About

I’m Esther Li-Chen (not to be confused with a lichen), a recent graduate with a B.A. in Architecture and a minor in Sustainable Design at the University of California, Berkeley.


My background in architecture has developed my technical and visual skills in order to create engaging spaces. With this education, I’ve learned how to rethink typical user experiences to develop innovative and intuitive designs.


Now, I’ve shifted my aspirations to align more with human-centered design in digital spaces. With both disciplines, I’m able to center my work around meaningful and delightful moments, but with UI/UX, it’s more focused on interfaces instead of built structures. I’ve always been drawn to how design engages people from all backgrounds, and I believe that my expertise gives me an advantage in creating more holistic, enjoyable experiences.


Whenever I’m not in the studio, you can find me trying new recipes, practicing handstands, online shopping, or snacking on sardines.

experience

U.C. Berkeley SCET | UXUI Intern

August 2023 - Current

LogicGate | Product Design Intern

June - August 2023

Equinox | Contracted Product Designer

January - June 2023

Drift | Contracted Product Designer

September 2022 - January 2023

California Community Builders | Research Intern

California Community Builders | Research

Intern

October 2022 - June 2023

education

University of California, Berkeley

Aug 2020 - May 2024

B.A. in Architecture & Minor in Sustainable Design

Contact

elichen@berkeley.edu

Want to learn more?

Good think I like to yap!

I'm (regrettably) not a playlist person, so I hold steadfast in only adding to my Liked Songs. Even if my playlists were last updated in 2020, I swear my blends are better? Let's be friends on Spotify!

Baking has been one of my passions for as long as I can remember: taking classes at Sur la Table, putting a tablespoon of baking soda instead of a teaspoon in a cake, getting a stand mixer for my 13th birthday, watching Claire Saffitz videos. This did come with the con of getting 7 cavities every dentist visit though :/

funny looking cat hehe

I really love clothing and exploring new silhouettes! My hot take is that black on black is boring and doesn't look as good as we designers think it does (sorry architects). I was a part of Berkeley Garb & am currently trying to learn more about fashion!

Right now, I'm on the hunt for resources on fashion styles and how trends develop - any recs?

I am a Beli advocate (@elichen) and I believe in writing notes for every rating.

This image is of Lucky Three Seven, a delicious Oakland Filipino restuarant - I recommend the G Fire wings!

There are two sides: great chefs or great bakers.

That being said, I still enjoy both cooking and baking, but that's just because I love trying new foods and flavors.

My goal for 2024 was to be able to pike up into a handstand, and in terms of progress, let's just say that it might be my 2025 goal too.

Working out is a big part of my life (lifting, yoga, barre, etc.) & I always love trying new things because exercise really shouldn't be as serious as everyone makes it.

Proud Neoclassicism hater!

While it was a style I was obsessed with growing up (hello columns ;)), my degree classes and studios really broadened my view on architectural history with the complexities and beauties in so many other eras and regions of the world.

This is Casa Gilardi, a beautiful home - one still lived in - by prolific & acclaimed Mexican architect Luis Barragan.

**obligatory GoPro picture which I never did again because I lost my GoPro a month later**

I swam competitively before college with my one true love being Breaststroke (I was much worse at other strokes). I still love the pool and swimming but wanted to pursue other goals in school, and I've never looked back :,).

I was a lifeguard and swim instructor for four years (or summers as we measure them), starting when I was 15! Unfortunately, this also means I know that you probably shouldn't trust that random teen at the city pool to save you if you aren't very confident in your swimming abilities.