About Me

I've spent the past 18+ years helping teams turn complex problems into products people love to use. My career has taken me from print design to web, to product design, and eventually into design leadership. Along the way, I've had the opportunity to build and mentor incredible teams while partnering with Product, Engineering, and executive leaders to shape strategy and bring ambitious ideas to life.

What I enjoy most isn't just designing great experiences—it's creating the environment where great products happen. The best work comes from smart, curious people who challenge one another, communicate openly, and aren't afraid to tackle messy problems together.

Outside of my day job, I'm also a co-owner of The Hall Bar & Billiards in San Francisco. Running a hospitality business has completely changed how I think about product design. Experiencing the daily realities of staffing, operations, guest experience, and technology firsthand has reinforced my belief that the best products don't simply add features—they reduce complexity, build trust, and make people's jobs easier.

When I'm not designing or running the business, you'll probably find me at a pool table. I've been playing league pool for years, compete in tournaments (including annual trips to Las Vegas), and still love the endless challenge of learning a game that always has something new to teach me.

If you'd like to connect, I'd love to hear from you. Feel free to reach out at yukodesigns@gmail.com.