ABOUT

Grounded in Design Thinking, Driven by Impact

From Hospitality to Human-Centered Design: A Journey of Creativity and Empathy

I’m a Product Designer with a background in hospitality, which has shaped my user-centered approach and commitment to creating inclusive, impactful designs. My career path led me to UX through an immersive design course, where I honed the skills to thrive in this dynamic field.

At the heart of my work is a belief in growth—both as a designer and as a mentor. I approach each project with curiosity, continuously learning about emerging design trends and technologies like artificial intelligence to keep my craft relevant and innovative. I also take pride in guiding new designers, fostering their growth while gaining fresh perspectives that enrich my own process.

In my day-to-day, I apply design thinking to every challenge—iterating, seeking feedback, and solving complex problems collaboratively. I thrive on simplifying intricate systems, working across disciplines, and building scalable solutions that make a tangible difference.

Let’s connect! I’d love to chat about design, collaboration, or the next big idea.

Skills & Focus Areas

The toolkit I bring to every project — blending research, systems thinking, and collaboration to design meaningful, scalable experiences.

Product Design

Crafting scalable solutions that balance business goals and user needs.

UX Research

Building empathy through structured exploration and measurable insights.

Systems & Accessibility

Designing for consistency, flexibility, and inclusion across platforms.

Collaboration & Mentorship

Designing in the open — collaborating across disciplines and lifting others along the way.

What my peers have to say.

  • "I’ve had the privilege of working with Nelson over the past two and half years, and it has been incredible to watch him grow into the designer he is today. From the moment he joined our enterprise design team, he approached every challenge with curiosity, dedication, and a willingness to learn. Over time, he has expanded his planning, research, and strategic design skills, applying the UCD process thoughtfully and consistently driving user-centered outcomes."

    JILLIAN KURZ

    Director, Product Design at Hyatt Hotels Corporation

  • "Nelson is easily one of the most rounded, inquisitive, and talented designers I've had the pleasure of working with over time. His ability to take research and craft it into something inspiring while also ensuring that the needs of the business are met is remarkable."

    GAVIN JOHNSTON

    Director of User Experience Research at Hyatt Hotels Corporation

  • "Nelson is a thoughtful and skilled product designer who genuinely cares about the end-user. He puts in the time to understand their needs and always aims to create experiences that feel intuitive and meaningful. He’s passionate about design patterns and consistency, and it shows in everything he creates. Nelson is a strong designer, a great teammate, and just a joy to be around."

    HEATHER RIDDLE

    Software Engineering Manager at Hyatt Hotels Corporation

  • "I've worked with various designers in my career and when it comes to Designer discovery, Nelson is one of the best. Whether diving into user research, exploring new tools, or brainstorming creative solutions, he leads with curiosity and innovation. His prototyping sessions are well-planned, keeping the team aligned and moving forward efficiently. Nelson’s combination of customer focus and collaborative spirit makes him an asset to any team."

    ZACH STEELE

    Product Manager at Hyatt Hotels Corporation