Originally from Estonia, I’m a New York based interaction designer with a background in architecture. My career spans over 17 years in the industry building a variety of products, digital experiences, and brands, as well as simply having fun and engaging with things people love to use. For over 8 years, I served as a creative director at Fantasy Interactive, living in Stockholm, Sweden and New York City. For the past 6 years, I’ve been creating things at the Anton & Irene studio I co-founded in Brooklyn. I’ve spoken at over 50 conferences around the world. I also teach on a regular basis at Harbour Space university in Barcelona, Spain.

(fighting the fear of a blank page)

Before a new project begins, it’s usually discussed by the customer and my studio for a long time: we have to prepare the contract and approve the budget, so the whole process takes a lot of time. Then we start the research, which usually takes four or five weeks. So before I even open Photoshop, Sketch, or Figma, I already know for sure, how to start.

(having fun)

I can go on a bicycle ride—a two-hour ride usually gets me distracted enough. I also create music. I don’t feel like I’m especially good at it, but I still spend hours making music with Teenage Engineering machines. I might also read a book, go for a walk or to a grocery store. I just have to stand up, get away from the screen for 20 or 30 minutes, do other things so that my mind can work on the solution independently.

Before the pandemic, I often went to museums and galleries in NY. For me, it’s quite similar to going for a walk. I’m sure it influences my work, but I don’t really care, I would still do it regardless. I’m also eager to travel more when it’s possible.