About
Hi, I'm Ben, a hands-on product design leader turning ideas into valuable experiences through teamwork. I care about shipping quality work and creating cultures that thrive, helping businesses innovate, monetize, and grow.
With 15+ years of experience, I’ve partnered with top brands like Nike, American Express, and Vogue. I’ve coached design teams at Zola and Gilt and co-founded a successful digital archives startup, Enwoven.
As a curious empathizer and proud parent, my superpower is bridging gaps. My expertise lies at the intersection of design, technology, and psychology, fueled by a passion for people and beauty. I'm based in sunny Oakland, CA. ☀️
Experience
2023 – Present
Self-Employed
Designer / Advisor
Helping small teams and founders elevate their user experiences and strategy
Focus on customer happiness and growth for fintech, commerce-enabling, and green-tech businesses
2021 – 2023
Sr. Product Design Director / Mobile Lead
Scaled a two-sided wedding marketplace, driving 3.5x inquiries and 4.25x sales
Partnered with PM, Engineering, and Data peers to deliver high-quality products
Doubled the PD team, mentored reports, and built a vibrant culture of creativity
Enhanced Zola’s ecosystem, including its design system, a rebrand, and processes
2015 – 2021
Design Co-Founder
Bootstrapped a digital archives platform from concept to profitability ($1M+ ARR)
Raised seed capital from The New York Times and pivoted from B2C to B2B
Built and led a 12-person cross-functional team, driving product-market fit
2012 – 2015
Principal Designer
Led end-to-end product design for a shopping toolkit on web and mobile
Managed cross-disciplinary collaboration between design and engineering teams
2012
UX Designer
Led the redesign for Audiusa.com
2011 – 2012
Sr. UX Architect
Redesigned cart and checkout to increase conversion and enable global shipping
Optimized the product listing page with filters, badges, and favorites
2009 – 2011
Interaction Designer
Designed and delivered solutions for American Express, Nike, and Vogue
Education
2009
New York University, Tisch
M.P.S. Interactive Telecommunications (ITP)
2004
Tufts University
B.A. American Studies and Studio Art