LAX Studio Websites
Designing and building client websites in Figma and Squarespace.
Role: UX/UI Design and Content Creator Intern
Team: Dolev Drai (Founder and Creative Director), LAX co-workers, and me
Tools: Figma, Squarespace
TL;DR
At LAX Studio, I designed and built three websites: the studio’s own site and sites for two clients, Debbie Matzkin and Cognitio. I designed each one in Figma, built it in Squarespace, and refined it through client and founder feedback. I also occasionally created social media content for the studio’s marketing.
Context
LAX Studio is a boutique digital studio that takes full ownership of a small number of brands’ digital presence, across strategy, creative, media, community, and growth. Its clients span culture, hospitality, food, and health.
The problem
Each project started in a different place. Some clients didn’t have a website yet, and others wanted a new one. Either way, the site had to carry the brand’s personality, because for a boutique studio and its clients, the website is often the first impression.
My role
I owned the design and build of each site, from the first client interview to the finished Squarespace site. Dolev oversaw the projects, reviewed my work, and gave feedback, which I implemented.
Process
Each site started with a client interview to understand the brand and its goals. I then designed in Figma in stages, from early mockups to mid-fi and then high-fi, sharing each stage with the client and implementing their feedback before moving on. Once the final design was approved, I built it in Squarespace. Dolev reviewed the work along the way, and I refined each site based on his and the client’s feedback.
Key decisions
LAX Studio: Bold elements to match the brand
Problem: A creative studio’s own website is its portfolio, so a standard layout would undersell the work.
Choice: I added bold, eye-catching elements throughout the site, like full-bleed aerial imagery with oversized headlines and passport-style cards for the team page.
Why: The site needed to show LAX’s creative style, not just describe it.
LAX Studio Figma Design
Debbie Matzkin: Photo-led design
Problem: Debbie is a chef, author, speaker, and podcast host, and her personal story is her brand. The site had to introduce her and connect visitors to her podcast, speaking, and cookbook.
Choice: I built the layout around photos of Debbie, from portraits to podcast episodes, events, and book signings.
Why: When the brand is a person, seeing her speak, cook, and connect with people builds trust faster than text.
Debbie Matzkin Figma Design
Cognitio: Dark background to match the business
Problem: Cognitio is a strategic advisory firm for clients in high-stakes situations. Its site had to signal discretion, precision, and credibility.
Choice: I designed the site on a dark background with black-and-white imagery and a single orange accent.
Why: A dark, restrained palette feels serious and private, which fits a firm built on discretion. The orange accent adds focus without breaking that tone.
Cognitio Figma Design
Beyond websites
I also created social media posts and content for LAX Studio’s marketing.
Outcome
“She designed beautiful, user-centered websites in Figma and seamlessly built them in Squarespace, consistently demonstrating strong instincts for branding and layout.”
Dolev Drai, Founder, LAX Studio
Reflection
What I’d do differently: I’d do more research up front and use it to push back when a client asked for something I thought wouldn’t serve them as well. I’d also use AI tools to speed up the design and build, which I wasn’t doing yet.
What I learned: How to work directly with clients, from the first interview through rounds of feedback, and how to give each brand its own creative direction.