about
I discover blind spots and make ideas better and more actionable through strategy, design, and technology.
Bio
Twenty-five years in, I’m a business-minded design executive who still understands the craft at a pixel level. I’ve built design systems for Kylie Beauty, Smith Commerce, and ASICS. I also still build things myself.
I author experience strategies that lift teams from deliverable-level thinking to journey-level thinking. I architect design systems for multi-brand portfolios. I grow businesses through design.
At Smith Commerce I doubled the team and tripled design revenue. At BOLDScience I restarted and scaled the digital practice. BOLDScience is part of Assembled Intelligence; I now also help represent design across the platform through the Digital Center of Enablement.
How I Work
with AI
with AI
I treat AI tooling the way I treat design systems: as engineering artifacts with a measurable quality bar.
AI-assisted design via Figma MCP
Established workflows bridging Figma design systems into AI-powered development. Published comparative analysis of Claude Code, Codex, and Cursor using Figma MCP, evaluating their ability to translate design intent into production code.
The Coherence Framework
Built a four-layer architecture for designing, governing, and optimizing AI systems with human values and beliefs at the core. Read more →
Native apps via AI-assisted development
Designed and built a native macOS time-tracking app in SwiftUI using conversational prototyping with Claude Code Connect in Xcode. On-device AI ensures client data never leaves the machine. Read more →
AI methodology for teams
Established AI standards for the experience design team at BOLDScience, shaped by regulated-industry privacy requirements.
What I'm
Looking For
Looking For
I want problems where the constraints are real: regulatory, technical, organizational. I want to work where design drives decisions, not decorates them.
I’m looking for a role where design leadership means strategy authorship, team building, and systems thinking. I’m especially drawn to organizations where design and engineering share a common language, where AI tooling is treated as methodology rather than novelty, and where work ambition matches the rigor required to ship it.
I’m also a dad. I’m especially proud of that last one.
testimonials
Strategic Thinking
“Thoughtfully detailed. Originative. Passionate. All in. That’s Mark. He comes ready everyday to drive clients towards braver work rooted in better thinking.”
Cynthia McIntyre — Chief Growth Officer, Publicis Group
“I am a better strategist and a better CX’er because of his leadership, collaboration, and his ability to bridge Strategy and Design to create something meaningful. He taught me to tell stories, he reminded me to find inspiration everywhere.”
Stephanie Hopper — Strategy Director, Smith Commerce
Design Craft
“Mark sees a much larger picture on projects narrowing down on good ideas, and turning them into great ones. He brings a level of passion, detail, and an infectious positivity that makes working together fun.”
Nick DeGiorgio — Design Lead, Evolving Web
“Mark is one of the most inspiring, thoughtful, encouraging, and visionary leaders I have had the honor of being mentored by in my career. Not only does he exemplify the qualities and character necessary for impactful leadership, but he also brings immense knowledge and skill in the practice and art of design.”
April Jung — UX Lead, Smith Commerce
Leadership
“Mark is a leader with unconditional dedication to his team. He is a Creative Director with vast knowledge and experience in digital business transformation. And he is undeniably an exceptional storyteller.”
Shoko Tagaya — Lead Product Designer, PayPal
“He understands and navigates the political channels and interdependencies of the agency/partner relationship nimbly and intelligently and sets a wonderful tone for his team. Mark shows consistently strong leadership with his work, vision for a project and with his team.”
Catherine Patterson — Executive Director Development, DXR/MR
Technical Credibility
“What may not always be apparent is his understanding of the broader ecosystem of how all things come together to drive success. This results in great work that creates beautiful experiences that are technically realistic and drive business outcomes.”
Ryan Heusinkveld — Chief Technology Officer, Smith Commerce
Current Impact
“You not only know your sh*t, but also elevate the vibe.”
Jayme Warischalk PhD — Scientific Director, BOLDScience
clients
Pharma & Healthcare
Regeneron, Novartis, Pfizer, AbbVie, Daiichi Sankyo, Johnson & Johnson, GSK, QEDtx, Hill-Rom, InCircle, Covetrus
Beauty & Fashion
Kylie Beauty, Revlon, Elizabeth Arden, David Yurman, Michael Kors, Almay, Proactiv, Remington, Woolite
Retail & Commerce
Home Depot, Bed Bath & Beyond, Barnes and Noble Education, Border States Electric, Kennametal, Dow Corning, Discount Tire, Leslie’s Pool Supplies, Carhartt, ASICS, Amway, Hubbell, Legrand, Oregon Tools, PCNA, Ram Tool, TE Connectivity, Chevron Lubricants, Boeing, Air Canada, Great West Life
Consumer & Enterprise
AT&T, ESPN, Samsung, Toyota, Ford, Pepsi, FedEx, Mastercard, American Express, Wells Fargo, Walmart, Sony Playstation, Converse, Crocs, Hyundai, Lexus, GMC, Porsche, Canon, LG, Motorola, NFL, NBCU, NYU, Shell Polymers, Smirnoff, Dasani, Ice Breakers, Kraft, Kimberly Clark, John Deere, Miracle Gro, Norwegian Cruise Lines, Puma, Radio Shack, Wynn Las Vegas, Don King Productions, Air Force, Abbot, Adobe, Blue Shield, Amerada Hess, Charles Schwab, Simon Properties
Selected Logos (48)
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How large are the teams I’ve led?
I’ve led design teams from 1 to 24 designers. Including strategists, project managers, and front-end developers, teams have been as large as 30. I currently represent design across the Assembled Intelligence agency platform through the Digital Center of Enablement.
What industries have I worked in?
Pharma and healthcare (Regeneron, Novartis, Pfizer, AbbVie), beauty and fashion (Kylie Beauty, Revlon, David Yurman), B2B commerce (Border States Electric, Kennametal, Dow Corning, Hill-Rom), and consumer brands (Home Depot, ASICS, AT&T, ESPN).
What platforms do I work across?
Figma (design systems, variables, tokens, prototyping), Shopify Plus, Salesforce Commerce Cloud, SAP Commerce (Hybris), Adobe Experience Manager, Salesforce Experience Cloud.
Do I code?
Yes. HTML/CSS fluently. SwiftUI via AI-assisted development. I treat AI tooling as a design material, not a shortcut.
Am I open to travel?
Yes, up to 25% of my time.
Am I a U.S. citizen?
Yes.
Do I have a disability?
Yes. Email me for details.