team Advisory
Guide design team on workload balance and performance optimization
Lead team meetings and 1:1s to address challenges and foster collaboration
Implement strategies to enhance team productivity and quality
Build relationships with product teams to improve workflows
Design System Lead
Lead system planning, development, implementation, and governance
Own design and execution of system components
Ensure system scalability and alignment with brand guidelines and UX standards
Collaborate with technical teams on Figma component implementation
Partner with teams to integrate system into development process
Drive system adoption through training and resources
Align system goals with platform objectives
Create documentation and usage guidelines
Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
Modern Social Listening - Community - Design Lead
Led comprehensive UX/UI redesign initiative, driving innovation and modernization of core product features
Conducted extensive customer interviews and research sessions to gather insights, pain points, and user requirements for informed design decisions
Implemented design thinking methodologies to develop innovative solutions, focusing on user-centered approaches and iterative improvements
Orchestrated thorough user testing sessions and design validation processes to ensure optimal user experience and functionality
Maintained close collaboration with technical teams throughout development cycle to ensure precise implementation of design specifications and maintain design integrity
Design Ops
Established and implemented comprehensive time-tracking processes for the design team, enabling more accurate project timeline estimations, improved resource allocation, and enhanced visibility into workload distribution across multiple concurrent work streams and initiatives
Creator Management Initiative - Design Lead
Executed comprehensive market research to uncover emerging trends and growth potential within the creator economy landscape
Gathered critical insights through customer interviews and workflow analyses, helping shape MVP features and development priorities
Designed and developed an innovative Creator Management prototype featuring modern design patterns, which inspired a complete platform redesign
2023 — 2023
Canada
Guided a team that rapidly built a full-featured e-commerce platform and customer management tool from 0-1 over the course 8 months
Defined and maintained a culture of design and how that relates cross-functionally throughout the organization
Mentored and coached a product team consisting of 1 other product designer, 4 product managers, and 12 engineers
Design system and content guide creation to establish solid foundations for quick prototyping and consistent design deliverables
Internal design wiki creation detailing a culture of design-led product discovery and roadmapping
Created a well defined Design Quality Assurance process, stressing the importance of pixel perfect implementation and shortened the Quality Assurance process by 1 day per sprint
Ongoing research, testing, and iteration of designs to ensure product market fit
Education
Georgian College
Graphic Arts
Northern Lights College