CRAIG RICHARDS
Senior .NET Engineer (Full-Stack)
Chester-le-Street, Co Durham, UK • GitHub: https://github.com/untiedshoes
### PROFILE
Senior .NET Platform Engineer with 25+ years’ experience designing, building, and optimising scalable web platforms across CMS, eCommerce, and enterprise environments.
Specialising in C#, ASP.NET Core, SQL Server, Azure, and modern web architectures, with deep expertise in Umbraco CMS and nopCommerce-based commerce platforms.
Experienced in full lifecycle system ownership — from architecture and design through to deployment, performance tuning, and long-term platform evolution.
Strong focus on building maintainable, high-performance systems that operate reliably under real-world commercial load.
### KEY STRENGTHS
- Architecture and delivery of large-scale .NET platforms (web, API, cloud)
- High-performance systems under load (150+ RPS, low-latency design)
- API-first platforms, SDK development, and third-party integrations
- Clean Architecture, SOLID, and modular system design
- Full lifecycle ownership: design → build → deploy → optimise → scale
### TECHNICAL SKILLS
Backend: C#, .NET (Framework → .NET 8/10), ASP.NET Core, Web API, EF Core
Frontend: React, Next.js, JavaScript, HTML5, CSS3, SASS
Cloud & DevOps: Azure, Docker, CI/CD (GitHub Actions), IIS
Databases: SQL Server (performance tuning, indexing, query optimisation)
Architecture: Clean Architecture, REST APIs, distributed systems, SDK design
Testing: xUnit, NUnit, Moq, TDD
Tools & Environment: Visual Studio, VS Code, CLI-based .NET tooling, Git, GitHub, Azure DevOps
Platforms: Umbraco (custom development, headless/hybrid implementations), nopCommerce (deep customisation, multi-site eCommerce architecture, performance optimisation)
AI-assisted Engineering: ChatGPT, GitHub Copilot, Claude used across the SDLC for:
- API and system design exploration
- Code generation, refactoring, and optimisation in C#/.NET
- XML documentation and method summaries
- Unit and integration test generation
- Debugging, performance analysis, and troubleshooting
- SDK and integration prototyping
All AI-generated outputs are reviewed, validated, and refined through manual engineering oversight to ensure correctness, performance, security, and alignment with architectural and production standards.
### PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
Principal .NET Consultant / Software Engineer
Untiedshoes (Independent Consultancy) • 1998 – Present
Delivering end-to-end architecture, development, and optimisation of .NET platforms across eCommerce, API ecosystems, SDKs, and enterprise applications.
Worked with multiple commercial and public-sector clients, often in long-term engagements, owning systems from initial design through to production scaling and ongoing optimisation.
#### Selected Engagements & Impact
Eureka Golf Ltd (2012 – 2026)
Led development of a custom eCommerce platform, transforming a small retail operation into a multi-million-pound online business.
- Architected ASP.NET MVC → ASP.NETCore platform tailored to retail workflows
- Delivered mobile-first UX with advanced product configuration and pricing logic
- Integrated payment processing and full order lifecycle systems
- Implemented marketing integrations (Google Analytics, Shopping, Meta platforms)
Impact:
Enabled sustained revenue growth through platform capability and optimisation. Scaled system to support increased traffic, transactions, and repeat customers
JustSport Group (2010 – 2025)
Technical lead for a multi-site eCommerce platform supporting major UK football clubs including Portsmouth F.C., Bradford City A.F.C., Leyton Orient F.C., Northampton Town F.C., Preston North End F.C., Southend United F.C., Dundee United F.C., and Coventry City F.C.
- Architected shared multi-tenant eCommerce platform (nopCommerce-based)
- Delivered custom personalisation, checkout, and logistics integrations
- Integrated Umbraco CMS using headless/hybrid architecture
Performance & Commercial Impact:
- Load tested from 0 → 1,000 concurrent users
- Achieved 150+ requests/sec with ~250ms response times
- Eliminated timeouts under peak demand (e.g. kit launches and high-traffic events)
- Supported a platform generating £12.5m+ gross revenue to date
Impact:
Supported a platform generating £12.5m+ revenue with sustained high-traffic performance and zero downtime during peak trading events.
Avec Sport Ltd (2010 – 2025)
Owned architecture and performance of a high-traffic eCommerce platform.
- Designed scalable SQL Server data models and optimised queries
- Managed Azure/IIS infrastructure and deployments
- Delivered ongoing performance and reliability improvements
### ENTERPRISE & HIGH-PROFILE DELIVERY
- British Olympic Association (London 2012) – Delivered high-availability platform under Olympic-scale traffic
- Deloitte – “Angels & Dragons” Platform – Designed and developed a workflow-driven internal platform supporting a £25m innovation programme
- NEC (Contract) – Enterprise .NET delivery within Agile CI/CD environments
- Lotus F1 Team – Time-critical launch platform aligned to Formula 1 deadlines
- Government and local authority systems (.GOV.UK, Sheffield City Council)
Engagements frequently delivered under NDA within embedded or white-label development teams.
### SDK & API ENGINEERING (OPEN SOURCE)
TadoNetApi (.NET SDK)
https://github.com/untiedshoes/TadoNetApi
- Designed production-grade SDK wrapping third-party REST API
- Implemented OAuth2 flows, resilient HTTP pipelines, and clean architecture
- Delivered full unit and integration test coverage
### EARLIER CAREER
Lead Developer / Infrastructure Engineer
Refinery Group • 2001 – 2011
Delivered full-stack web applications and digital platforms for commercial and enterprise clients, combining application development with infrastructure and deployment ownership.
- Designed and built large-scale, database-driven web applications using ASP / ASP.NET and SQL Server
- Managed Windows Server environments, deployments, and production hosting
- Translated business and UX requirements into scalable technical solutions
Selected Client Projects:
- Ryobi (Ryobi One+) – Large-scale SQL-driven brochure platform with product registration system
- AEG – High-volume product registration platform
- Padders Shoes – Database-driven commercial website
- Co-op Funeralcare – Large-scale ASP.NET platform with performance improvements
NEC Birmingham — .NET Web Developer
2013 - 2015
Delivered multiple enterprise applications as part of structured Agile development teams using C# and .NET Framework.
Worked across sprint-based delivery cycles, contributing to application development, feature implementation, and controlled release processes within a multi-team environment.
Gained significant experience working within enterprise delivery frameworks including TFS-based source control, structured CI/release pipelines, and collaborative development practices across engineering and QA teams.
Deloitte — Web Developer (Consultancy Engagement)
2007 - 2008
Delivered development work on an internal innovation platform (“Angels & Dragons”) supporting a £25m corporate initiative focused on structured idea submission, evaluation, and workflow management.
Worked within a consultancy environment delivering ASP.NET and SQL Server-based functionality, including workflow-driven application features and iterative enhancements aligned to stakeholder requirements.
This engagement provided early exposure to enterprise delivery practices, structured stakeholder management, and Agile-style iterative development within a large corporate environment.
### EDUCATION
BA (Hons) Multimedia – University of Hull (2:2)
### ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
- British Citizen – no work restrictions
- Full UK driving licence