Hi, I'm Ryan 🖖
Design Systems Lead & Super IC
I'm moving faster than ever
Bridging Design, Code & Strategy
Over 20 years, I've always been both a designer and engineer, evolving into a leader who still does both. My unique hybrid background in Product Strategy, Product Design (UX/UI), and Front-end Code allows me to operate effectively across these domains, truly acting as the glue between disciplines. I believe the best design systems are built by people who understand both sides of the handoff.
As a Design Systems Lead, I don't just direct, I contribute. I'm often both the strategic Lead setting the vision and the core hands-on Product Designer/UX Engineer meticulously crafting components and ensuring their flawless implementation. I've built everything from token architectures to component libraries, from Figma kits to production codebases. This holistic, systems-thinking approach, rooted in deep craftsmanship, ensures the solutions I build are not just elegant and user-centered but also practical, maintainable, scalable, and readily adopted by both design and engineering teams. I approach every system with a balance of strategic thinking and hands-on craft.
Core Expertise
Strategy & Product Definition
Systems that support product and brand goals, not just component libraries.
Scalable Architecture & Governance
Tokens, theming, multi-brand/multi-platform foundations built for scale.
Design-to-Code Mastery & Parity
Master in Figma and Front-end Code (HTML & CSS), shipping components native to both.
Accessibility (A11y) & Inclusive Design
WCAG compliance baked in from day one, not patched in later.
Cross-Functional Collaboration & Enablement
Working across design, product, and engineering with empathy and clarity.
Hybrid Leadership & Impact Measurement
Coaching, mentoring, and building high-performing cross-functional teams.
My Philosophy & Principles
Pixel-Perfect Parity
Design specifications must translate flawlessly into code.
Accessibility by Design
Inclusive experiences are non-negotiable, ensuring broader market reach.
Pragmatic Governance
Systems need clear rules to maintain quality and scale effectively.
Deep Collaboration
Effective systems are built with, not for, users.
Craftsmanship & Quality
Beyond functionality, building robust and maintainable components.
Ultimately, a successful system elevates the end-user experience and drives tangible business value through quality, consistency, and efficiency.
Experience Highlights
Driving Impact Across 4 Design Systems
Led the strategic design and architecture of 4 enterprise-scale design systems end-to-end.
400+ Components & Patterns Built
Personally architected, designed, and implemented hundreds of accessible components.
Launching the Citizens Bank Design System
Spearheaded the creation and enterprise-wide adoption from scratch.
Beyond the Pixels
Outdoor Adventures & Mountain Air
Exploring trails in New England and beyond. Unplugging recharges my creativity.
Fitness & Discipline
Staying active keeps me sharp. Daily training is non-negotiable.
Local Discoveries & Entertainment
Finding the best local breweries, restaurants, and hidden gems.
Family, Friends & Furry Companions
Time with family and our dogs is non-negotiable. They keep me grounded.
Always Evolving, Building AI-Powered Futures
I'm seeking Design Systems Lead or Principal/Staff-level roles where I can bring my hybrid expertise to organizations that need someone who can actually deliver. I lead teams, own roadmaps, and evangelize adoption. I also design components, build them in production, architect token systems, and write documentation. I've delivered 4 enterprise-scale systems that accelerated velocity by 24-30% while improving quality and accessibility.
Right now, I'm diving deep into AI-powered design systems work. I'm exploring how AI can accelerate token generation, component documentation, and productivity workflows. The future of design systems is being written right now. I want to bring that future to your team.