What led you into design?
I found my way into design when I started working at Globo.com—the largest media company in Latin America. I quickly realized how much I enjoyed creating digital products and how meaningful good design can be. Seeing how a thoughtful interface could make people’s lives easier sparked my passion and pushed me to dive deeper into user experience and problem-solving through design.
What does a typical day look like?
A typical day for me usually starts with a coffee and catching up on messages or updates from my team. My workday is a mix of collaboration and focus time—some hours are spent in meetings, brainstorming sessions, or design reviews with cross-functional teams.
The rest of the day is dedicated to designing, prototyping, or thinking through how to solve user problems. I also try to carve out time to connect with other designers, whether it’s through feedback sessions, mentoring, or just informal chats.
No two days are the same, but I love the balance of creativity, problem-solving, and collaboration that keeps things exciting.
What's your workstation setup?
Where do you go to get inspired?
I find inspiration everywhere—it’s not always about sitting down and looking at design work. Sometimes, it’s in the small details of everyday life, like how people interact with their surroundings or solve problems in creative ways.
Travel is a big source of inspiration for me, too. Exploring new places and seeing how different cultures approach design and functionality always opens my mind to new ideas.
I also love connecting with other designers and creatives, whether through conversations, books, or even scrolling through online platforms like Savee or Pinterest. It’s a reminder that there’s no limit to how we can approach creativity.
What product have you recently seen that made you think this is great design?
I’ve recently been inspired by some amazing projects my friends have created. Creme by Diego Zambrano is a standout—it’s such a beautifully crafted and thoughtful experience. I’m also a huge fan of Savee by Andre do Amaral, which is perfect for discovering and sharing visual inspiration.
Another incredible project is Resend by Zeh Fernandes, an elegant and functional platform solving complex challenges. And, of course, anything from Work & Co., I’m no longer there, but I remain a big admirer of the incredible work Felipe Memoria and the team continue to produce.
These projects remind me how inspiring it is to see designers push the boundaries of creativity and functionality.
What pieces of work are you most proud of?
I’m most proud of the design of my portfolio karinasirqueira.com. It’s more than just a collection of projects. It reflects my story as a designer and how I approach creativity. Designing it was an exciting challenge because I wanted it to truly represent my style, values, and how I think about design. It’s deeply personal, and seeing how others connect with it has made the experience even more rewarding.
I’m also incredibly proud of the MTA Live Subway Map project— a project I had a chance to work with Felipe Memoria at Work & co. This real-time digital map was designed to help New Yorkers navigate the city’s ever-changing transit system. It dynamically updated with live train movements, service changes, and real-time routes, making it easier for riders to plan their trips.
Working on such an essential project was both exciting and rewarding. Tackling the complexity of a vast transportation network and transforming it into an intuitive experience truly embodies why I love design—using creativity and technology to solve real-world problems and improve everyday life.
What design challenges do you face at your company?
One of the biggest design challenges at any company, including Airbnb, is creating solutions that scale while staying user-focused. With a global audience, it’s essential to design experiences that feel intuitive and inclusive for people from all backgrounds while also meeting business goals.
Collaboration can also be challenging at times—bringing together ideas from diverse teams and aligning on a shared vision isn’t always easy, but it’s what makes the end result stronger. I’ve learned that clear communication and an open mindset are key to overcoming these challenges and delivering meaningful work.
What music do you listen to while designing?
Any advice for ambitious designers?
• Stay curious and keep learning. Design is always evolving.
• Explore, experiment, and step out of your comfort zone to grow.
• Ask questions, seek feedback, and embrace opportunities to improve.
• Prioritize collaboration. Great design thrives on diverse perspectives.
• Advocate for yourself and your work. Your voice and ideas matter.
• Be confident and persevere. Those qualities will take you far.
Anything you want to promote or plug?
If I could share one thing, it’s my portfolio: karinasirqueira.com. I hope it not only showcases my work but also inspires others in the design community.
Thank you so much for this opportunity. It’s been a joy reflecting on my journey and sharing my thoughts!
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