UX Architect

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: UX Architect

Company: CapTech Consulting

Location: Richmond, Virginia, United States (with potential for Columbus, OH)

Job Type: Full-time

Category: User Experience (UX) Design / Customer Experience (CX)

Date Posted: May 08, 2026

Experience Level: 5-10 years

Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead the design of sophisticated, intuitive, and impactful digital brand experiences, emphasizing user-centered design principles and accessibility best practices.

• Drive product strategy, information architecture, and user interface design, translating user research and business objectives into actionable design solutions.

• Mentor junior practitioners and oversee the successful delivery of UX projects, ensuring high standards of quality and innovation.

• Collaborate closely with cross-functional teams, including developers, business analysts, and creative directors, to bring digital products to life.

• Leverage and explore emerging technologies, including AI-powered design tools, to enhance creative processes and deliver exceptional user outcomes.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the primary location is Richmond, VA, the presence of "Columbus, OH, USA" in the locations_alt_raw field suggests potential flexibility or alternative office presence, which candidates should clarify. The role is firmly within the Customer Experience (CX) and User Experience (UX) domain, requiring a blend of strategic thinking and hands-on design execution.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Spearhead the creation of comprehensive UX deliverables, including user personas, customer journey maps, detailed wireframes, responsive visual designs, and interactive prototypes, adhering strictly to interaction design and usability best practices.

• Lead and facilitate advanced design activities such as client-facing design workshops, rapid prototyping sessions, and iterative user testing to gather critical feedback and refine designs.

• Develop and deliver clear, concise, and persuasive presentations to both clients and internal teams, effectively articulating the strategic rationale and user-centric justification behind design decisions.

• Conduct thorough competitive assessments to identify market opportunities and propose innovative design alternatives, while staying abreast of the latest design and technology trends.

• Actively explore, experiment with, and advocate for the integration of AI-powered design tools and workflows to boost creativity, streamline processes, and amplify the overall impact of design solutions.

• Champion the principles of accessible design (WCAG 2.2) and inclusive design throughout the project lifecycle, educating clients and team members on their importance and benefits.

• Provide insightful, constructive, and actionable feedback on all aspects of design, including interactions, information architecture, content strategy, and overall alignment with business goals and user needs.

• Take initiative in contributing to the CX team's methodologies, capabilities, and toolset, actively participating in and leading CX meetings and training sessions to foster continuous improvement.

• Proactively mentor fellow designers, offering guidance and art direction for visual and interaction designers, and demonstrating leadership in design thinking and execution.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a senior-level role requiring leadership, mentorship, and strategic contribution beyond individual design tasks. The emphasis on AI tools and accessibility standards indicates a forward-thinking approach to UX design.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

Experience:

• A minimum of 5+ years of professional experience, with a strong preference for experience gained within a design consultancy or a digital agency environment.

• Demonstrated success in managing multiple projects concurrently, delivering against defined scope, budget, and timelines.

Required Skills:

• UX Architecture & Strategy: Proven ability to define and execute product strategy, conduct heuristic analyses, and develop robust information architecture.

• User Research & Testing: Deep understanding of user research methodologies and usability testing, with strong analytical skills to derive actionable insights and recommendations.

• Interaction Design & Prototyping: Expert knowledge of interaction design principles, usability best practices, and the ability to create detailed wireframes, responsive visual designs, and interactive prototypes.

• Visual Communication: Strong conceptual and visual communication skills, with the ability to articulate design decisions effectively.

• Figma Proficiency: Advanced proficiency in Figma, including the ability to design developer-ready UI components, organize files for clarity, apply consistent styles and naming conventions, and leverage advanced features like auto layout, component libraries, variables, and design tokens for efficient handoff.

Preferred Skills:

• Design Tools: Proficiency with Adobe Creative Suite (Illustrator, Photoshop, InDesign) and Microsoft PowerPoint.

• User Research Tools: Familiarity with tools such as Optimal Workshop, UserTesting, and SurveyMonkey.

• Agile Development: Working knowledge of Agile product development lifecycles and practices.

• Accessibility Standards: Familiarity with WCAG 2.2 Accessibility standards and Inclusive Design principles.

• Content Strategy: Experience contributing to content strategy development.

• Optimization: Understanding of A/B testing and conversion optimization techniques.

📝 Enhancement Note: The explicit requirement for Figma proficiency, including advanced features for design handoff, is a critical technical skill. The preference for consultancy/agency experience suggests a need for adaptability and client-facing skills. The emphasis on a portfolio is paramount.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A comprehensive online portfolio showcasing a range of UX/CX design projects is mandatory for consideration.

• Projects should demonstrate a strong understanding of human-centered design principles, from initial research to final implementation.

• Detailed case studies illustrating the design process, including problem definition, user research insights, ideation, wireframing, prototyping, user testing, and final outcomes.

• Evidence of strategic thinking, problem-solving, and the ability to translate complex user needs and business objectives into elegant design solutions.

Process Documentation:

• Showcase examples of detailed user research reports, including methodologies used, key findings, and actionable recommendations.

• Present well-documented information architecture diagrams, user flows, and wireframes that clearly map out user journeys and system interactions.

• Include examples of interactive prototypes created using tools like Figma, demonstrating user interactions and design concepts.

• Demonstrate experience with creating and maintaining design systems, including component libraries, style guides, and design tokens for scalable and consistent design application.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirement for an online portfolio is non-negotiable. Candidates should curate their portfolios to highlight projects that align with the responsibilities, demonstrating expertise in Figma, user research, and strategic design thinking. Highlighting the impact and ROI of design work is crucial.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

Benefits:

• Comprehensive Health Coverage: Medical, dental, and vision insurance plans.

• Generous Paid Time Off (PTO): Ample leave for vacation, personal time, and sick days.

• Disability Insurance: Short-term and long-term disability coverage.

• Paid Family Leave: Support for new parents and those needing to care for family members.

• Learning & Development:

  • Certification and tuition support for professional growth.
  • Access to digital on-demand learning courses.
  • Structured mentorship programs.
  • Defined skill development paths for career advancement.

• Mental Health & Well-being: Access to Modern Health, a platform offering 1:1 care, group support, and self-serve resources.

• Family Support: Carrot Fertility provides inclusive coverage for fertility treatments, adoption, surrogacy, and pregnancy.

• Lifestyle Stipend: Fringe program offering a company-paid stipend for personalized lifestyle benefits (e.g., streaming services, fitness, student loan repayment).

• Employee Resource Groups (ERGs): Opportunities to join and contribute to diversity and inclusion initiatives.

• Philanthropic Partnerships: Engagement in community-focused projects and pro-bono work.

• 401(k) Matching: Generous employer match with no vesting period to support long-term financial planning.

Working Hours:

• Standard full-time position, typically around 40 hours per week. While remote work is possible based on client and company needs, employees must be available to work onsite at client locations or CapTech offices as requested.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is an estimate based on industry data for similar roles and locations. CapTech offers a robust benefits package that emphasizes employee well-being, professional development, and work-life balance, with unique offerings like the Fringe stipend and comprehensive fertility support.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Technology Consulting, focused on digital transformation and customer experience. CapTech operates within a competitive landscape, serving Fortune 100 companies, mid-sized enterprises, and government agencies.

Company Size: CapTech is a significant player in the consulting space, indicating a structured yet dynamic environment. The company size allows for substantial project opportunities and internal mobility, while maintaining a focus on strong client relationships.

Founded: CapTech was founded with a vision to create a consultancy built on enduring relationships, suggesting a culture that values long-term partnerships, both with clients and employees.

Team Structure:

• The Customer Experience (CX) team likely comprises specialists in UX research, UX architecture, UI design, content strategy, and potentially service design.

• The reporting structure would typically involve UX Architects reporting to a Creative Director or CX Lead, with direct oversight of junior designers.

Methodology:

• Data Analysis & Insights: A strong emphasis on leveraging qualitative and quantitative user research to inform design decisions and drive business outcomes.

• Workflow Planning & Optimization: Implementing agile methodologies and iterative design processes to ensure efficiency and adaptability.

• Automation & Efficiency: Exploring and integrating AI and other tools to enhance design processes and deliver value faster.

Company Website: https://www.captechconsulting.com/

📝 Enhancement Note: CapTech's culture prioritizes strong relationships, technology-driven solutions, and employee development. The CX team operates at the forefront of digital innovation, requiring a collaborative and forward-thinking mindset.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This UX Architect role represents a senior-level position within the CX/UX discipline. It requires not only advanced design skills but also leadership qualities, mentorship capabilities, and strategic input into client engagements and internal practice development.

Reporting Structure: UX Architects typically report to a Director of CX or a similar senior leadership role within the consulting practice. They are expected to lead project teams and mentor junior designers, influencing the overall quality and direction of UX work.

Operations Impact: UX Architects are instrumental in shaping how users interact with digital products. Their work directly impacts client satisfaction, product adoption, conversion rates, and ultimately, revenue. By ensuring intuitive and engaging user experiences, they contribute significantly to business success and client retention.

Growth Opportunities:

• Operations Skill Advancement: Deepen expertise in specialized areas of UX/CX, such as service design, AI-driven design, or accessibility consulting. Opportunities for advanced certifications and training.

• Leadership Development: Progress into roles such as CX Lead, Director of UX, or Practice Lead, managing teams, client relationships, and business development.

• Specialization & Thought Leadership: Become a recognized expert in specific industries or UX methodologies, contributing to CapTech's intellectual property and market presence through publications, speaking engagements, and internal knowledge sharing.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role offers a clear path for career progression within a leading consultancy. The emphasis on mentorship and practice development provides opportunities to shape the future of UX at CapTech.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: CapTech operates with a hybrid work model. Employees are expected to be available for onsite work at client locations or CapTech offices when necessary, balancing this with remote flexibility. This suggests a mix of collaborative in-office work and focused remote work.

Office Location(s): Primary location is Richmond, VA, with a noted alternative in Columbus, OH. Candidates should confirm the specific office expectations for their role. These locations likely offer modern office spaces designed for collaboration and client meetings.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: Offices are designed to foster teamwork, with meeting rooms, common areas, and potentially open-plan workspaces that encourage interaction among project teams.

• Operations Tools & Technology: Access to industry-standard design and collaboration tools, including high-performance workstations and necessary software licenses (e.g., Figma, Adobe Creative Suite).

• Team Interaction: Opportunities for regular interaction with UX/CX colleagues, cross-functional project teams, and leadership through stand-ups, workshops, and team meetings.

Work Schedule: While the core is a 40-hour work week, the consulting nature may involve periods of intensive work to meet client deadlines. The hybrid model aims to provide flexibility, allowing individuals to manage their schedules effectively while ensuring project demands are met.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid work environment requires self-discipline and strong communication skills to maintain productivity and collaboration across different work settings. Flexibility is offered, but client needs and project demands will dictate onsite presence.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your resume and portfolio by a recruiter to assess basic qualifications and experience.

• Hiring Manager Interview: A discussion with the Hiring Manager (likely a CX Director or Lead) focusing on your experience, approach to UX challenges, and cultural fit. Be prepared to discuss your portfolio in detail.

• Design Challenge/Workshop: Potentially a practical exercise, such as a design critique, a mini-design challenge, or participation in a simulated workshop, to evaluate your design thinking, problem-solving skills, and collaboration style.

• Team/Peer Interviews: Interviews with other UX/CX team members or project leads to assess collaboration skills and how you would integrate into existing teams.

• Final Interview: A concluding interview, possibly with senior leadership, to discuss your career aspirations, strategic thinking, and overall fit with CapTech's values.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select 3-5 of your strongest projects that best represent your UX Architect capabilities, showcasing diversity in project type and complexity.

• Tell a Story: For each project, clearly articulate the problem, your role, the process you followed (research, ideation, design, testing), key decisions made, challenges overcome, and the measurable impact/outcomes.

• Highlight Figma Expertise: Showcase projects where you utilized advanced Figma features for design systems, component libraries, auto layout, and efficient developer handoff.

• Emphasize Strategy & Impact: Go beyond aesthetics; demonstrate how your designs solved business problems and met user needs, backed by data or research insights.

• Be Prepared to Discuss: Anticipate questions about your design choices, your experience with AI tools, accessibility advocacy, and how you mentor others.

Challenge Preparation:

• Understand CapTech's Approach: Research CapTech's consulting methodology and CX focus to align your responses.

• Practice Design Critiques: Be ready to analyze and provide constructive feedback on existing designs.

• Articulate Your Process: Clearly explain your thought process for tackling a UX problem, from discovery to solution.

• Demonstrate Collaboration: Prepare examples of how you've worked effectively with cross-functional teams.

📝 Enhancement Note: The portfolio is your most critical asset. Ensure it is polished, well-documented, and directly addresses the requirements of the UX Architect role, with a strong emphasis on Figma and strategic impact.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Figma: The cornerstone tool for wireframing, prototyping, UI design, design system development, and developer handoff. Advanced proficiency is expected, including detailed knowledge of auto layout, component libraries, variables, and design tokens.

• Adobe Creative Suite: Illustrator, Photoshop, and InDesign are preferred for asset creation, image manipulation, and potentially more detailed visual design work.

• Presentation Software: PowerPoint is preferred for client and internal presentations, requiring strong visual storytelling skills.

Analytics & Reporting:

• User Research Platforms: Familiarity with tools like UserTesting.com for remote usability testing, Optimal Workshop for information architecture analysis, and SurveyMonkey for user surveys.

• Analytics Platforms (Implicit): While not explicitly listed, understanding how to interpret data from web analytics tools (e.g., Google Analytics) to inform design decisions is beneficial.

CRM & Automation:

• While not directly a UX tool, understanding how CRM systems and marketing automation platforms influence customer journeys and digital touchpoints can be advantageous.

📝 Enhancement Note: Figma proficiency is a key technical requirement. Experience with other design and research tools will strengthen an application, demonstrating a broad toolkit.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Relationship-Centric: A strong emphasis on building lasting partnerships with clients and colleagues, fostering trust and collaboration.

• Technology-Driven Excellence: Commitment to leveraging technology to solve complex business problems and deliver innovative solutions.

• Continuous Learning & Growth: Encouraging employees to pursue professional development, acquire new skills, and advance their careers.

• Data-Driven Approach: Utilizing research and analytics to inform design decisions and measure impact, ensuring that solutions are effective and meet objectives.

• Efficiency & Optimization: Focusing on streamlining processes and improving workflows, both internally and for client solutions.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: Seamless collaboration with diverse teams (developers, analysts, project managers) to ensure holistic project success.

• Feedback Culture: An environment that encourages open, constructive feedback exchange to refine designs and improve team processes.

• Knowledge Sharing: Active participation in sharing best practices, insights, and learnings across the CX team and the wider organization.

📝 Enhancement Note: CapTech values a collaborative, learning-oriented culture where individuals are empowered to contribute to both client success and internal practice development. The emphasis on relationships and data-driven insights is central to their operations.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing User Needs with Business Constraints: Navigating the complexities of client demands, technical limitations, and budget realities while advocating for optimal user experiences.

• Adapting to Rapid Technological Change: Staying current with evolving design tools, AI advancements, and new digital platforms to maintain a competitive edge.

• Client Stakeholder Management: Effectively communicating design rationale and managing expectations with diverse client stakeholders who may have varying levels of UX understanding.

• Mentoring and Upskilling: Balancing individual project responsibilities with the commitment to mentoring junior designers and contributing to the team's overall skill enhancement.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Specialized UX/CX Training: Access to advanced workshops, certifications, and courses in areas like Service Design, UX Research, Accessibility, and AI in Design.

• Industry Engagement: Opportunities to attend conferences, participate in industry events, and contribute to thought leadership through writing or speaking engagements.

• Leadership Pathways: Clear development tracks for moving into senior leadership roles, managing teams, and influencing strategic direction within CapTech's CX practice.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role presents opportunities to tackle complex design challenges in a consulting environment, fostering continuous learning and professional growth. The company actively supports employees in developing specialized skills and advancing their careers.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a complex UX challenge you faced on a recent project and how you used your strategic approach to solve it. How did you involve stakeholders and what was the outcome?" (Focus on process, collaboration, and measurable impact.)

• "How do you approach balancing user needs with business objectives and technical constraints in a consulting environment? Provide an example." (Demonstrate strategic thinking and problem-solving.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What attracts you to CapTech Consulting and our CX practice specifically?" (Research CapTech's values, recent projects, and industry reputation.)

• "How do you approach mentoring junior designers and contributing to the growth of a UX practice?" (Highlight leadership potential and team-building skills.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure for Impact: For each case study, follow a clear narrative: Problem -> Your Role -> Process -> Solution -> Results.

• Quantify Success: Use metrics (e.g., conversion rate increase, task completion time reduction, user satisfaction scores) to demonstrate the impact of your designs.

• Showcase Figma Mastery: Be ready to demonstrate specific Figma features you used for design systems, prototyping, or developer handoff.

• Articulate Strategic Rationale: Clearly explain the "why" behind your design decisions, linking them back to user needs and business goals.

• Engage Your Audience: Be prepared for interactive discussion, not just a monologue. Ask clarifying questions and invite feedback.

📝 Enhancement Note: Prepare specific examples that align with the job description's emphasis on strategy, research, Figma proficiency, and mentorship. Quantifying impact in your portfolio and interview responses is crucial for a senior role.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this UX Architect position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on SmartRecruiters.

• Customize Your Resume: Tailor your resume to highlight your 5+ years of relevant experience, focusing on UX architecture, strategy, research, and Figma proficiency. Use keywords from the job description.

• Curate Your Portfolio: Ensure your online portfolio is up-to-date, easily accessible, and showcases 3-5 of your strongest UX/CX projects. Pay close attention to detailing your process, Figma usage, and measurable outcomes.

• Prepare Your Narrative: Be ready to articulate your experience, design philosophy, and why you are a strong fit for CapTech's culture and the UX Architect role during interviews. Practice presenting your portfolio case studies.

• Research CapTech: Understand CapTech's mission, values, client work, and their approach to consulting and customer experience. This will help you tailor your responses and demonstrate genuine interest.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with CapTech Consulting before making application decisions.