I build systems that support design and elevate delivery

A closer look at how I lead, collaborate, and create impact.

My philosophy

How I think, lead, and help teams move forward

I'm a design leader specializing in DesignOps and design systems—helping teams move forward with clarity, alignment, and momentum.

Portrait of Burt Crismore

How I got here

I began my career in design and gradually expanded into front-end development, which gave me a deeper understanding of how ideas move from concept to reality. Over time, I was drawn to the systems behind the work—the workflows, tools, and decisions that shape how teams operate. That shift led me to design operations, where I help teams move with more clarity and confidence.

How I approach the work

My approach centers on reducing ambiguity and making complexity manageable. Whether I'm designing an experience or leading an operational effort, I look for patterns, ask the right questions, and build frameworks that support momentum. It's not just about finishing the work—it's about making the process more thoughtful, collaborative, and effective for everyone involved.

What I aim to create

The best work happens when people feel clear, connected, and trusted. I lead by communicating openly, planning ahead, and staying adaptable when things shift. My role is often part designer, part facilitator, part problem-solver—always focused on helping teams move forward with confidence and less friction.

My principles

What guides my work and the way I show up

These principles shape how I approach challenges, support teams, and contribute to meaningful outcomes. They reflect not just what I do, but how I show up—intentionally, collaboratively, and with care.

01

Anticipate

I look ahead to identify risks, remove blockers, and prevent small problems from becoming big ones.

02

Support others

I help others do their best work by creating clarity, reducing stress, and offering thoughtful guidance.

03

Build trust

I lead with integrity, listen closely, and create a space where people feel safe to contribute and collaborate.

04

Deliver with care

I take ownership of outcomes and hold a high bar for quality, because how we work matters just as much as what we ship.

My skillset

The tools and disciplines I work across

Project & Workflow

Planning, task management, and team coordination.

Jira

Jira

Workfront

Workfront

MS 365

MS 365

Miro

Miro

Design & Prototyping

UI/UX design, visual assets, and design system tooling.

Figma

Figma

Adobe

Adobe

Zeroheight

Zeroheight

Development & Code

Front-end languages and platforms used to build digital products.

HTML

HTML

CSS

CSS

JavaScript

JavaScript

GitHub

GitHub

Documentation & Sharing

Storing, organizing, and sharing information and system knowledge.

Confluence

Confluence

Obsidian

Obsidian

Notion

Notion

Testing & Quality

Testing functionality, accessibility, and user experience.

Cypress

Cypress

BrowserStack

BrowserStack

Axe

Axe

UserZoom

UserZoom

*Don't see a tool you work with? This is a short list. I've worked with many applications and languages—and if I haven't—I'm happy to learn another.

Landscape of Cathedral Rock in Arizona

My hobbies

What keeps me grounded and curious beyond the work

When I'm not working, I spend a lot of time outdoors—usually hiking, photographing landscapes, or capturing the night sky. I'm drawn to quiet places and small details, which is probably why I find so much value in structure, observation, and working with intent. Whether I'm building a system or framing a shot, I'm always looking for clarity.

Recommendations

What it's like to work with me

Design and operations are just part of the work. Building strong relationships is what makes it successful. Here's what others have shared about working together.

  • “Burt is without exception the most skilled, detail oriented, authentic, and collaborative quality manager I've ever worked with.”

    Frank Shanley
    Staff Front-end Developer
  • “Burt is someone who will not only add to your team capacity, but will also positively impact team culture.”

    Jon Young
    Senior Director, eBusiness
  • “Burt has a work ethic based on his genuine interest that was also fueled by his passion for the organization and team.”

    Ken Abe
    Senior Web Copywriter
  • “Burt is one of those rare individuals who not only raises the bar for himself but inspires those around him to do the same.”

    Roxanne Hendricks
    Sr Staff Product Owner
  • “Burt's combination of technical insight, design sensibility, and collaborative spirit makes him a valuable asset to any team.”

    Ernest Evardone
    Staff Software Engineer
  • “He is a natural, systematic and versatile design leader who can lead design teams, design operations and design systems.”

    Robert Torres
    UX Leader & Innovator
  • “His collaborative spirit and straightforward approach consistently made him an effective colleague.”

    Seth Lilavivat
    Staff eBusiness Analyst
  • “His dedication and meticulous approach have consistently ensured that our projects meet the highest standards of quality.”

    Meenal Naik
    Associate Director, IT
  • “He managed complex tasks, worked well with stakeholders, and resolved project risks, all of which were key to the project's success.”

    John Haertjens
    Associate Director, IT
  • “His attention to detail and ability to liaison between design and development makes him an asset to any team.”

    Esther Luc
    Staff Experience Designer
  • “Burt's attention to detail and ability to stitch together project details from strategy to design to end review were remarkable.”

    Andrea Misiner
    Assoc. Director, Marketing
  • “Burt is a dependable team player with excellent communication skills and a rare ability to align cross-functional teams spanning design, development, and strategy.”

    Riccardo Caruso
    VP, Digital/eCommerce
  • “Burt set cross-functional processes in motion that elevated our entire team's performance. He is a master of his craft. Any team would be lucky to have him”

    Leyla Badillo
    Manager, Web Dev
  • “With a remarkable attention to detail and a deep understanding of process improvement, Burt consistently elevates the quality, usability, and efficiency of our work.”

    Mayur Madawar
    Sr Staff Developer
  • “Burt is also a great bridge between creative and development, with his ability to craft thoughtful, well-articulated requirements that ensure project success.”

    Eddie Valenzuela
    Staff Product Designer