Imagine having the ability to effortlessly shift between worlds - one moment, deeply immersed in a creative flow, and the next solving intricate technical problems with precision. Now imagine balancing this with the calm clarity of someone who can completely empty their mind when needed, all while carrying the right tool for any situation - both in work and in life.
Well then, let me introduce you to Pawel Ludwiczak, Reframe’s very own Doctor Strange - someone who can hop between the realms of creativity and analysis, embodying a mix of adventure, mindfulness, and intellect.
Like the Marvel hero, Pawel seamlessly navigates between the overly creative (crafting innovative designs) and the overly analytical (breaking down technical challenges with surgical precision). Whether he’s deep in Figma or fixing his kids’ toys with his trusty Swiss army knife, Pawel is always prepared for whatever comes his way.
It’s no wonder that he secretly wishes he could fly, something that fits perfectly with his love of perspective. As Pawel puts it, “Flying gives you perspective you don’t really have - like playing an FPP game vs some strategy game where you can have a birds-eye view on everything,” he explains. “It’s very practical - easy to move from point A to B!”
This desire for a broader perspective, along with his ability to effortlessly shift between different viewpoints - from tackling abstract problems to switching between design and engineering - mirrors Doctor Strange’s unique gift of seeing the bigger picture with his “third-eye” view. And just as Doctor Strange can adapt to any challenge, Pawel is equally resourceful, grounded, and always ready to jump into action.
A Leap into the Unknown
This ability to shift perspectives has served Pawel well throughout his career. When he stood at a crossroads a few years ago, choosing between big corporations and Reframe, the decision was clear. On one side were offers from big tech companies with the promise of stability and resources. On the other was Reframe, a startup with a bold vision and a small team of passionate individuals.
“I always wanted to work on a startup,” Pawel tells me. “I had the pleasure of working with Chance (our Head of Product) in the past, and we’d been chatting about Reframe from time to time. He’s also been advising me with my career and helping me figure out what to do next. I had an opportunity to join some of the big corporations but I never felt like it’s a right fit for me. I always wanted to work on a startup. And luckily enough, Reframe was looking for a designer too.”
The choice, as Pawel describes it, was simple - “Join an unknown, tiny startup where I’d be able to work with folks he knew on some bold idea, be a first designer and wear multiple hats OR join a huge tech company, being one of 100s of designers, figuring out a border radius button for over a month. So, it was a simple choice after all.”
Bridging Worlds: The Designer & the Engineer
Pawel's journey started early. As a teenager, he threw himself into the world of frontend development, cultivating a skill set that sits at the intersection of design and engineering. In fact, he still loves coding and can easily “translate design language into engineering language and vice versa.” This skill allows him to “easily tell what things are possible vs not possible - or at least expensive - when it comes to development.”
This unique ability to bridge two worlds is part of what makes him an invaluable asset to Reframe. He’s not just drawing rectangles in Figma - he’s building prototypes, writing specs, testing software, recording videos, and sometimes, simply staring at the wall waiting for inspiration to strike. “I don’t think I have a ‘typical’ day,” Pawel admits. “But I guess that’s just a classic definition of Product Designer.”
He thrives on what he calls “0 → 1” projects, where he can start with a blank canvas and create something out of nothing. “I feel like we’re constantly inventing something new,” he says. “It’s not another CRM, CMS, blockchain app, or SaaS tool…it’s something very different, something quite unique, something that may shape how millions of people use computers every day.”
Turning Chaos into Clarity
In a world overwhelmed by notifications, emails, and digital noise, Pawel finds solace in simplicity and clarity. “I don’t like stress, chaos, indecisiveness. I love clarity, being calm, not worried about anything, and having a clear picture in front of me.”
This philosophy aligns perfectly with Reframe’s mission. “Despite all the harm that the internet (social media in particular) and technology can cause today, I think overall it’s all going in the right direction - and it’s to make people’s lives easier,” he says. “We love some apps and devices because they let us collaborate more easily, be creative. Technology can make things more accessible and approachable.”
Pawel hopes the future of work will “turn chaos into clarity and filter signal from noise.” It’s a vision that drives him daily as he designs solutions that aim to reduce the negativity caused by technology.
The Swiss Army Knife Mentality
Much like his Swiss army knives - which he has stashed in various places, Pawel’s resourcefulness is a lifesaver for us at Reframe. Whether it’s solving design problems or offering spontaneous help to the team, his readiness to jump into action shows his flexibility.
“I have two kids, they have some toys with batteries and there’s always a need to replace batteries for which you usually need some tool,” he laughs. “We try to spend time outdoors as often as possible. Going for walks to a forest means someone will definitely need a stick that ideally has a pointy tip and you have to sharpen that somehow!”
The Swiss army knife is more than a tool for Pawel though, it’s a symbol of his approach to life and work - resourceful, adaptable, and always prepared. “It also acts as a fidget gadget for me,” he adds. “Just opening and closing it and playing with it a little helps me focus while being on a call.
Limitless Potential
Pawel brings a seemingly contradictory balance that’s rare - serious yet light-hearted, creative yet analytical, adventurous yet calm, hungry for knowledge yet craving an empty mind. It’s all these amazing qualities that not only make him such a joy to work with, but also make him exceptional at what he does.
Despite his many talents and responsibilities, Pawel remains humble and grounded. “I’m a simple man with simple needs. And I’m not even joking here, but let me explain - this is just a job. I appreciate Reframe as a company because it lets me treat it as a job. Reframe values my work/life balance, my personal time, etc. I have a family and my priorities are pretty clear for me.”
His mornings are dedicated to his family - preparing breakfast, driving the kids to school, and enjoying a quiet cup of coffee outside if the weather allows. “Around 8 AM, it’s my time for morning coffee. And that’s when I’m ready for work.”
Pawel is the perfect example of someone who can shift effortlessly between deep focus and a relaxed state of mind. “Most of the time I’m not as creative as one would think a designer might be,” he admits. “I’m often very task-oriented, but I try not to overthink stuff or reinvent the wheel. A lot of time I’m just laser focused on something which may not be something that requires my mind to come up with tons of ideas. I like to empty my mind, don’t think too much, not be worried about anything or stressed.”
He values the importance of recharging, whether that’s through a bike ride, spending time in the great outdoors, or playing with the kids. Like a kind of moving meditation. And he doesn’t dwell too much on the distant future. “Someone once said that with every step you make, your horizon changes so don’t plan too much ahead,” he reflects. “And it resonates with me - I’m just excited about the here and now and our very short-term plans and goals.”
In a world full of chaos, Pawel brings both clarity and creativity to the Reframe team. His ability to balance deep focus with mindful detachment, all while pushing boundaries is helping shape how we design the future of work. With his limitless potential, we’re lucky to work with him as we continue to reframe what’s possible.
