Max’s profile
Here’s the part where I talk about myself in the third person:
Building resilient & accessible websites since 2007.
Designing tools & workflows that empower others to build with confidence.
Transforming complex ideas into functional and elegant products.
Mentoring colleagues and aspiring developers.
I’m a designer & developer by trade, and I fancy the title of “digital toolmaker”. I am deeply fascinated by simplifying the complexities of our world through excellent tools and visualisations that enhance the way we think and interact. Having discovered so much from the generous people that shared their craft before my, most of what I build is open-source for anyone to peruse.
Here’s the list of my professional endeavours:
The Guardian
2020-now
I work on TheGuardian.com web platform, as a Senior Software Engineer. Starting out on the Commercial Development team, I played a key role in modernising the codebase. 2022 will see me joining the Dotcom team which oversees the web platform in its entirety.
My main focus has been: modernisation JavaScript code, moving from Flow to TypeScript; optimisation of vector images (SVG); various visualisations;
In the summer of 2021, I’ve done a short interview for the Guardian’s “day in the life of an engineer”
MXDVL
2010-2020
With over 10 years of experience building for the web, I have offered services ranging from fully managed websites to transitioning away from legacy platforms. In the last 5 years, I have focussed on bringing a single source of truth to 2D and 3D visualisation.
Designed and built entire websites with news, portfolio and forms. Improved Google page speed insight by 40-60 points on average on consultancy projects, meaning all web pages load fast. This was achieved by specifying better cache rules, optimizing database requests and leveraging distributed CDNs. World location mapping and styling with Leaflet. Integrated online payment with Stripe. Developed JSON APIs in PHP to expose data to collaborators. Conducted surveys in multiple languages and combined the data into live online spreadsheets.
Allies and Morrison LLP
2018-2020
Assuming a role of building information modelling lead (BIM), I developed internal workflows and tools, oversaw data exchange with consultants and advised on technical improvements to the company website.
Built testing tools for key project metrics using Grasshopper, ranging from sustainability to unit mix. Developed solar analysis tools leading to major savings in building envelope performance. Leveraged BIM to deliver project documentation on tight deadlines and trained the team throughout, exceeding targets. Streamlined internal scheduling systems using automation & PowerQuery.
Florian Busch Architects
2016-2018
Assuming a role of technical lead, I helped define and implement data-driven design within the practice, an internal wiki and the public website.
Developed GIS analysis tools for development of a ski resort in Hokkaido. Produced pictures of an alternative 2020 Tokyo Olympic stadium, which was published in The Japan Times and ReThink Tokyo. Built complex digital generative and data-driven models. Taught scripting training sessions to fellow colleagues and improved workflow.
Oversaw the transition of the office server to a faster, more robust and easy to extend infrastructure. The new system further allowed partners to access the office server remotely via VPN, a key feature when presenting projects to oversea clients. Built custom tools that were critical in winning two major projects in Hokkaido. Both relied on making complex spatial analysis expressed as simple and rich diagrams.
Provencher_Roy
2015-2016
Operated and maintained the laser cutter. Visualisation of points cloud / 3D scans for grade-listed building refurbishments
Prior to full-time employment, I gather a Masters in Architecture from McGill University in 2015 and a Bachelors of Arts in Design at UQÀM in 2011.