Explore My Professional Path!

JacobJake Berendes(bear-ehnz)

Welcome! Let’s collaborate and build something great together!

Current Work

  • Refactoring a React application for a client
    • Focusing on modularity, readability, and maintainability
    • Adding global state management with Zustand
    • Creating custom hooks, services, and utilities for reusable logic
  • Developing wordpress plugins for a client
    • Task management for teams
    • Notification system for events
  • Designing a new portfolio website
    • A software engineer with a portfolio!?
    • 3 case studies 🚧🏗️🚧
    • Brutalism design - this should be fun.
  • Developing a musical instrument repair shop app

My Philosophy

I take a user-centered approach to full stack engineering and design, solving real problems by prioritizing usability, accessibility, and performance. My goal is to create seamless experiences that meet users' needs at every touchpoint, whether through front-end components or backend logic.

I focus on simplicity, reusable components, and best practices to reduce redundancy and foster innovation. My work not only serves end-users but also empowers teams to iterate and build confidently. I collaborate across teams to design systems that bring long-term value through continuous iteration based on research and user feedback.

Upskilling

I am continuously investing in myself as I grow closer to acquiring a UX Design Professional Certificate. This journey has sharpened my ability to conduct research, analyze user behavior, and apply design principles that align with real-world needs. It’s given me a deeper understanding of how design and development work hand in hand to create cohesive digital experiences.

As I advance in my career, I am always on the lookout for new tools and methodologies to incorporate into my work. Whether it’s exploring new design systems, honing my accessibility knowledge, or learning advanced frontend frameworks, I aim to stay adaptable and evolve with the ever-changing landscape of technology.

Throughout my career, I've had the pleasure of working with a diverse range of brilliant minds and innovative companies. Here are a few of the teams and clients I've collaborated with over the years: