UX Architect
π Job Overview
Job Title: UX Architect
Company: CapTech Consulting
Location: Richmond, Virginia, United States
Job Type: Full-time
Category: User Experience (UX) Design / Customer Experience (CX)
Date Posted: 2026-02-25
Experience Level: 5-10 Years
Remote Status: On-site
π Role Summary
-
Spearhead the design of sophisticated, intuitive, and impactful digital brand experiences, ensuring strong alignment between user needs, business objectives, and accessibility best practices.
-
Lead the creation and execution of user-centered design artifacts, including personas, customer journey maps, wireframes, visual designs, and interactive prototypes.
-
Drive advanced design activities such as design workshops, rapid prototyping, and iterative user testing to inform design decisions and validate solutions.
-
Mentor and provide design oversight to other practitioners, ensuring high-quality delivery and fostering a culture of design excellence within the Customer Experience (CX) team.
-
Explore and leverage emerging technologies, including AI-powered design tools, to enhance creative processes, improve efficiency, and deliver innovative solutions.
π Enhancement Note: This role is explicitly for a UX Architect within CapTech Consulting's Customer Experience (CX) team. The focus is on designing digital brand experiences that are both user-centric and business-aligned, with a strong emphasis on research, accessibility, and mentorship. The role requires a senior-level individual capable of leading design initiatives and influencing project direction.
π Primary Responsibilities
-
Lead the creation of comprehensive user experience design deliverables, including personas, customer journey maps, detailed wireframes, responsive visual designs, and interactive prototypes that adhere to interaction design and usability best practices.
-
Facilitate and lead advanced design activities such as design thinking workshops, rapid prototyping sessions, and iterative user testing to gather insights and validate design concepts.
-
Develop and deliver clean, informative, and compelling presentations to clients and internal teams, clearly articulating the strategic rationale behind design decisions and recommendations.
-
Conduct thorough competitive assessments to identify innovative design alternatives and stay abreast of the latest design and technology trends, incorporating them into project strategies.
-
Proactively explore and leverage AI-powered design tools and workflows, experimenting with new approaches to enhance creativity, boost efficiency, and amplify the impact of design solutions.
-
Advocate for and champion the principles of accessible design and usability among clients and project teams, ensuring inclusive user experiences.
-
Provide insightful and constructive feedback on designs, including interactions, information architecture, content strategy, and overall alignment with business goals and user needs.
-
Actively contribute to CX leadership initiatives, including the development of methodologies, capabilities, approaches, and toolsets. Participate in and lead CX meetings and training sessions, engaging in continuous professional development and industry involvement.
-
Mentor junior design practitioners, providing design oversight and art direction for visual and interaction designers to ensure successful project outcomes and skill development.
π Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a blend of hands-on design leadership, strategic thinking, client-facing communication, and team mentorship. The emphasis on AI-powered tools and accessibility standards indicates a forward-thinking approach to UX design.
π Skills & Qualifications
Education:
Experience:
-
A minimum of 5 years of professional experience, preferably gained within a design consultancy or digital agency environment.
-
Demonstrated ability to successfully manage multiple concurrent projects, delivering against scope, budget, and timelines.
Required Skills:
-
Proven expertise in product strategy, heuristic analysis, information architecture, user research, user interface design, wireframing, prototyping, and usability testing.
-
Strong conceptual and visual communication skills, with the ability to articulate complex ideas clearly.
-
Expert knowledge of interaction design principles and usability best practices.
-
Demonstrated ability to span multiple projects and manage competing priorities effectively.
-
Strong analytical capabilities to derive actionable insights and recommendations from user research and data.
-
Confident self-starter with the ability to take feedback and direction with humility while collaborating effectively with project teams.
Preferred Skills:
-
Familiarity with user research tools such as Optimal Workshop, UserTesting, or SurveyMonkey.
-
Working knowledge of Agile product development lifecycles and practices.
-
Familiarity with WCAG 2.2 Accessibility standards and Inclusive Design principles.
-
Proficiency with Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop, and InDesign.
-
Proficiency with presentation software, such as PowerPoint.
π Enhancement Note: The qualifications emphasize a strong foundation in core UX principles and methodologies, coupled with practical experience and proficiency in industry-standard design tools, particularly Figma. The preference for consultancy/agency experience and specific tool proficiencies points to the type of project-based, client-facing work expected.
π Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements
Portfolio Essentials:
-
A comprehensive online portfolio is mandatory for consideration.
-
Showcase a range of projects demonstrating expertise in product strategy, information architecture, interaction design, and visual design.
-
Include case studies that clearly articulate the problem, your role, the design process, challenges faced, and the quantifiable impact or outcomes of your work.
-
Highlight your ability to translate user research and business requirements into effective and intuitive digital experiences.
Process Documentation:
-
Illustrate your approach to user research methodologies, including how you gather insights and translate them into design decisions.
-
Showcase your process for conducting usability testing and incorporating feedback for iterative design improvements.
-
Provide examples of how you collaborate with cross-functional teams (developers, product managers, researchers) throughout the design lifecycle.
-
Detail your approach to accessibility and inclusive design, demonstrating how you integrate these principles into your workflow.
-
Showcase your experience with design systems, component libraries, and design tokens, particularly in Figma, for scalable and efficient design handoff.
π Enhancement Note: A strong portfolio is critical, requiring detailed case studies that showcase the end-to-end UX design process, problem-solving skills, and measurable impact. The emphasis on process documentation highlights the need for candidates to articulate their methods clearly, especially concerning research, collaboration, and accessibility.
π΅ Compensation & Benefits
Salary Range:
Benefits:
-
Comprehensive Health & Wellness:
- Generous Paid Time Off (PTO).
- Health Coverage.
- Disability Insurance.
- Paid Family Leave.
- Modern Health: A mental health and well-being platform offering 1:1 care, group support, and self-serve resources.
- Carrot Fertility: Inclusive fertility and family-forming coverage, with opportunities for employer-sponsored funds.
-
Professional Development & Growth:
- Learning & Development Programs: Offering certification and tuition support, digital on-demand learning courses, mentorship, and skill development paths.
-
Lifestyle & Financial:
- Fringe: A company-paid stipend program for personalized lifestyle benefits (e.g., streaming services, student loan repayment, fitness).
- 401(k) Matching: Generous matching with no vesting period.
-
Community & Inclusion:
- Employee Resource Groups (ERGs): Employee-led committees focused on diversity and inclusion.
Working Hours:
- Standard full-time position, likely based on a 40-hour work week, with potential for flexibility depending on project needs and team collaboration.
π Enhancement Note: The salary range is clearly defined. The benefits package is extensive, with a strong emphasis on employee well-being, professional development, and personalized lifestyle choices, reflecting a modern and supportive employer.
π― Team & Company Context
π’ Company Culture
Industry: Technology Consulting / Digital Transformation. CapTech Consulting operates within the technology consulting sector, helping clients achieve business goals through technology. This industry context implies a fast-paced, project-driven environment focused on innovation and client success.
Company Size: CapTech Consulting is a mid-to-large sized firm, indicated by its "award-winning" status and work with "Fortune 100 companies, mid-sized enterprises, and government agencies." This size suggests a structured organization with established processes, but also enough agility to foster strong client relationships and offer diverse career paths.
Founded: Founded on the principle of creating "strong relationships that would stand the test of time," CapTech emphasizes a client-centric and long-term partnership approach. This founding philosophy likely permeates the company culture, encouraging dedication, trust, and collaborative problem-solving.
Team Structure:
-
The CX team is likely composed of specialized practitioners in User Research, UX Design, Content Strategy, and potentially Service Design.
-
The UX Architect will report to a UX/Creative Director and will oversee the work of other interaction and visual designers.
Methodology:
-
CapTech likely employs a blend of Agile methodologies for project execution, combined with robust human-centered design processes.
-
Data analysis and user research are crucial for informing design strategies and validating solutions.
-
Workflow planning and optimization are key to ensuring efficient project delivery and client satisfaction.
-
Automation and efficiency practices are likely encouraged, especially with the mention of exploring AI-powered design tools.
Company Website: https://www.captechconsulting.com/
π Enhancement Note: CapTech's culture appears to value strong relationships, technology-driven solutions, and professional growth. The CX team is likely a hub of innovation where experienced designers mentor others and leverage cutting-edge tools.
π Career & Growth Analysis
Operations Career Level: Senior UX Architect. This role sits at a senior individual contributor level, requiring deep expertise in UX principles and methodologies, leadership capabilities for client engagements, and the ability to mentor junior team members. It represents a significant step in a UX design career, moving beyond execution to strategic design leadership.
Reporting Structure: The UX Architect will likely report to a Director or Senior Manager within the Customer Experience practice. They will also work closely with project managers and client-side leads, while mentoring and guiding junior UX designers and researchers on specific projects.
Operations Impact: The UX Architect's work directly impacts client satisfaction, user adoption, and the overall success of digital products and services. By creating intuitive and impactful user experiences, they contribute to increased customer engagement, brand loyalty, and achievement of business objectives. Their role is critical in translating complex business needs into user-friendly solutions that drive tangible results.
Growth Opportunities:
-
Specialization: Deepen expertise in specific areas like accessibility, AI-driven design, or advanced interaction design.
-
Leadership: Progress into roles such as Lead UX Architect, Design Manager, or Director of CX, taking on greater responsibility for team leadership, strategy, and client relationships.
-
Cross-Disciplinary: Explore opportunities to work on diverse projects across various industries, broadening exposure to different business challenges and technological solutions.
-
Methodology Development: Contribute to the evolution of CapTech's CX methodologies, tools, and best practices, becoming a thought leader within the practice.
π Enhancement Note: This role offers a clear path for career advancement within UX design, with opportunities for both specialization and leadership. The focus on mentorship and contribution to practice development suggests a supportive environment for professional growth.
π Work Environment
Office Type: CapTech Consulting operates with a professional, client-focused office environment. Given the "On-site" designation, the Richmond office will likely provide collaborative workspaces, meeting rooms, and individual workstations designed for focused work and team interaction.
Office Location(s): The primary office location for this role is Richmond, Virginia, USA. This suggests a local presence and opportunity for in-person collaboration with colleagues and potentially clients in the region.
Workspace Context:
-
The workspace is designed to foster collaboration, encouraging interaction among designers, developers, and other project team members.
-
Access to a robust technology stack, including industry-standard design software (Figma, Adobe Creative Suite), will be provided.
-
Opportunities for direct engagement with other CX practitioners, fostering knowledge sharing and continuous learning.
Work Schedule: While a standard 40-hour work week is implied, the consulting nature of the work may require flexibility to meet client deadlines and project demands. This could involve occasional extended hours or weekend work, balanced by the company's commitment to employee well-being and PTO.
π Enhancement Note: The on-site requirement in Richmond indicates a preference for in-person collaboration, which is often beneficial for complex design projects and team cohesion. The environment is expected to be professional, tech-enabled, and conducive to both focused work and collaborative problem-solving.
π Application & Portfolio Review Process
Interview Process:
-
Initial Screening: A review of your resume and online portfolio to assess qualifications and experience.
-
Hiring Manager/Recruiter Call: An introductory conversation to discuss your background, interest in the role, and high-level fit with CapTech.
-
Design Exercise/Case Study Presentation: This will likely involve a practical design challenge or a detailed presentation of your portfolio work, focusing on process, problem-solving, and impact. Be prepared to discuss your design rationale, research methods, and how you handle feedback.
-
Team/Stakeholder Interviews: Interviews with other UX practitioners, potential team members, and possibly client stakeholders to evaluate collaboration skills, technical expertise, and cultural fit.
-
Final Interview: A discussion with senior leadership to finalize the offer.
Portfolio Review Tips:
-
Curate Strategically: Select 3-5 of your strongest projects that best represent your skills as a UX Architect, covering diverse challenges and outcomes.
-
Tell a Story: For each project, clearly articulate the problem, your specific role and contributions, the design process undertaken, key decisions made, challenges overcome, and the measurable results or impact.
-
Showcase Process: Detail your use of research, wireframing, prototyping, user testing, and iteration. Explain why you made certain choices.
-
Highlight Figma Proficiency: Specifically demonstrate your ability to create developer-ready UI components, organize files effectively, and leverage advanced Figma features for efficient handoff.
-
Accessibility & AI: If applicable, highlight projects where you incorporated accessibility principles or explored AI-driven design tools.
-
Be Prepared to Discuss: Anticipate questions about your design philosophy, how you handle constructive criticism, and your collaboration style.
Challenge Preparation:
-
Understand the Context: If a design challenge is provided, thoroughly understand the problem statement, target users, and business goals.
-
Structure Your Approach: Outline your steps, starting with clarifying questions, then research/discovery, ideation, prototyping, and testing.
-
Focus on Rationale: Clearly explain the reasoning behind your design decisions, linking them back to user needs and business objectives.
-
Practice Presentation: Rehearse your presentation to ensure clarity, conciseness, and confidence. Be ready to answer questions and defend your design choices.
π Enhancement Note: The application process emphasizes a strong portfolio and the ability to articulate design process and rationale. Candidates should be prepared to demonstrate their skills through a design challenge or portfolio review, highlighting specific tool proficiency and strategic thinking.
π Tools & Technology Stack
Primary Tools:
-
Figma: Essential for wireframing, prototyping, UI design, component library creation, and design handoff. Advanced proficiency is highly preferred, including auto layout, component libraries, variables, and design tokens.
-
Adobe Creative Suite: Proficiency in Illustrator, Photoshop, and InDesign is preferred for asset creation, image manipulation, and detailed visual design work.
-
Presentation Software: PowerPoint is preferred for client and internal presentations.
Analytics & Reporting:
-
While not explicitly listed as primary tools for the UX Architect, familiarity with user research platforms and analytics tools is beneficial.
-
User Research Tools: Experience with tools like Optimal Workshop (for card sorting, tree testing), UserTesting.com (for remote usability testing), and SurveyMonkey (for surveys) is a plus.
CRM & Automation:
- Not directly relevant to the UX Architect role, but understanding how UX design integrates with broader customer relationship management and marketing automation platforms can be advantageous.
π Enhancement Note: Figma proficiency is a key technical requirement, underscoring its importance in CapTech's design workflow. Familiarity with other design and research tools enhances a candidate's profile.
π₯ Team Culture & Values
Operations Values:
-
Client-Centricity: A strong focus on understanding and meeting client needs to build lasting relationships.
-
Collaboration: Emphasis on teamwork, cross-functional partnerships, and open communication to achieve shared goals.
-
Innovation & Excellence: A drive to stay at the forefront of technology and design, consistently delivering high-quality, impactful solutions.
-
Continuous Learning: Encouragement of professional development, skill enhancement, and staying current with industry trends.
-
Integrity & Trust: Operating with honesty, transparency, and reliability in all client and internal interactions.
Collaboration Style:
-
Team-Oriented: Works closely with other designers, researchers, developers, and project managers.
-
Feedback-Driven: Actively seeks and provides constructive feedback to improve designs and processes.
-
Cross-Functional Integration: Seamlessly integrates UX design efforts with development and business strategy.
-
Mentorship: A willingness to share knowledge and guide junior team members to foster growth and ensure quality.
π Enhancement Note: CapTech's values emphasize relationship building, innovation, and teamwork, which are critical for success in a consulting environment. The collaboration style is expected to be proactive, open, and focused on collective success.
β‘ Challenges & Growth Opportunities
Challenges:
-
Balancing User Needs with Business Constraints: Effectively navigating the tension between ideal user experiences and practical client limitations (budget, timeline, technical feasibility).
-
Managing Stakeholder Expectations: Clearly communicating design rationale and managing feedback from diverse stakeholders with varying perspectives.
-
Rapidly Evolving Technology: Staying current with emerging design tools, AI advancements, and user behavior shifts in the digital landscape.
-
Driving Adoption of Best Practices: Championing accessibility and user-centered design principles within organizations that may have varying levels of maturity in these areas.
Learning & Development Opportunities:
-
Advanced Design Skills: Opportunities to deepen expertise in specialized UX areas through training, workshops, and project experience.
-
Leadership Development: Formal and informal mentorship to prepare for leadership roles, focusing on client management, team leadership, and strategic contribution.
-
Industry Exposure: Working with a diverse range of clients and industries provides broad exposure to different business challenges and technological solutions.
-
Methodology Contribution: The chance to contribute to and refine CapTech's CX methodologies, positioning oneself as a subject matter expert.
π Enhancement Note: The role presents challenges typical of senior design positions in consulting, requiring strong problem-solving and communication skills. Growth opportunities are robust, focusing on both deepening technical expertise and advancing into leadership positions.
π‘ Interview Preparation
Strategy Questions:
-
Be prepared to discuss your approach to defining product strategy from a UX perspective. How do you ensure user needs are translated into actionable product roadmaps?
-
How do you balance user research findings with business requirements and technical constraints? Provide an example.
-
Describe your process for leading design workshops or brainstorming sessions. How do you ensure productive outcomes and stakeholder buy-in?
Company & Culture Questions:
-
Why are you interested in CapTech Consulting and this specific UX Architect role?
-
How do you align with CapTech's values of client-centricity, collaboration, and innovation?
-
Describe your experience working in a consulting or agency environment. What do you enjoy most and find most challenging?
Portfolio Presentation Strategy:
-
Structure: Organize your presentation logically, starting with an overview of your career and then diving into 2-3 key case studies. For each case study, clearly define the problem, your role, the process, your design decisions, and the outcomes.
-
Show, Don't Just Tell: Use visuals effectivelyβwireframes, user flows, prototypes, final designs, and any research artifacts.
-
Quantify Impact: Wherever possible, present metrics or evidence of how your designs improved user experience, achieved business goals, or solved specific problems.
-
Highlight Figma Skills: Specifically call out how you used Figma to create reusable components, design tokens, or facilitate efficient handoff to developers.
-
Be Ready for Deep Dives: Anticipate questions about specific design choices, your research methods, and how you handled challenges or feedback.
π Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating strategic thinking, problem-solving skills, and a deep understanding of the UX design process, particularly as it applies to consulting and client service. Emphasizing portfolio strengths and tool proficiency is crucial.
π Application Steps
To apply for this UX Architect position:
-
Submit your application through the provided link on SmartRecruiters.
-
Portfolio Customization: Ensure your online portfolio is up-to-date, easily navigable, and prominently features projects that align with the requirements of a UX Architect role, showcasing your Figma skills and experience with user research, wireframing, and prototyping.
-
Resume Optimization: Tailor your resume to highlight your 5+ years of experience, specific UX methodologies employed, proficiency in key tools (especially Figma), and quantifiable achievements in designing impactful digital experiences.
-
Interview Preparation: Thoroughly review the job description and company information. Practice articulating your design process, rationale, and impact using specific examples from your portfolio. Prepare to discuss your approach to mentorship and collaboration.
-
Company Research: Familiarize yourself with CapTech Consulting's work, client base, and company culture. Understand their approach to CX and technology consulting to demonstrate genuine interest and alignment.
β οΈ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and operations industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with the hiring organization before making application decisions.
Application Requirements
Candidates must have 5+ years of professional experience, preferably in a design consultancy or digital agency, and a proven understanding of various human-centered design domains including strategy, research, and architecture. Required skills include strong conceptual and visual communication, expertise in interaction design principles, and proficiency in tools like Figma, with familiarity in user research tools and Agile lifecycles being a plus.