Man, do I love the web.
I really soak it in. I enter my studio in the morning with vigor like a child in a candy store. With over a decade of experience, I exhibit ultimate confidence and pride in my work. And it shows. Nearly 100% of my client base originates with referrals. I believe that’s a testament to what I bring to the table.
My recipe for designing websites is pretty simple:
- wrap every experience in an appropriate visual-environment (sensible design)
- logically map information for efficient navigation (usable interface)
- welcome any potential browsing device, internet connection and physical condition (accessible content)
Experience and recognition
I have been designing and developing on the web for over a decade. I am a seasoned veteran with extensive expertise in virtually every facet of interactive media, from design to technology. I am also one of an elite group of pioneers of the web-standards approach.
- Awards:
- One Web Standards (design/compliant interface)
- One Echo (marketing)
- Two AAN (advertising/promotion)
- Two Plastic Pilot (design)
- Speaking engagements:
- Webvisions, 2006–2008
- DevGroup NW
- Internet Professionals Northwest at OHSU
- Art Institute of Portland
- Shop/08
- Articles/papers:
- Read some of Mark’s favorites.
- Heroism:
- Catching a scorpion in his kitchen and releasing it into the desert
- Increasing his bowling average 60 pins to 194
- Attempting to raise four children (and braving the process of two adoptions)
It’s easy being green
Websites in general are a paperless method of publishing, thus they are inherently green. However, that doesn’t mean all web design studios are green by default. I am committed to environmentalism and have been for nearly my entire life. Following are some of the ways I extend environmentalism into my studio:
- I run a “virtual studio.” My team works together remotely from our homes and we only meet in-person when necessary. The result is a smaller footprint across the board: a zero-mile commute, smaller consumption of land and no additional buildings to heat/cool.
- I utilize 100% renewable energy. My studio/home participates in Portland General Electric’s renewable power program in which 85% of our power is wind generated and the remaining 15% is generated from new biomass sources.
- I am conscious of my use of physical materials. Files exchanged with clients are sent electronically rather than on CDs, information is printed only when necessary, all paper materials I use (printer paper, business cards, etc.) are printed on recycled/recyclable paper and printer cartridges are refilled.
- Virtual meetings are my method of choice. Whenever possible, meetings with clients and team members are conducted via instant messaging, telephone or web conferencing to avoid unnecessary driving.
- I work in natural light. Whenever possible I open the blinds to let the sun illuminate my studio. And when sunlight is unavailable I utilize low-watt, compact fluorescent light bulbs as an alternative.
