Chris Satchell Front-End Developer
Jumping Right In…
I am a front-end developer with a keen eye for design detail. I work at the intersection of design and code, with experience in design systems, component and template libraries, and tools such as Figma. I adapt readily to existing workflows, using frameworks such as Bootstrap, Foundation, and Tailwind, version control with Git and Gitflow, and project management tools such as Asana and Jira.
I build accessible websites and conduct accessibility audits and remediation against WCAG 2.2 Level AA criteria. My approach includes semantic HTML, meaningful landmarks, and appropriate use of ARIA to support navigation and interaction with assistive technologies.
My primary focus is front-end development with HTML, JSX, CSS, SCSS, Less, JavaScript, and TypeScript. I also have extensive experience working with LAMP stack back ends and content management systems.
Design Thinking, Development Driven.
I am a front-end developer who is not afraid to get my hands dirty with design work using Figma and Adobe XD. My versatility allows me to work in both development and design. My ability to work in both the design and technical worlds continues to make me a valuable asset.
Inclusiveness and Empathy.
For a brief time I was a nurse. Understanding the needs of individuals takes patience and time. This approach can be directly applied to the digital interfaces and tools we create. The web is built for everyone, and removing accessibility barriers is essential to ensuring everyone can participate.
AI Pilot, Not a Passenger.
I naturally gravitate toward AI tools and emerging technologies, actively exploring practical ways to automate workflows, improve efficiency, and create stronger digital experiences through AI-assisted problem solving. Currently, my go-to agents are Codex, Claude, and Copilot.
Agency Experience
across North America.
I have worked for small businesses, recognizable brand names, and everything in between, both in-office and remotely.
Freelance Web Developer
December 2024 – Present
Burlington, Ontario
Developing user interfaces and ensuring they are accessible are my strengths and are at the core of what I do. I will get my hands dirty in designs and jump into complex full-stack environments. When appropriate, I try to keep front-end code as “vanilla” as possible by using fewer dependencies and streamlining build setups.
- I design and lead the implementation of reusable user interface components for internal design systems, tools, and themes, with a strict focus on brand consistency. I prefer a dependency-free approach using Web Components, and I integrate quickly into existing workflows.
- As a reliable collaborator, I work directly with design and marketing teams to deliver high-visibility campaigns. I also serve as a resource for configuring and maintaining accurate and dependable metrics through platforms such as Google Tag Manager.
- Collaborative design tools, like Figma, are where I collaborate with design teams, conduct design reviews, and audit for potential accessibility issues prior to development and future handoffs. I have experience with alternatives such as Sketch, Adobe XD, and good old Photoshop.
- When working with WordPress, I develop custom themes using Advanced Custom Fields and Gutenberg content blocks to enhance the editorial experience for clients and content modeling for developers.
- If I am going down the headless CMS path using the WordPress REST API, then I typically use the meta-framework Eleventy and Cloudflare Workers for serverless functions.
- I manage Git and GitFlow version control workflows with GitHub and Bitbucket.
- I support project management efforts using tools such as Asana, Linear, and Jira for sprint planning, task tracking, and cross-team coordination.
Front-End Developer at Nvision
October 2016 – November 2024
Toronto and Burlington, Ontario
Working alongside our digital marketing and design teams, I built and maintained bespoke WordPress sites with a focus on custom theme development, design reviews, user interface development, user experience quality control, and accessibility compliance.
I also supported broader marketing initiatives by creating HTML banners in Google Web Designer, developing email templates for Mailchimp B2B campaigns, and building custom landing pages and e-commerce storefronts in Shopify and Webflow. My contributions spanned both creative and technical areas, including design systems and development workflows, with a consistent emphasis on clear communication with management, colleagues, and clients.
- Delivered consistent custom WordPress theme development using Advanced Custom Fields Flexible Layouts, Gutenberg content blocks, and Yoast SEO to improve user engagement, analytics, and search performance.
- Created custom editorial tools and content models with Advanced Custom Fields, and built CRM-integrated forms using Gravity Forms.
- Developed custom WooCommerce storefronts designed for low-friction e-commerce experiences that supported and increased conversions.
- Maintained and troubleshot caching, databases, and back-end operations using WP Engine and Pantheon, with occasional use of Cloudflare caching and Workers as needed.
- Co-led the cross-departmental accessibility committee and conducted accessibility audits and remediation to meet WCAG requirements through a hybrid manual and automated testing workflow using Deque Axe Pro.
- Planned and developed micro-interactions and complex animations using the GreenSock Animation Platform (GSAP), CSS transitions, and keyframe animations.
- Designed and implemented reusable user interface components using scoped CSS and JavaScript modules, integrating them into existing or new design systems for scalable, composable front-end workflows.
- Worked with styling frameworks (Sass, Less), component libraries (Bootstrap, Foundation), and icon systems (Font Awesome, Material Design).
- Extended Webflow and Squarespace with custom code to enhance functionality, improve accessibility, and reinforce brand consistency.
- Utilized Figma, Sketch, and Adobe XD for design collaboration, prototyping, user interface evaluation, and accessibility reviews.
- Managed Git version control workflows using GitFlow across platforms such as GitHub and Bitbucket.
- Supported project management efforts using tools such as Asana for sprint planning and cross-team coordination.
Freelance UI/UX Developer
June 2013 – August 2016
Toronto, Ontario
As a consultant, I built and maintained responsive websites and the presentation layer of web applications, while also helping manage and coordinate marketing assets. My work consistently emphasized user experience, performance, and accessibility. I partnered with agencies, product teams, marketing teams, and direct clients to deliver well-crafted, organized, user-centred digital products.
Notable digital agencies and client projects:
- 52 Pick-up (Toronto) – Custom WordPress themes and responsive email development for real-estate and condo developers including Delpark Homes and EnerQuality.
- Redphone (Calgary) – Ongoing WordPress updates, maintenance, performance optimization and marketing email development for clients such as Conroy Ross Partners, Capital Now and Community Works Canada.
- Globacore Interactive Technologies (Toronto) – Multi-touch, web-based applications using the Chrome Apps API for clients including Purina, Volkswagen and Twinrex.
- Sajak & Farki (Calgary) – Responsive website and email assets for Burt’s Bees and Clorox B2C campaigns.
- Juniper Park \ TBWA (Toronto) – Front-end development and prototyping for Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) and Visa campaigns.
- Cada + Associates (Michigan) – CSS and JavaScript animations, UI components and layouts for Qtego’s online auction platform, including event landing pages for Make-A-Wish Foundation.
Front-End Developer at Teehan + Lax
October 2010 – May 2011
Toronto, Ontario
Supported a major telecommunications client as part of a multidisciplinary team. Built and maintained responsive, user-focused websites and client-side applications using HTML, CSS, and JavaScript. Collaborated closely with designers to translate UI/UX decisions into performant, accessible interfaces.
Campaign contributions included Virgin Mobile Canada (Virgin Plus), Bell Canada, Corcoran Real Estate and the TweetMag app.