Design through curiosity
Lead through culture
I'm a designer who brings an unusual combination to the table: an engineering degree, two years as a software developer, and a deep curiosity about why people make the decisions they do. That background means I approach design challenges from multiple angles: technical feasibility, user needs, and the 'why' behind both.
That engineering background also means I speak fluent "engineer," which makes collaboration infinitely easier, and I've learned that the first solution is rarely the best one. I'm constantly asking whether we're solving the right problem, or just solving a problem the right way.
Core principles
Culture isn't an accident
Great products come from great teams, and great teams come from intentional culture-building. Whether it's starting brown bag sessions or improving documentation processes, I believe in elevating everyone around me.
Best ideas come from collision
I don't believe in lone genius design. The best work happens when diverse perspectives challenge each other. I actively build spaces for this: design reviews, knowledge sharing, inclusive documentation.
Problems over solutions
When someone brings me a solution to design, my first question is "what problem are we solving?" It's about ensuring we're building the right thing.
Snowboarding with my teammates
Outside of work
I split my time between physical challenges and exploration. You might find me at the climbing gym working through boulder problems, or exploring the Pacific Northwest—recently I've been discovering hidden spots around Seattle and am always looking for recommendations. I love the planning almost as much as the experience itself, staying open to the unexpected moments that make travel memorable.
I'm equally committed to continuous learning. I'm currently reading Atlas of the Heart and How to Listen, listening to Lenny's Podcast, and following The Super IC newsletter. The pattern across all of these? I'm fascinated by human behavior and decision-making. I strive to explore the "why" behind what people do, both in design and in life.