DDDonnie D'Amato
UX Architect @ ds.house
About
Hey, I'm Donnie D'Amato, a user experience architect who finds creativity within constraints, with a background spanning design, front-end engineering, and higher education. For over a decade I've worked across the design systems practice, from token architecture and governance to the strategic frameworks that bring coherence across an organization. Now I'm bringing that same discipline to a new frontier: shaping how AI behaves with the rigor we expect from a best-in-class interface.
How I can help
If you're a designer just getting into the wild world of code, I've been in it since '99. I've been in the struggles and don't want you to go through the same. There's something magical about making your work come alive and I can help you do that. Here's where I tend to be most useful: Design-to-engineering collaboration — How to talk to engineers about your design decisions. How to think about CSS, component APIs, and implementation without losing the design intent. Going from visual tools to systems thinking — I teach designers who come from Figma-first and print backgrounds. If code and systems feel foreign, that's a gap I know how to close. Shipping side projects — Scoping, pricing, picking the right stack, actually finishing. I've launched several solo products and know what it takes to get something out the door. Career strategy — I've done IC roles, freelance, teaching, and solo products. If you're weighing your options or trying to figure out your next move, I've probably navigated something similar. Design systems — Token architecture, naming, modes, theming. If you're building or contributing to a design system and feel stuck on structure, I can help you think through it. Building a public presence — I run a blog, host a live show, and organize events. If you want to start writing, speaking, or putting your work out there, I can help you get past the blank page.