Nikolai Cornell
About Nikolai Cornell
Nikolai Cornell serves as the Vice President of Design at Zumper, where he has worked since 2023. With extensive experience in design roles at companies like Uber and Razorfish, he emphasizes human-centered design and the impact of design on culture.
Current Role at Zumper
Nikolai Cornell serves as the Vice President of Design at Zumper, a position he has held since 2023. He is based in Boulder, Colorado, where he leads design initiatives aimed at enhancing user experience and product engagement. His role involves overseeing design strategies that align with the company's objectives and advocating for a human-centered design approach.
Previous Experience at Uber
Before joining Zumper, Nikolai Cornell worked at Uber in various design roles from 2014 to 2021. He held positions such as Design Manager II and Associate Creative Director for Brand Experience, where he contributed to brand strategy and design execution. His tenure at Uber spanned several years and included significant responsibilities in shaping the brand's visual identity and user experience.
Design Career Background
Nikolai Cornell has a diverse background in design, having worked in various capacities across multiple organizations. His career includes roles such as Interaction Designer at Razorfish, Director of Interactive Media at George P Johnson, and Senior Creative Producer at Obscura Digital. This multidisciplinary experience has equipped him with a comprehensive understanding of both digital and physical design landscapes.
Educational Background
Nikolai Cornell studied Architecture at Virginia Tech, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from 1992 to 1997. He furthered his education at ArtCenter College of Design, obtaining a Master of Fine Arts in Media Design from 2002 to 2004. His educational background has provided a strong foundation for his design philosophy and approach.
Design Philosophy and Advocacy
Nikolai Cornell emphasizes the importance of design in fostering meaningful connections between people. He advocates for a human-centered design process that integrates brand and product, believing in the power of design to shape culture and drive change. His passion lies in creating innovative and memorable designs that resonate with users.