With over three decades of experience as a professional designer, I offer a unique blend of digital product strategy and UX architecture services to startups and established digital product teams. My signature approach to streamlining user experiences focuses on three key methods: visual validation during real-time prototyping sessions, defining natural and understandable user flows, and simplifying complex processes by identifying the root causes of end-user pain points. Whether you’re in crisis mode or ready to refine your product or service, call today to schedule a free 1-hour consultation. Let’s discuss how I can serve you and your team. (NDA Friendly). Click here to visit SturmDesign.com

PRIOR WORK EXPERIENCE

UX Architect

WTS Paradigm, “myBLDR.com” Residential Construction Materials Fulfillment & Management Software – Denver Colorado
2022 – 2024

Collaborated with the myBLDR product team to offer strategic UX insights, transforming user experiences, and developing innovative concepts that drove product enhancement. Worked closely with myBFSBuilder, Paradigm, and Builders FirstSource product leads to integrate products and services into myBLDR, fostering cohesion and synergy across platforms. Created and delivered high-fidelity mockups and critical assets for development teams, ensuring precise and efficient execution of design plans. Maintained design integrity and quality from concept to completion, reflecting a commitment to excellence.

Senior UX Designer

MiTek Industries, New Market Growth & Global Commercial Software – Denver Colorado
2017 – 2022

Conducted all UX research and created all UI/UX designs for multiple New Market Growth software products. Invented novel methods to automate and improve volumetric modular construction practices. Conducted all UX research, UX strategy, and created all UI/UX design for multiple commercial and New Market Growth software products. Pioneered MiMezz, a new cloud-based software product that simplified the specification and design of large-scale steel frame mezzanines for Amazon. Led an international Make-It-Happen-Team for 11 weeks to research and determine how to incorporate UX Design into legacy software development processes. Mentored MiTek’s UI/UX designers and UI developers located in North America, Europe, and Australia. Awarded most popular and informative keynote speaker for MiTek’s 2019 Annual Global Software Summit. 

Creative Director & UI/UX Designer

DIY Technologies (Acquired by MiTek Industries) – Tucson, Arizona
1998 – 2005, 2009 – 2017

Led a five-person creative team to develop online design tools and websites for the DIY community. Provided UX and UI/UX for the Lowes Home Center 3D Deck Designer. Created and maintained multiple private-label versions of online 3D Deck Designer products and various product configurators. Invented a gesture-based intuitive menu system and geometry manipulation system for tablet-based 3D deck designer products. Improved time-to-market by paper prototyping and wireframing our software product concepts before committing to development.

Adjunct Faculty Instructor & OPEAC Faculty Advisor

Pima Community College, College of Arts – Tucson, Arizona
2004 – 2009, 2010 – 2020

Instructed students in 2D and 3D visual communications software, graphic design, advertising, and digital art. Recognized for improving student attendance and grades by providing individualized tutoring during lab hours. External strategist and curriculum advisor to the College of Arts Occupational Program External Advisory Committee.

Professional Photographer

LoveSmack Studios – Tucson, Arizona
2012 – 2015

Successfully launched and managed Tucson’s first fashion photography studio that doubled as a social hub for the industry. Planned and managed all studio events such as live fashion shoots, industry meet & greets, model training, studio photography training, portfolio building photoshoots, and clothing designer fashion shows. Published in BMW Motorcycle Magazine, Vogue Magazine, Arizona Daily Star, Tucson Woman Magazine, and multiple photographic works used in advertising campaigns.

Principal Designer / Owner

Sturm Design, LLC. – St. Louis, Missouri and Tucson, Arizona
1996 – 2009

Provided an array of creative services including graphic design, web design, 2D & 3D animations, and virtual world development. Designed and developed multiple dynamic database-driven websites. Prior to being acquired, created brand makeovers for Gain Technology and Gain Communications. Collaborated with the University of Chicago’s School of Medicine to create a digital twin of their hospital used for medical personnel crisis training.

Cavalry Scout & Border Operations Trainer

United States Army 2/1 Cav and 1/11th ACR – Ft. Hood, Texas and Fulda, Germany
1985 – 1989

Assigned to the OP Alpha Border Operations Center in Fulda, Germany, where I served as Border Operations Trainer, Border Photographer, and Visiting Unit Photography Trainer. Developed the Army’s first relational database program used to track East German and Russian military activity for 72 miles of the East/West German border. Defined new methods and practices for the operations center and visiting units that improved the quality and efficiency of border activity reporting. Honorable discharge with multiple awards and recognitions.