About
A UX Developer who designs interfaces and ships them.
I'm Kara — a Senior UX Developer and U.S. Air Force Veteran based in San Diego, CA. I work at the intersection of UI design, UX thinking, and frontend engineering, turning complex products into clear, accessible experiences.
My background spans data-heavy React applications, WordPress and Shopify sites, high-fidelity mockups, and design systems. I care about restraint, performance, and the small details that separate a product from a template.
Skills
A generalist's toolkit.
Frontend
- React
- Next.js
- TypeScript
- Tailwind
- Motion
- Radix UI
UX
- User research
- Wireframes
- Mockups
- Prototyping
- Usability
- Information architecture
UI
- Figma
- Design systems
- Type systems
- Visual design
- Accessibility
- Motion design
Backend
- Node
- GraphQL
- REST
- Edge functions
- PostgreSQL
- Prisma
Tools
- Storybook
- Playwright
- Vite
- GitHub Actions
- Vercel
Business
- Discovery
- Product thinking
- Roadmapping
- Stakeholder alignment
Process
From question to shipped.
Career
Career path.
- April 2022 — Dec 2026Front End Engineer / Lead UX Design EngineerTurnberry Solutions — contracted to Specialized Bicycles
Led the UX engineering track on specialized.com — one of the most iconic storefronts in cycling. Built the React and Next.js foundation, partnered with the in-house design team on interaction patterns, and shipped a component system consumed across the site.
- 2019 — 2022Freelance Web Designer & DeveloperIndependent
Designed and built websites for small businesses on WordPress, Shopify, and custom front-end stacks. Managed the full client lifecycle from discovery and design to launch and handoff.
- 2021UX/UI Design CertificateV School
Intensive certificate program focused on user experience and interface design.
- 2021Associate Degree — Advanced Full Stack Web DevelopmentBryan University
Full stack web development with a strong frontend and React focus.