UX Architect

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: UX Architect

Company: CapTech Consulting

Location: Richmond, Virginia, United States (with potential for Denver, CO, USA)

Job Type: Full-time

Category: User Experience (UX) Design / Digital Strategy

Date Posted: February 25, 2026

Experience Level: 5-10 years professional experience

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Spearhead the design of sophisticated, intuitive, and impactful digital brand experiences that align user needs with business objectives.

• Lead the creation and execution of foundational UX artifacts including personas, customer journey maps, wireframes, and interactive prototypes.

• Drive advanced design activities such as client workshops, rapid prototyping, and iterative user testing to validate and refine design solutions.

• Advocate for and integrate accessibility best practices (WCAG 2.2) and inclusive design principles into all aspects of the design process.

• Mentor junior design practitioners, providing art direction and constructive feedback to ensure high-quality deliverables and team growth.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the primary location is Richmond, VA, the inclusion of "Denver, CO, USA" as an alternative location suggests potential flexibility or a distributed team structure. Candidates should clarify the exact work arrangement and location expectations during the application process. The role is clearly focused on senior-level UX strategy and execution within a consulting environment.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Lead the end-to-end design process for digital products and platforms, translating complex user needs and business goals into elegant, functional, and user-centered design solutions.

• Develop comprehensive user personas, detailed customer journey maps, intuitive information architectures, and high-fidelity wireframes and interactive prototypes that effectively communicate design concepts and user flows.

• Conduct and interpret qualitative and quantitative user research, including heuristic analyses, usability testing, and competitive assessments, to inform design decisions and identify optimization opportunities.

• Facilitate and lead design thinking workshops, brainstorming sessions, and client presentations to gather insights, align stakeholders, and articulate design rationale.

• Collaborate closely with cross-functional teams, including project managers, business analysts, developers, and creative directors, to ensure seamless design implementation and adherence to best practices.

• Champion accessible design principles and WCAG 2.2 standards, ensuring all digital experiences are inclusive and usable by a diverse range of users.

• Stay abreast of emerging design trends, AI-powered design tools, and new technologies, actively experimenting with and integrating innovative approaches to enhance design efficiency and impact.

• Provide art direction and mentorship to junior UX designers and visual designers, offering constructive feedback on interactions, information architecture, content, and overall design effectiveness.

• Contribute to the development and refinement of CapTech's Customer Experience (CX) methodologies, capabilities, and toolsets, actively participating in team meetings and training sessions.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a senior role with significant leadership, strategic thinking, and hands-on design execution. The emphasis on AI-powered tools and emerging technologies indicates a forward-thinking approach within the CX team.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

Experience:

• A minimum of 5 years of professional experience in UX design, ideally within a design consultancy or digital agency setting.

• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects concurrently, delivering against scope, budget, and deadlines.

Required Skills:

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

• User Research & Testing: Expertise in various user research methodologies, including usability testing, and strong analytical capabilities to derive actionable insights.

• Interaction & Visual Design: Expert knowledge of interaction design principles, wireframing, prototyping, and visual design for responsive interfaces.

• Communication & Collaboration: Exceptional written, verbal, conceptual, and visual communication skills, with the ability to confidently present to clients and collaborate effectively with diverse project teams.

• Tool Proficiency (Figma): Demonstrated expertise in Figma, including designing developer-ready UI components, organizing files for clarity, applying consistent styles, utilizing auto layout, component libraries, variables, and design tokens for efficient handoff.

Preferred Skills:

• Proficiency with Adobe Creative Suite (Illustrator, Photoshop, InDesign) and presentation software (PowerPoint).

• Familiarity with user research tools such as Optimal Workshop, UserTesting, and SurveyMonkey.

• Working knowledge of Agile product development lifecycles and practices.

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

• Experience with AI-powered design tools and workflows.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on Figma proficiency, including advanced features like design tokens and variables, points to a need for designers who can contribute to scalable design systems and efficient handoff processes. Familiarity with Agile and accessibility standards is also highly valued.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Case Studies: Comprehensive case studies showcasing end-to-end UX design processes, from initial research and strategy to final design and implementation considerations.

• Process Documentation: Clear demonstration of how user research, wireframing, prototyping, and usability testing were integrated into the design workflow to solve specific user problems.

• System Thinking: Examples illustrating the ability to design for scalability, consistency, and maintainability, potentially referencing design system components or style guides.

• Impact & ROI: Evidence of how design decisions contributed to business objectives, user satisfaction, or measurable improvements in key performance indicators (e.g., conversion rates, task completion times).

Process Documentation:

• Workflow Design: Ability to articulate and visualize complex user flows and interaction models.

• Research Integration: Documentation showing how user feedback and research findings directly influenced design iterations and final solutions.

• Handoff Standards: Examples of clear and detailed design specifications provided to development teams, ensuring accurate implementation.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirement for a portfolio link is critical for this role. Applicants should prepare detailed case studies that not only showcase design artifacts but also explain the strategic thinking, user research conducted, and measurable outcomes achieved. Demonstrating proficiency with design systems and accessibility will be a significant advantage.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $100,000 - $140,000 per year (for Colorado, as per the job description's specific mention of the state's Equal Pay for Equal Work Act). Note: This range is explicitly stated for Colorado. Salary for other locations may vary based on market rates and cost of living.

Benefits:

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

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

• Paid Family Leave: Support for new parents and those caring for family members.

• Generous PTO: Paid time off for rest and rejuvenation.

• 401(k) Matching: Employer matching contributions to retirement savings with no vesting period.

• Learning & Development: Access to certification support, tuition reimbursement, digital on-demand learning courses, mentorship programs, and structured skill development paths.

• 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 benefits covering adoption, surrogacy, fertility treatments, and pregnancy.

• Fringe Stipend: A company-paid lifestyle benefits stipend for employees to personalize their benefits (e.g., streaming services, student loan repayment, fitness).

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

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

Working Hours:

• Standard full-time hours are expected, likely around 40 hours per week. While the role is on-site, CapTech offers various benefits that support work-life balance and employee well-being.

📝 Enhancement Note: The explicit mention of the Colorado Equal Pay for Equal Work Act and the provided salary range for that state is a significant detail. For other locations, candidates should research comparable UX Architect salaries in Richmond, VA, and other potential CapTech office locations using industry salary data resources. The benefits package is extensive and highlights CapTech's commitment to employee well-being and professional development.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Technology Consulting / Professional Services

Company Size: CapTech Consulting is a significant player in the consulting space, likely employing over 1,000 individuals globally, as indicated by typical consulting firm structures and their project scope.

Founded: CapTech was founded with a vision for building lasting relationships through technology, suggesting a foundation built on client trust and long-term partnerships.

Team Structure:

• CX Team Specialization: The Customer Experience (CX) team focuses on designing exceptional digital experiences, likely comprising UX Architects, UX Designers, UI Designers, and User Researchers.

• Reporting Structure: UX Architects will likely report to a CX Director or similar leadership role, with oversight responsibilities for junior practitioners.

• Cross-functional Collaboration: This role emphasizes close collaboration with project managers, business analysts, developers, and creative directors, fostering a highly integrated project team environment.

Methodology:

• Human-Centered Design: The core methodology revolves around understanding user needs, behaviors, and attitudes to drive design decisions.

• Agile Practices: Familiarity with Agile product development lifecycles is preferred, suggesting iterative design and development processes.

• Data-Informed Design: The role leverages both qualitative (user research, usability testing) and quantitative (analytics, performance metrics) data to inform and validate design choices.

• Continuous Improvement: A culture of ongoing learning, experimentation with new tools (like AI-powered design tools), and contribution to team methodologies is encouraged.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: CapTech's identity as an award-winning consulting firm implies a focus on client success, innovation, and professional excellence. The emphasis on strong relationships suggests a culture that values collaboration and long-term partnerships, both internally and with clients.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This is a senior-level UX Architect position, signifying a significant level of autonomy, strategic influence, and responsibility for leading design initiatives and mentoring others. It's a role that requires not just design execution but also strategic thinking and leadership within the CX domain.

Reporting Structure: UX Architects likely report to a senior leader within the Customer Experience (CX) practice, such as a Director or VP of CX. They will also be responsible for providing design oversight and art direction to junior designers on project teams.

Operations Impact: The impact of a UX Architect is directly tied to the success of digital products and platforms. By ensuring intuitive, impactful, and accessible user experiences, they directly contribute to client satisfaction, user adoption, conversion rates, operational efficiency, and ultimately, the client's business objectives and revenue. They are key players in translating business strategy into user-facing realities.

Growth Opportunities:

• Leadership Advancement: Progression to roles like Lead UX Architect, CX Director, or Practice Lead, with increased responsibility for strategy, team management, and business development.

• Specialization: Deepening expertise in specific areas such as AI-driven design, accessibility consulting, or product strategy.

• Mentorship & Training Development: Taking on a greater role in developing and delivering training programs for the CX team, and formalizing mentorship roles.

• Client Relationship Management: Developing stronger client-facing skills and potentially moving into roles with more direct client account management responsibilities.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role offers a clear path for career advancement within consulting, moving from senior individual contributor to leadership positions. CapTech's emphasis on customizable career progression suggests that employees have agency in shaping their development trajectory.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: This is an on-site role, indicating a traditional office environment where collaboration and in-person interaction are prioritized.

Office Location(s): The primary location is Richmond, Virginia. Denver, Colorado is also mentioned, suggesting either a second office or a potential for remote work from that specific location, which should be clarified.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Hub: The office environment is likely designed to foster collaboration, with meeting rooms, shared workspaces, and common areas for team interaction.

• Tool Access: Employees will have access to the necessary hardware, software (including Figma, Adobe Suite), and potentially specialized equipment for design and prototyping.

• Team Dynamics: Expect a dynamic environment with frequent interaction with project teams, clients, and other design professionals within the CX practice.

Work Schedule: A standard full-time schedule (approximately 40 hours per week) is expected for an on-site role. Flexibility may exist within daily hours, but project deadlines will dictate workload.

📝 Enhancement Note: As an on-site role, candidates should assess their comfort with a traditional office setting and the commute associated with the Richmond, VA location. Clarifying the Denver, CO aspect is crucial for candidates in that region.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your resume and portfolio to assess qualifications and alignment with the role.

• Hiring Manager Interview: Discussion focused on your experience, approach to UX design, and understanding of CapTech's consulting model.

• Design Challenge/Case Study Presentation: This is a critical step. You will likely be asked to present one or more case studies from your portfolio, detailing your process, rationale, challenges, and outcomes. Alternatively, a specific design exercise might be assigned.

• Team/Stakeholder Interviews: Meetings with other UX professionals, project managers, or potential collaborators to assess cultural fit and collaborative capabilities.

• Final Interview: Potentially with a senior leader in the CX practice to discuss strategic alignment and long-term career aspirations.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select 2-3 of your strongest, most relevant projects that showcase your UX architecture skills, problem-solving abilities, and impact.

• Tell a Story: For each case study, clearly articulate the problem statement, your role, the process you followed (research, ideation, design, testing), the challenges you faced, your solutions, and the measurable outcomes or key learnings.

• Highlight Figma Proficiency: Explicitly detail your use of Figma, including advanced features, component libraries, design tokens, and how you facilitated design handoff.

• Showcase Accessibility: If applicable, demonstrate how you integrated accessibility considerations and inclusive design principles into your work.

• Prepare for Questions: Anticipate questions about your design decisions, how you handle feedback, your collaboration style, and your understanding of consulting environments.

Challenge Preparation:

• Understand Consulting Context: Be prepared to discuss how you would approach design challenges within a client-driven, deadline-oriented consulting environment.

• Focus on Process: Emphasize your systematic approach to problem-solving, research, and design.

• Articulate ROI: Be ready to connect your design work to business value and measurable results.

📝 Enhancement Note: The portfolio is paramount. Candidates must be ready to deeply discuss their work, demonstrating not just design skills but also strategic thinking, client communication abilities, and an understanding of the consulting business model.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Figma: Essential for wireframing, prototyping, UI design, component libraries, design tokens, and collaborative design handoff. Advanced proficiency is required.

• Adobe Creative Suite: Illustrator, Photoshop, and InDesign are preferred for asset creation, image manipulation, and graphic design tasks.

• Presentation Software: PowerPoint is preferred for client presentations and internal communication.

Analytics & Reporting:

• User Research Platforms: Familiarity with tools like UserTesting.com, Optimal Workshop (for card sorting, tree testing), and SurveyMonkey is a plus for gathering user insights.

• Analytics Tools (Implied): While not explicitly listed, experience with web analytics platforms (e.g., Google Analytics) to understand user behavior and performance metrics would be beneficial.

CRM & Automation:

• N/A: This role is focused on UX design rather than CRM or marketing automation systems.

📝 Enhancement Note: Figma proficiency is a key technical requirement. Candidates should be prepared to discuss their expertise with Figma's advanced features and how they leverage it for efficient design systems and developer handoff.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Client Success: A strong commitment to delivering exceptional results and building lasting relationships with clients.

• Collaboration: Valuing teamwork, open communication, and the collective effort of diverse project teams.

• Innovation: Encouraging curiosity, creativity, and the exploration of new technologies and design approaches.

• Professional Excellence: Upholding high standards in craftsmanship, problem-solving, and client delivery.

• Inclusivity & Diversity: Fostering an environment where all employees feel valued, respected, and empowered to contribute their unique perspectives.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: Working closely with developers, business analysts, project managers, and strategists to ensure holistic project success.

• Feedback-Oriented: Open to giving and receiving constructive feedback to continuously improve designs and processes.

• Knowledge Sharing: Actively participating in internal team meetings, sharing best practices, and contributing to the collective expertise of the CX practice.

📝 Enhancement Note: CapTech's stated values emphasize client focus, collaboration, and a commitment to diversity and inclusion. Candidates should be prepared to discuss how their work style aligns with these values.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Client Needs and User Experience: Navigating competing priorities and stakeholder demands to deliver designs that satisfy both business objectives and user needs.

• Translating Complex Requirements: Synthesizing intricate business logic and technical constraints into intuitive and user-friendly interfaces.

• Driving Adoption of Best Practices: Advocating for and implementing new design methodologies, accessibility standards, or AI tools within client projects and internal teams.

• Fast-Paced Consulting Environment: Managing multiple projects simultaneously under tight deadlines, requiring strong time management and prioritization skills.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Design Techniques: Opportunities to deepen expertise in areas like AI-driven design, advanced interaction patterns, and complex information architecture.

• Leadership Development: Programs designed to hone leadership, mentorship, and client management skills.

• Industry Exposure: Potential to work with Fortune 100 companies and government agencies, gaining exposure to diverse industries and challenges.

• Certification & Training: Access to resources for professional certifications and specialized training relevant to UX and design.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges inherent in a senior consulting role are significant, but they are directly tied to substantial growth opportunities. Candidates should view these challenges as avenues for skill development and career advancement.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a complex digital experience you architected. What was the business challenge, how did you approach the UX strategy, and what was the outcome?"

• "How do you balance user needs with business requirements and technical constraints in your design process?"

• "Walk me through your process for conducting user research and how you translate those insights into design decisions."

• "How do you ensure your designs are accessible and inclusive? Can you provide an example where you advocated for accessibility?"

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about CapTech Consulting and our CX practice?"

• "How do you align your design philosophy with the values of a consulting firm?"

• "Describe your ideal team environment and how you contribute to a positive collaborative culture."

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure Your Narrative: For each case study, follow a clear story arc: Problem -> Your Role -> Process -> Solution -> Impact/Learnings.

• Quantify Impact: Whenever possible, use data and metrics to demonstrate the success of your designs (e.g., increased conversion rates, reduced error rates, improved user satisfaction scores).

• Highlight Figma Mastery: Be prepared to demonstrate specific Figma features you utilized and explain their benefits for the project and handoff.

• Engage Your Audience: Make it a conversation. Ask clarifying questions and be ready to elaborate on any aspect of your work.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interviewers will be looking for a blend of strategic thinking, deep UX expertise, strong communication skills, and an understanding of the consulting business model. Preparing specific examples that highlight these areas will be crucial.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this UX Architect position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on jobs.smartrecruiters.com.

• Portfolio Customization: Ensure your online portfolio is up-to-date and prominently features 2-3 of your strongest UX architecture case studies. Tailor your portfolio's introductory statement to highlight your experience relevant to consulting and digital brand experiences.

• Resume Optimization: Update your resume to clearly articulate your 5+ years of experience, emphasizing your expertise in UX strategy, research, wireframing, prototyping, and proficiency with Figma. Use keywords from the job description, such as "UX Architect," "Information Architecture," "User Research," "Figma," and "Accessibility."

• Interview Preparation: Practice presenting your portfolio case studies, focusing on the story, your process, and measurable outcomes. Prepare to discuss your approach to client collaboration, problem-solving within a consulting framework, and your experience with AI-powered design tools.

• Company Research: Familiarize yourself with CapTech Consulting's services, client portfolio, and company values. Understand their approach to CX and how this role contributes to their broader consulting offerings. Research their commitment to diversity and inclusion.

⚠️ 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.