Design Research Analysis & Strategic Consulting

While undertaking my dissertation fieldwork, I work part time as the lead design research analyst at Quire Consulting, a research and strategy firm in Birmingham, Alabama. At Quire, we leverage human-centered design protocols to help purpose-driven organizations amplify their social impact. In my work, I conduct in-person fieldwork; analyze and synthesize qualitative data; write reports and other deliverables; and engage closely with cross-functional teams of stakeholders and clients across project life cycles.

Sample Projects

One of the largest housing authorities in the US enlisted us to lead them through their strategic planning process ahead of their ambitious plans to redevelop all housing properties by 2035.

My role:

  • Analyze and synthesize internal organizational documents, including financial.

  • Collaborate in conducting in-person fieldwork, including in-depth interviews of staff and partners, and eight Community Engagement Conversations with public housing residents.

  • Analyze and synthesize transcripts from in-depth interviews and Community Engagement Conversations in MAXQDA.

  • Write research report and collaborate in construction of strategic plan delivered to client. Focused on implementing a proposed anchor process as keystone goal.

An Alabama progressive political coalition contracted with Quire to assess the landscape of leadership development programs in the state, region, and nation; and design the prototype of an innovative pipeline program for transformative BIPOC leaders across the state.

My role:

  • Create, disseminate, and analyze results of a survey of political, nonprofit, and grassroots leaders across state.

  • Construct landscape survey of leadership development programs nationwide.

  • Analyze and synthesize transcripts from interviews of experts in MAXQDA.

  • Design prototype of leadership development pipeline program for BIPOC leaders across state.

  • Write research report delivered to client. Focused on characteristics required for grassroots leadership development program to achieve sustainability and longevity.

A large Alabama city approached us about conducting primary and secondary research on the racial wealth gap as they prepare to apply for Bloomberg funding to build Financial Empowerment Center.

My role:

  • Collect and analyze secondary sources surrounding racial wealth gap, its history and social variables.

  • Collaborate in design of in-person fieldwork methods and approach.

  • Analyze and synthesize transcripts from in-depth interviews of key figures and Community Engagement Conversations with city residents in MAXQDA.

  • Write research report delivered to client. Focused on financial literacy skills required to accumulate wealth.