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. :)
Credentials
Education
BFA Interior Architecture | Columbia College Chicago | Class of 2016
Certifications
Workshop Facilitation | Uxcel | March 2025
Credential ID: KT4EJHCJ6DH4
Introduction to Figma | Uxcel | December 2024
Credential ID: RXI8VL5G6ZAG
UX Design Foundations | Uxcel | December 2024
Credential ID: 9VF55FTRA3NY
UX Design | Google | August 2022
Credential ID: 6ZKTJDUSKHJU
professional experience
UX Design Consultant
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.
Graphic Design / 3D Rendering Design Consultant
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.
Client Relations & Showroom manager
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.
What I am up to in my free time
reminiscing over one of my favorite trips, Iceland :)
Spending time with Sir Henri, Lord of Lakeview, the First of His Name
fine tuning my sourdough skills
let’s connect!
Get in touch with me at tjvannart@gmail.com, or simply submit a message through the form.