• My Work
  • Bio & Resume
  • Get in Touch

Drew Ransom


Senior UX / Product Designer

  • My Work
  • Bio & Resume
  • Get in Touch
 

Hi, I’m Drew! 👋

Experienced product designer with 10+ years leading cross-functional teams to build intuitive, collaborative web applications. Formally trained in design principles, visual hierarchy, and typography, I bring strong craft and clarity to every interface. I specialize in UX design, prototyping, design systems, and real-time iteration, transforming ambiguity into clarity through storytelling, structured thinking, and rapid experimentation. I’m inspired by tools that empower creativity and connection.

 
 

 
 

Go to my LinkedIn profile —>

Experience

National Council of Architectural Registration Boards / ncarb.org / Washington, DC / Remote

Senior UX Designer, Core Products / July 2022 – Present

As design lead for NCARB’s Core Products, I guide the vision and execution of human-centered, data-driven experiences across multiple web applications serving 100K+ users. I collaborate cross-functionally to shape product strategy, elevate usability, and maintain a scalable Figma-based design system that unifies the platform.

  • Lead end-to-end UX strategy and research across NCARB’s core digital ecosystem.

  • Present user insights and design recommendations to influence roadmaps and leadership decisions.

  • Mentor designers in UX best practices, systems thinking, and accessibility.

  • Evolve and manage NCARB’s design system for scalability and consistency.

UX Design Product Manager, Core Products / July 2020 – July 2022

Bridging UX and product management, I drove strategy, design, and delivery for NCARB’s flagship digital tools during a major modernization phase. I led cross-team collaboration to transition legacy systems to a unified, cloud-based experience.

  • Spearheaded the multi-year redesign of My NCARB into a responsive, digital-first platform.

  • Launched NCARB’s first online proctoring system in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

  • Implemented a responsive design system using Figma, Storybook, and ReactJS.

  • Established agile processes for faster iteration, collaboration, and delivery.

UX Designer, Licensing System / January 2018 – July 2020

I led UX research and design for NCARB’s multi-jurisdictional Licensing System, creating digital solutions that streamlined licensure for candidates and boards nationwide.

  • Developed a scalable, cloud-based licensing application adaptable across diverse jurisdictions.

  • Established NCARB’s formal UX research framework to inform data-driven product decisions.

  • Designed prototypes and user flows to simplify complex regulatory workflows.

  • Conducted user testing and analytics to identify pain points and optimize usability.

Senior Visual Designer, Marketing & Communications / April 2016 – January 2018

I led creative direction and visual storytelling across print, digital, and event experiences, helping unify NCARB’s visual identity and voice across channels.

  • Directed design for enterprise-wide campaigns, events, and digital communications.

  • Created NCARB’s first comprehensive brand guidelines and design libraries.

  • Mentored visual designers and production staff, strengthening design quality and cohesion.

Visual Designer, Marketing & Communications / September 2014 – April 2016

As part of NCARB’s marketing team, I crafted multimedia campaigns and digital experiences that elevated the organization’s storytelling and brand consistency.

  • Transformed NCARB by the Numbers into a data-driven infographic publication.

  • Redesigned the annual report microsite with cohesive UI and visual hierarchy.

  • Implemented new brand standards across all communications.

PBJ Marketing / pbjmarketing.com / Washington, DC

Digital Design & Brand Consultant / September 2011 – September 2015

I partnered with small businesses and nonprofits to develop brand-aligned websites, mobile apps, and campaigns that communicated with clarity and personality.

  • Designed digital experiences and brand systems for healthcare and nonprofit clients.

  • Presented creative concepts directly to stakeholders to align design vision with business goals.

The Kennedy Center / kennedy-center.org / Washington, DC 

Graphic Artist, Advertising & Design / September 2013 – September 2014

Designed national advertising and publications supporting the Kennedy Center’s touring and performance programming.

  • Produced print and digital campaigns reaching audiences of 80M+ nationwide.

  • Created event branding, signage, and program design for major cultural events.

UrgentPipeDream LLC / Washington, DC 

Digital Designer, Web & Product Design / February 2012 – June 2013

Created UX/UI design systems and pattern libraries for mobile and web products in collaboration with global development teams.

  • Designed cross-platform app interfaces and brand collateral.

  • Developed visuals for client presentations and new business pitches.

Corcoran Gallery of Art, College of Art + Design / Washington, DC

Junior Designer, Marketing & Communications / January 2010 – October 2011

Supported museum and academic design initiatives across print, digital, and environmental graphics.

  • Designed exhibition branding, marketing collateral, and wayfinding systems.

  • Maintained consistency across institutional communications and public-facing materials.

Go to my LinkedIn profile —>

Certification

General Assembly / generalassemb.ly / Washington, DC
User Experience Design 2016 / Mar 2017

Education

Corcoran College of Art + Design / Washington, DC
Bachelor of Fine Arts, Graphic Design / Dec 2010

AI Bradley Academy for the Visual Arts / York, PA
Associate of Specialized Technology, Graphic Design / Mar 2007 

UX / UI

Qualitative Research
Quantitative Research
User Observations
Empathy Interviews
Data Analysis
Data Synthesis
Journey Mapping
User Flows
Persona Building
Use Case Scenarios
Iterative Design
Prototyping
Rapid Experimentation
User Testing 
Feature Prioritization
Story Writing
Hi-Fidelity UI
Interaction Design

Visual Design

Brand Compliance
Brand Development
Data Visualization
Email Template Design
Environmental Design
Handlettering
Illustration
Image Making
Motion Design
Package Design
Page Layout
Photo Editing
Presentation Design
Printmaking
Publication Design
Typography

Tools

Adobe Creative Cloud
Basecamp
Confluence
Ethnio
Fullstory
Invision
Keynote
Miro
Office 365
PowerPoint
Procreate
Sketch
Slack
Survey Gizmo
Target Process
Trello

 

© 2013–TODAY. DREW RANSOM. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. POWERED BY SQUARESPACE.