My Ethos

As a design professional, I am dedicated to guiding clients through every stage of the design journey, transforming initial concepts into seamless design experiences. With deep expertise in both hardware and software design, I ensure constant alignment and cohesiveness throughout the process.

What truly sets me apart is my entrepreneurial spirit. Having navigated the challenges of bringing ambitious 0-to-1 projects to fruition, I'm uniquely equipped to support both startups and established enterprises. From ideation to execution, I bring not only technical proficiency, but also leadership, determination, and strategic insight to turn your vision into a thriving reality.

My approach is rooted in open communication and transparency. I strive to keep clients informed about our progress, industry trends, and scalable opportunities within the design landscape. By continuously evaluating our work against your goals, I ensure that the final outcome is a true reflection of your vision.

Whether you're a startup facing unique challenges or an established company seeking transformative solutions, I can quickly integrate with your team and hit the ground running, delivering exceptional results.

 

For a complete view on the breadth of my expertise and knowledge of technologies, materials
and processes, see my Project Technology List for programs I’ve worked on.

 

Awards

 

My Background

My journey in the world of design began with a strong foundation in graphic art, web design, and a passion for drawing. This early immersion in the creative realm nurtured my appreciation for aesthetics and instilled a keen eye for design. As I honed my skills, I discovered an aptitude for problem-solving and user experience (UX), leading me to explore user research and invent new solutions to enhance digital interactions.

Throughout my career, I've been driven by an innate curiosity to understand the interconnectedness of hardware and software components. This curiosity led me to work within various companies, where I developed a reputation for thinking laterally and introducing innovative ideas to bridge the gap between hardware and software design.

In the fast-paced world of startups, I focused on both hardware and software development, embracing a holistic approach to design. This experience sharpened my ability to communicate effectively with engineers, project managers, and business stakeholders, ensuring that design decisions aligned with the company's goals and objectives.

Working remotely with teams across multiple countries and within the gig economy, I've cultivated strong skills in managing offshore teams and fostering successful collaborations. Based in California, with a presence in San Francisco, Los Angeles, and San Diego, I've stayed at the heart of tech innovation, bringing a global perspective to my work.

My dedication to design excellence has resulted in numerous accomplishments, including the management of multi-billion-dollar portfolios and the delivery of over 100 technology-focused products to market. I've been honored with notable accolades, such as the prestigious "Best of the Best" Red Dot Award, reflecting my commitment to delivering exceptional results and pushing the boundaries of design.

Throughout my career, I've prioritized clear communication, transparency, and staying informed about industry trends to keep clients well-informed and prepared for emerging opportunities. My adaptability, technical expertise, and strategic insight make me a valuable partner for both startups and established companies seeking innovative solutions to their design challenges.

Ready to bring your vision to life with a dedicated and experienced design professional? Reach out today, and let's embark on an innovative design journey together.


ken.mak@orengadesign.com
(415) 867-3048