About Lua

She / Her

From support and ops at Google to UX on Maps, and eventually into design systems at scale ups, I’ve worn a few hats over the years while working across multiple countries.

Before I called myself a designer

Dublin, London, Sydney · 2008-15

I started my career in customer support and product ops at DoubleClick/Google, where I saw firsthand how complexity hurts both businesses and users. It taught me how to communicate clearly, align teams, scale operations, and launch things smoothly across time zones.

Learnt about building things that are actually useful, for both people and teams.

Serving millions through UX at Google Maps

Sydney · 2016-22

While at Google, I transitioned into UX on the Google Maps team, a move that allowed me to apply creative problem-solving and use my computer science background to prototype lifelike, interactive experiences that informed product direction. I aligned frameworks across distributed teams, internationalized features, and helped millions of users through thoughtful, scalable design.

Designing Systems, Empowering Teams

Zaragoza, Sydney · 2022 to now

All these experiences led me to design systems, where structure, usability, and scale come together. I love creating systems that don’t just serve products, but empower teams to do their best work.

I care deeply about psychological safety, team cohesion, and building the kind of culture where people can thrive.

Outside of work

Based in Sydney, as a mum of one, I find balance in my weekly yoga class, riding my e-bike through the hills of this beautiful city, and playing Lego. Lots. Of. Lego.