Meet Joren Engbers | Senior Product Designer in tech

We had the good fortune of connecting with Joren Engbers and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Joren, can you tell us more about your background and the role it’s played in shaping who you are today?
My name is Joren, and I’m a 29-year-old creative based in Amsterdam. Although Amsterdam is where I currently live, my heart has always been drawn to California—especially Los Angeles. My fascination with LA started when I was young. I wasn’t the smartest or most social kid in school and faced health challenges that made it hard to keep up. I often felt out of place, struggling to understand why we were taught things I had no interest in, like French in high school. I was searching for something that made sense to me, something I could be passionate about.

That search ended when I discovered my love for design and technology. Looking back, that love had always been there. I used to draw graphical interfaces on paper and could spend hours playing with the buttons on my grandparents’ washing machine. But the real turning point came when I got my first iPod Touch. As a high school student who couldn’t afford an iPhone, that device became my gateway to a world of creativity and exploration. I spent countless hours searching for open Wi-Fi connections to stay connected and diving deeper into the possibilities of design and technology.

For the first time, school started to make sense. Mathematics became useful as I experimented with programming, and learning languages opened doors to incredible opportunities abroad. I felt motivated, driven to prove to myself and my parents that I could excel in something I was passionate about. I poured my energy into learning programming, sketching out ideas, and developing concepts for both digital and physical products.

This passion led me to study Media & Interaction Design in college, which I completed in just two years before moving on to a bachelor’s degree in Art & Technology. During this time, I interned at a mobile app agency, where I became the lead designer. That experience sparked my interest in startup culture—the idea that your creations could impact the world if you put in the hard work and passion.

In the Netherlands, there’s a saying: “Doe maar normaal, dan ben je al gek genoeg,” which means, “Act normal; that’s already crazy enough.” I’ve never agreed with that. To stand out and do what you truly love, you have to let go of fear, embrace risk, and go all in. Moving to Amsterdam, leaving behind my family and friends, was one of the first steps toward that.

A few years ago, I made my first trip to the US. I wanted to understand what drives people to be so passionate and focused on chasing their dreams. I spent time in LA and took a road trip to Silicon Valley, visiting places like Apple Park and Google. What struck me wasn’t just the work ethic but the sense of community—a collective drive to create impact and leave something meaningful behind. It’s about teamwork, finding like-minded people, and building something bigger than yourself. That’s something I’ve struggled to find in the Netherlands; at times, it feels too small for me.

The experience solidified my desire to move to California. Yes, the weather plays a role—I’ve had enough of the endless rain in the Netherlands—but it’s more than that. It’s about being part of a culture that celebrates creativity and ambition. Since that trip, I’ve optimized my portfolio and started actively looking for opportunities abroad. It hasn’t been easy; standing out among US candidates is challenging. But I believe in showing, not just telling. That’s why I’m building an interactive and visual portfolio that truly represents me as a creative.

I’m also working on my own projects with the goal of starting a business alongside my day job. It’s a lot of work, but it’s incredibly fulfilling. For me, it all comes back to providing value and building something meaningful as a creative. I’m not where I want to be yet, but I’m on my way—and I’m loving the journey.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
As a designer I’m driven to spark connection between people and technology through intuitive, delightful products that leave a lasting impact.

One of the projects I’m most proud of is Calmi (https://www.joren.design/calmi), a unique combination of a physical product and its companion app. It wasn’t just about creating something functional; it was about designing an experience that helps people find calm and focus in their lives. This project represents everything I value in my work—connecting technology, design, and human emotion in a seamless way.

What sets me apart is my passion for seamlessly integrating the physical and digital worlds, creating experiences that feel personal and impactful. I thrive on blending aesthetics with functionality, designing solutions that not only look great but also enrich people’s lives.

If there’s one thing I’d want the world to know about me and my story, it’s that creativity is about more than making something visually appealing. It’s about solving problems, evoking emotions, and leaving a lasting impact. Calmi embodies that philosophy, and I strive to bring the same level of thoughtfulness to every project I take on. I pushed myself with Calmi by taking on every aspect of its creation—designing everything from the initial concept to the development, including the exterior design and electronics. I think it shows that you can do everything if you really want to. You don’t have to be worlds best developer or designer. A great idea can take you far, and a proof of concept can open doors to new connections, enabling collaboration to create an even better version of your idea.

One of the biggest clichés that truly helped me overcome challenges is “Never give up”. Yes, you will fail, yes, it can be hard to learn something new. But it can also be incredibly rewarding once you get there. Never give up and dare to ask for help.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
During my last trip to LA in September, I spent most of my time downtown, which was a first for me. While downtown can feel gritty in some ways, it also has a unique charm. The architecture is stunning, with an incredible variety of buildings that tell so many stories. I had an amazing time just strolling through the streets, taking it all in. I stopped for a bite at Grand Central Market, which is always a highlight, offering so many delicious options to choose from. In the evening, I unwound in a jacuzzi overlooking the city—a breathtaking experience that I’d recommend to anyone.

If I were showing friends around, I’d definitely take them to a local farmers market to soak in the vibrant atmosphere or on one of LA’s iconic hikes, like Runyon Canyon, for incredible views of the city.

For a change of pace, I’d take my friends or family on a trip to Pasadena. It’s the perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of LA, offering a more laid-back vibe. There’s no shortage of great coffee spots or charming eateries. One standout is UOVO, an incredible Italian restaurant a friend introduced me to. Their fresh pasta is prepared right in front of you, making the experience both delicious and unforgettable.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
When I think about who deserves recognition in my story, a few key influences come to mind. First, I have to credit the band Coldplay. Their music has been a constant companion through all stages of my life—helping me navigate sadness, celebrate joy, and ultimately find inner strength. Their inclusivity and messages of acceptance played a big role in my journey of self-discovery and self-acceptance, even giving me the courage to come out. Through their music, I felt seen, respected, and understood.

I also owe so much to my parents, who have always been there for me. Their emotional support and encouragement have been invaluable, especially in moments of doubt and insecurity. They’ve been my rock, helping me believe in myself and my dreams.

Finally, I want to recognize a teacher who gave me advice that has stuck with me ever since. After one of my pitches, she told me to always follow my heart and do what I believe is right. That simple yet profound piece of wisdom has guided me through countless decisions and challenges. For their support and belief in me, I’ll always be grateful.

Website: https://www.joren.design/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jorenengbers/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jorenengbers/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jorenengbers/

Image Credits
All rights belong to me.