Lowell is standing in front of a whiteboard with technical drawings and sketches, in a dark room with overhead lights, surrounded by electronic equipment and tools.

The Tools That Power My Work & Life

As a designer focused on wellness, sustainability, and functionality, I’m intentional about the tools I use, whether sketching, brewing coffee, or resetting after a long session.

This page includes gear I rely on daily and genuinely recommend. Some of the links below are affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission if you make a purchase at no extra cost to you.

Thanks for supporting independent design.

Design Tools

For sketching, modeling, and making things real.

Apple iPad Pro + Pencil

A tablet displaying sketches of various vape pod designs, with a white stylus resting on the tablet, on a wooden desk alongside black and white pens, a black coffee mug on a coaster, a closed laptop, and a phone.

My digital sketchbook of choice. The iPad Pro paired with the Apple Pencil gives me the precision and freedom of pen on paper—without the pile of used notebooks. It travels well, handles rough ideation and tight comps, and has become an essential part of my workflow.

Fellow Kettle

A black electric kettle with a curved handle sits on a black base on a light wooden countertop, with a blurred background of a window.

This kettle is all about control. The gooseneck spout gives you a slow, even pour, perfect for French press or pour-over. I use it daily for coffee and the quiet ritual it brings to my mornings. Temperature control is dialed I,n and design-wise, it earns its place on the counter.

Lamy, Safari fountain pen

A white and silver digital fountain pen-style stylus with a sleek design and a metallic clip on the cap.

A modern classic. The Safari is lightweight, durable, and writes with a smooth line that turns everyday notes into something more considered. I use it when I want to slow down and think—perfect for journaling, sketch notes, or signing off on something important.

A clear glass perfume bottle with a silver cap, minimalist design, with the brand name AO embossed on the side.

Memo bottle

A water bottle that fits your life. The A6 Memobottle slides into a folio, tote, or jacket pocket—no more bulky round bottles taking up space. It’s leak-proof, BPA-free, and designed with a minimalist aesthetic that complements your gear. I carry it because it’s subtle, smart, and easy to integrate into a mobile workflow.

Tul Gel Pens, Retractable

Open sketchbook on a wooden desk with color and black-and-white car design sketches, two pens resting on the book, a black mug, and a black laptop in the background.

I’ve tested every pen from luxury to disposable, and this is the one I reach for most. Smooth ink, consistent flow, and no skipping—even on cheap paper. The 12-pack is a no-brainer value if you sketch or write daily. Bonus: the gray barrel keeps things clean and minimal.

Paperage sketchbook

Black hardcover notebook with elastic band and white label reading "PAPERAGE" with colored dots, titled "blank notebook", alongside a color palette of various colored markers.

Clean lines, sturdy binding, and just enough texture on the paper to make sketching satisfying. The variety of colors makes it easy to organize by project or pick one that suits your mood. Bonus: there’s a stash pocket in the back for scraps, receipts, or that one sketch you’re not ready to toss.

OXO single serve

A coffee brewing setup on a wooden table with cups of black coffee, a cone-shaped coffee dripper, a paper filter, a coffee decanter, a moka pot, a sugar dispenser, and an orange napkin in the background.

This one’s for when you want a better cup without the hassle. The OXO single-serve is compact, no-fuss, and surprisingly consistent. Great for road trips, hotel rooms, or quick afternoons when you just need one good cup. It uses standard #2 filters and has a built-in water tank that evenly distributes your pour. Thoughtfully designed for small spaces, fast mornings, or solo brews.

Bodum French Press

A French press coffee maker with brewed coffee inside, featuring a black handle and a silver lid.

Simple, solid, and satisfying. I’ve tried the fancy setups, but I keep coming back to this. The Bodum French Press is durable, easy to clean, and makes a rich cup every time. Ideal for mornings when I want good coffee without a production.

Curvd mug

Four black ceramic coffee mugs with handles, arranged in a 2x2 grid on a white background.

Designed with purpose—literally. The Curvd mug was created for ergonomic comfort, with a subtle arc that fits naturally in the hand and a lip that delivers a clean, balanced sip. I know the designer, and the thoughtfulness behind every curve shows. It’s the mug I reach for when design matters, even in the small moments.

xBloom Coffee machine

Part ritual, part precision tool—the xBloom brews a perfect pour-over with smart tech and refined design. It’s beautifully engineered, reads RFID pods, and fits right into my creative workflow. I use it when I want quality and calm to start the day.

Hayman Coffee

This image says it all—flavor you can feel. Hayman’s Kona coffee captures notes of pineapple, peach, and citrus in every sip. Sourced from Hawaii and roasted with care, it’s a summer favorite in my studio. If you're a flavor-driven coffee lover, this is your must-try brew

Coming soon

Coming soon, we are testing a new product.