MEET THE PERSON BEHIND THE PROCESS
Hi, I'm GRACE
I've always been driven by things that make me FEEL...
whether it’s the rhythm of a song, the beauty of a painting, or the perfect balance of design. Growing up as a dancer, I fell in love with movement and creativity early on, and that passion has only grown with time. I’m captivated by anything that stirs emotion: music, art, travel, food, storytelling—and of course, design that’s not just seen, but felt.
My friends call me the “HOST” of the group,
probably because I live for creating memorable experiences. Whether it's throwing a party or designing a brand, I naturally gravitate toward the details that make things special. I love making people feel something—whether it’s through a thoughtfully designed space, a curated playlist, or an unforgettable project.
Even though my mind is wired CREATIVELY,
I’m equally passionate about the business side of things. I see creativity and strategy as two sides of the same coin, and I believe the best designs are ones that not only look great but also work toward a bigger purpose. I’m always learning—whether it’s a new skill, a fresh perspective, or a life lesson. My experiences, just as much as my education, shape my design decisions.
At the end of the day, I’m here to create—whether it's a visual story, an experience, or a solution—focused on crafting work that stands the test of time.
When I'm not Designing...
When I’m not deep in a design project, you can probably find me outdoors soaking up everything northern Michigan has to offer. Living near Traverse City means endless summer days on the lake—wakesurfing, hiking through the woods, or hitting the golf course. I’m all about spending as much time on the water as possible, and when winter rolls in, you’ll find me snowboarding down the slopes.
I also love a cozy night in with a good book or trying out a new recipe. Yoga helps me find balance, and I’m not ashamed to admit my guilty pleasure: binge-watching some good reality TV when I need to unplug.
DESIGNING THROUGH EXPLORATION
DESIGNING THROUGH EXPLORATION
Travel is more than a passion; embracing new places inspires my creative thinking process and broadens my perspective on human-centered design
Travel is more than a passion; embracing new places inspires my creative thinking process and broadens my perspective on human-centered design
EDUCATION
I’ve always valued education as the foundation that has shaped my skills and approach to design. While my formal education provided the essential tools and knowledge, I believe being a lifelong learner is just as important. My continued curiosity and openness to new experiences allow me to blend what I’ve learned in the classroom with the valuable lessons life has taught me, creating work that’s both thoughtful and impactful.
I graduated from Michigan State University with a BA in Experience Architecture (UX Design) and a minor in Graphic Design. My degree gave me a deep understanding of the core values and practices behind user experience design. From design principles and user research to accessibility standards and ethical design practices, my education equipped me with the knowledge to create thoughtful, user-centered solutions. Through hands-on projects and a focus on real-world applications, I developed the ability to design experiences that are not only visually engaging but also functional, inclusive, and impactful.
While completing my degree at Michigan State University, I pursued a 200+ hour Google UX Design Certification through Coursera, driven by my passion to dive even deeper into UX design outside the classroom. This course allowed me to expand my knowledge and further refine my skills in areas such as user research, wireframing, prototyping, and usability testing. It also emphasized creating accessible, responsive, and user-centered designs. This certification reinforced my dedication to mastering the nuances of UX design and equipped me with practical, hands-on experience that I continue to apply to my work.
During my time in Lisbon, Portugal, I completed the iXperience Management Consulting Course, driven by my passion for understanding business and its vital role in design. I believe that creating impactful design solutions requires more than just creativity—you must also understand business goals and be able to communicate effectively with cross-functional teams. This course expanded my knowledge of how business strategy and design can work together to improve performance and deliver meaningful results.
Immersing myself in a different culture also broadened my perspective, allowing me to view design through a global lens. This experience taught me the importance of cultural context in design, deepening my ability to create solutions that resonate with diverse audiences around the world.