about me

My name is Taylor (also known as TJ) and I am currently based in Chicago. In 2016, I earned my BFA In Interior Architecture from Columbia College Chicago with the intentions of pursuing Architecture.

It wasn’t until after graduating that I favored graphic design and pivoted my career in that direction by working at McDonald’s Headquarters and filling a hybrid role on the US Restaurant Design Team as their Architectural Rendering and Environmental Graphic Designer. Then, about two years into my hybrid role, I wanted to evolve my skills and bring what I had learned into UX/UI Design, so I earned a certificate in UX Design through Google.

Today, I feel as though I have found the industry I belong in, as I am now a UX/UI Designer seeking my next opportunity to grow and create impactful experiences. I've had the opportunity to work in various industries, including architecture, hospitality, finance, public health and higher education.

In my free time, I enjoy painting, travel photography, reading and spending quality time with my cat, Henri.

If you have any questions or would like to connect, please feel free to reach out! I appreciate you taking the time to read about my journey and look at my work. :)

Resume

Digital illustration of a person with brown hair holding a yellow mug, wearing a black top and showcasing a rose tattoo on their arm.

professional experience

Digital Experience & Design Team
Maven Wave, an Eviden Company | June 2022 - Jan 2025
- Led UX design for TxCOPE to modernize overdose reporting, accelerating emergency response and saving lives during Austin’s opioid crisis.
- Redesigned OCC’s member platform to enhance security and scalability, increasing adoption and improving compliance across financial institutions.
- Developed a scalable design system that standardized UI components, reducing design debt and accelerating development cycles.
- Integrated WCAG-compliant components into the design system, improving accessibility and ensuring inclusivity across digital products.
- Conducted UX research and stakeholder workshops to align teams on user needs, streamlining decision-making and accelerating feature rollouts.
US Restaurant Design Team | McDonald’s | Nov 2019- June 2022
- Optimized digital and physical ordering touchpoints by analyzing customer journey patterns, improving efficiency across 14,000+ locations.
- Designed 100+ environmental murals and digital assets to reinforce brand identity, enhancing customer engagement in restaurant spaces.
- Created a Graphics & Rendering Training Program that standardized workflows, reducing onboarding time and increasing design team efficiency.
- Designed and deployed intuitive wayfinding solutions and COVID-19 safety communications, ensuring seamless operations and compliance across U.S. restaurants.
Sales Team | DIRTT environmental Solutions | Aug 2015 - Nov 2019
- Led interactive VR presentations to help clients visualize custom-built interiors, accelerating project approvals and shortening the sales cycle.
- Designed digital and print marketing assets to strengthen brand identity, increasing engagement and lead conversions.
- Managed showroom events and presentations, driving client participation and business development opportunities.