One of its most notable initiatives, Le Figma Bakery: A Workshop with a Twist, uses pastry-themed, activity-based learning to introduce participants to the software. The workshop has ran three times, improving with each iteration, and has now expanded through partnerships with nonprofits and community groups.
In New York, basketball remains a constant, now shared through a local league introduced by another Filipino. Karaoke nights filled with OPM, musical theater, museum visits, pop-ups, film screenings and long walks through parks ease the burden. When stress builds up, he turns to therapy, movement, Japanese food — his favorite, yet not the “healthiest,” he confesses — and the comfort of having something on the calendar to anticipate.
Let’s sit down with Andre and find out more about his own experiences:
On finding your identity
“When I transitioned into tech and moved to a new country, I found myself stripping a lot of personality and identity out of my job in an effort to assimilate, appear employable, and find stability in a new environment. Reconnecting with my own interests, culture, storytelling, and play has led to much stronger, more fulfilling work. And that mindset now shapes both my design practice and how I mentor others.”
On the use of artificial intelligence
“It isn’t ideal. But in terms of AI usage, I personally don’t feel like I have a choice but to adapt. Similar to how old school designers and architects were replaced by counterparts who would do CAD (computer-aided design) I could very well be replaced not by AI itself, but by other designers who use AI in their processes.”
On design inspirations
“I take inspiration from sources outside what I’m working on. If I’m designing a website, I don’t just look at other websites. I focus on digital product design now. But my background is in physical product design, and that still deeply informs how I think.
“I love places like the Transit Museum and the TWA Hotel because they blend storytelling, nostalgia, and function in ways that still feel fresh. I’ve always paid more close attention to physical, human-designed experiences like museum exhibits, retail environments, signage and transit systems. They’re built to guide people in specific ways and I find that kind of intentionality really useful when designing in the digital world.”
On the Philippine jeepneys
“Growing up in the Philippines, as a kid, jeepneys were just a means of transport: loud, busy, always full. But as I got older, I began to see how unique they are. The combination of bold hand-painted lettering, religious symbols, pop-culture references, and sometimes even faces of loved ones turns everyday transportation into a collective art form. Here in the US, I can’t see anything like it. Besides being influenced by the artistry and creativity, I also keep this in mind when modernizing product interfaces. I try to improve what exists without erasing the character, stories, or community behind it.”
On future projects
“My partner and I are both big Formula 1 fans. We love predicting podium finishes before the start of every race. I’m currently playing around with the design of a small web app which makes that experience more fun visually, interactive, and shareable. You’d be able to predict, compare them with friends in real time, and even track your accuracy throughout the F1 season.
“My most meaningful project is something that’s still in the works. Sadly, my partner and I lost our dog this past November. We are currently designing a pet memorial website since the other ones we found are paid or usually are just extra webpages tacked onto the websites of pet cremation service companies.”
