I have been the founding designer at four startups. Each time I was brought in early, worked directly with the founders, and helped take the product from rough concepts to something real users actually paid for. Four of those companies had successful exits.

I grew up in Chicago, which probably explains why I have no patience for vague deliverables or design that does not connect to business outcomes. I work fast, I work directly with the people making decisions, and I say what I think.

How I got here

I have spent 15+ years designing complex B2B software across life sciences, cybersecurity, legal tech, and developer tools. I have worked at companies including Microsoft, Yahoo, and Autodesk, and I have been the first designer at startups that went on to be acquired.

What I have learned is that the earliest design decisions are the hardest to undo. Getting them right from the start saves months of rework and makes everything that comes after, fundraising, hiring, scaling, easier.

That is why I work with founders early, before the design debt accumulates.

How I work with you

I work directly with the CEO, CTO, or CPO. No middlemen, no committees, no design managers between us. That is how the best work gets done.

Simple monthly retainer. No long-term commitment. No equity. We start with your most pressing design problem and build from there.

If you are an early-stage founder who is serious about design and wants a partner, not a vendor, let's talk.