I design public spaces for internet communities. This starts with culture. Using ethnographic methods to uncover values, practices, forms of expression, tendencies, mindsets and everyday life, I gain an understanding of who I’m designing for.
Five principles guide me through the design process: inclusivity, accessibility, protection, endurance and value. A good public space is about togetherness; it makes it easy for people to participate and be acknowledged. Psychological and physical safety are prerequisite conditions. With the capacity to adapt and evolve, a good public space weaves itself into the urban fabric. At the same time, valuable incentives reward people for choosing to invest time, money and resources.
The result is a place where people on the internet can interact with people who are physically there. A place where live two-way interactions occur between the physical and digital. A place to cultivate, expand, and share interests. A place that supports expression and is safe. A place filled with economic opportunities. But mainly, a place to belong.
Less high brow design. More creative interventions on behalf of the public.
Blank Eutopia, Founder
Blank Eutopia is a design consultancy with a focus on creating internet driven public spaces for smart cities around the world.
Chemical X, San Francisco, CA, US, Project Designer
Conducted client discovery, designed concept, and developed material palettes, space plans, and renders for residence in Palm Beach, Florida. Designed concept for teahouse and tea ceremony event for the 2018 The Fine Ideas and Measurement Cultural and Aesthetic Exhibition in Beijing, China. Designed brand identity, logo, environmental graphics, wayfinding, and various digital and printed assets for two hotels in Brooklyn, New York and a hotel in Miami, Florida. Created artwork, illustrations, and provided art direction for various clients.
Rapt Studio, San Francisco, CA, US, Designer
Worked on architecture and interior design, conceptual development, master planning, furniture design, graphic, strategy, user experience, and construction implementation of workspace, retail, and mixed-use spaces for high profile tech companies and venture capital firms. Conceptualized, designed, and implemented pop-ups, events, and exhibitions for Milan design week, retail brands, and tech company gatherings. Lead planning, strategy, and development of user engagement research projects to aid client real estate and workplace services.
Arrowstreet, Boston, MA, US, Design Researcher
Led a 10 week research project on technology integrated responsive public spaces. Developed guidelines for designing responsive public spaces and presented insights to design teams. Interviewed industry experts in smart cities, digital design, and internet media for guidance and feedback. Created a design which integrated technology and internet interactions to test ideas and concepts researched. Investigated topics such as smart cities, urban planning, evolution of public spaces, evolution of pop culture, internet culture, AR/VR technology, haptics, and meme virality. Produced 3D models, drawings, diagrams, illustrations, and renders for presentation documents.
Populous, Boston, MA, US, Design Researcher
Worked on a 12 week research project on smart city transit, airports, and logistics. Research findings culminated into a 300 page book, was presented to Populous headquarters, and formed the framework for a smart city workshop involving Kansas City mayor Sly James. Conducted site analyses, GIS mapping, and diagrammatic studies. Engaged in qualitative fieldwork ranging from participant observation and surveys to interviews with users and stakeholders. Investigated topics such as public private partnerships, airport economics, omnichannel business, customer service algorithms, drone deliveries, transit oriented development, and alternative transit methods.
Studio Tack, Brooklyn, NY, US, Intern
Assisted in designing key spaces in lobby, cafe, and hotel rooms, custom furniture and lighting design, graphics, branding, and wayfinding, and development of material palette for a hotel in South Lake Tahoe, California. Conceptualized and led design of a retail store in Brooklyn, New York. Project had a limited budget but achieved an elevated aesthetic through clever DIY fabrication. Designed key spaces in lobby, hotel rooms, conference rooms, rooftop bar, dive bar, and various other hotel amenities for a hotel in Portland, Oregon. Produced 3D models, sketches, drawings, renderings, millwork documents, spec sheets, and presentation documents for schematic and design development submittals.
Aedas, Singapore, SG, Intern
Designed and master planned concept for mixed-use, retail, housing, hospitality, and office for a closed competition development in Jakarta, Indonesia. Prepared 3D models, drawings, diagrams, renderings, and presentation documents and won a 20 year project contract. Produced and compiled drawings, illustrations, diagrams, and renders for 48 hour BIM design competition. Coordinated with engineers and incorporated feedback into the overall design scheme and won 2nd place. Assisted in designing concepts for hospital competition in Singapore. Conducted site analysis, produced presentation materials, and coordinated with an outsourced visualization agency for project renders.
Aedas, Singapore, SG, Intern
Created a parametric script in Grasshopper to change building form while automatically updating structural components for Woodlands MRT Station in Singapore. This allowed seamless coordination and incorporation of feedback between the design team, engineering consultants, and client. Created a parametric script in Grasshopper to explore canopy designs with correct structural placement for Marina Bay MRT Station in Singapore. Rapid prototyped 3D prints for design studies. Developed parametric form generation and façade study for high-end residential condominium in Yangon, Myanmar. Assisted in developing and producing documents for various transit, infrastructure, and housing projects in schematic, design development, and construction documentation phases.
