About Me

Developer & Designer with a passion for building things that work beautifully.

Developer and designer with 20+ years of experience building websites, applications, and digital experiences. Rooted in a BFA in Fine & Digital Arts from Robert Morris University, I bring both technical depth and a visual eye to everything I build.

My Story

I've been building things on the web for over 20 years, but my roots are in design. I studied Fine & Digital Arts at Robert Morris University and spent my early career in graphic design and print production. I started out at Albert's Gift Shop in Pittsburgh leading catalog and marketing work, then moved to Overit Media in Albany, NY where I got fully into the digital side of things. I was building complex websites, creating Flash-based interactive experiences, and helping clients take their brands from concept to launch.

While at Overit I also worked on a joint venture with Vicarious Visions that I still look back on fondly. I designed and integrated in-game UI for the Guitar Hero franchise, including Guitar Hero 5, Band Hero, and Guitar Hero: Warriors of Rock. It was fast-paced, detail-heavy work and it really shaped how I approach user experience.

In 2010 I joined Informatics Studio as Lead Developer and have been there ever since. Over 15+ years I've worked on a wide range of projects, handling everything from system architecture and back-end development to server infrastructure, data integration, and API work in REST, GraphQL, JSON API, and various CMS data structures. I work primarily in PHP, Drupal, Laravel, and Vue.js, and have had the chance to build platforms for some well-known organizations including the U.S. Department of Education, NIH, SAMHSA, USAID, RAND Corporation, the World Bank Group, and the United States Institute of Peace.

Detailed Experience

  1. Lead Developer

    Current

    Informatics Studio · Full-time

    As Lead Developer, I direct the end-to-end technical strategy and architectural oversight for the firm's entire digital portfolio. Throughout my ongoing 15-year leadership at the studio, I continue to engineer high-performance websites and enterprise-grade applications, maintaining a full-stack ecosystem that spans from server-side infrastructure to front-end production. I specialize in the development of custom, scalable solutions using PHP, Laravel, and Vue.js, alongside expert-level implementation of WordPress and Drupal environments. My role encompasses the complete development lifecycle, managing everything from server configuration and database architecture to the deployment of seamless, user-centric interfaces.

  2. Graphic Designer & Developer

    Overit Media · Full-time

    As a Graphic Designer and Developer at Overit Media, I executed a diverse portfolio of cross-media projects ranging from comprehensive brand development to high-performance web and interactive solutions. I specialized in the architecture of complex website environments and the creation of immersive Flash-based digital experiences. My dual-role approach ensured a seamless transition between high-fidelity print collateral and scalable digital assets, providing clients with cohesive, end-to-end brand identities.

  3. UI Designer & Implementer

    Vicarious Visions · Full-time

    As a UI Designer and Implementer for a high-profile joint venture between Vicarious Visions and Overit Media, I was responsible for the end-to-end creation and technical integration of in-game user interface assets. I designed and deployed high-fidelity UI art for major AAA titles, including Guitar Hero 5, Band Hero, and Guitar Hero: Warriors of Rock (GH6). My role was critical in ensuring visual consistency and optimized performance across complex menu systems and interactive gameplay HUDs, maintaining the iconic aesthetic of the global franchise.

  4. Lead Graphic Designer

    Albert's Gift Shop, Inc. · Full-time

    As Lead Designer at Albert's Gifts, I directed the end-to-end creative lifecycle for the company's product lines. I managed the full production workflow for all seasonal and core catalogs, encompassing product conceptualization, graphic design, and professional photography. By overseeing the development of high-impact marketing collateral including digital imagery, advertisements, and print flyers, I maintained brand consistency and served as a key driver of the shop's operational success.

Detailed Skills & Technologies

Languages & Web

JavaScript / TypeScript (ES6+)PHP 7.4+ / 8.xHTML5CSS3 / SCSSTailwind CSSCSS ModulesSQLMySQLPostgreSQLREST APIsGraphQLWebSocketsDOM & Web APIsTwigLiquidHandlebarsJSX / TSXBladeMustacheBash / Shell

Server & Infrastructure

Node.jsDockerContainer OrchestrationApacheNginxMySQLPostgreSQLLinux (Ubuntu, Debian, Amazon)AWSAzureGCPPantheonCI/CD (GitLab)

Frontend Frameworks & Libraries

Vue.js 2 & 3Nuxt.jsReactNext.jsD3.jsGSAPFramer MotionTailwind CSSshadcn/uiMaterial UIMapboxLeafletChart.jsRechartsHighcharts

CMS & Platforms

Drupal (6–11)Headless DrupalWordPressLaravel 12+MoodleHugoNext.jsGatsbyAstro

Build Tools & Workflow

GitGitHub ActionsViteWebpackesbuildnpmpnpmyarnDocker ComposeDDEV

Design & Creative

PhotoshopIllustratorInDesignAfter EffectsPremiere ProBlenderAffinity Suite

Education

Robert Morris University

Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) — Fine/Digital Arts, Web Development

Completed a four-year BFA with a concentration in web design and development, a foundation that continues to inform both sides of my work: the technical and the aesthetic.