Project Brave Heart
Stanford School of Medicine research study exploring virtual reality preparation and relaxation therapy for children.
Hello, my name is Rigel and the future is important to me.
Palo Alto, CA
Work Timeline
2022-2025
8th Wall AI
Designed Asset Lab, a GenAI asset engine for images, 3D models, and animated characters, plus 8th Wall Agent, a VS Code extension and MCP server that writes code and edits projects through natural language.
Into the Scaniverse
Supported design and development of the VR version of Scaniverse. Explore splats around the world and view your own Scaniverse splats in VR by linking the smartphone app. Launched as both a native Meta Quest app and WebXR site. Built entirely in Niantic Studio.
Scaniverse
Redesigned Scaniverse for gaussian splats and crowdsourced geospatial mapping. Surpassed internal objectives while maintaining a 4.8/5 App Store rating (10K+ reviews).
Niantic Studio
Designed and launched Niantic's first game engine with end-to-end product vision, UX, and UI. Awarded Best Developer Tool at AWE USA 2024 and 2025.
Niantic AR Ads
Designed AR campaigns for brands like McDonald's, Ito En, and more, delivered through Pokemon GO and Monster Hunter Now. Developed creative guidelines for third-party teams to satisfy IP owner requirements while driving 100M+ impressions and multimillion dollar revenue.
2018-2022
Cloud Editor
Shipped the browser-based IDE with live device preview, built-in versioning, and a template library so distributed teams could build WebAR faster.
8th Wall Web
Led 8th Wall’s strategic early pivot to WebAR, shaping product direction and market positioning. Designed Cloud Editor, AR feature set, 100+ sample projects, tutorials, and developer tooling that defined the platform. 60+ 8th Wall customer projects nominated for AWE Awards.
8th Wall XR for Unity
Designed the 8th Wall XR Remote for our Unity SDK that brought 8th Wall's SLAM and camera stack to native apps.
2016-2017
VR/AR Solutions Architect
Banjo
Designed and developed VR/AR experiences for enterprise clients.
Justice League VR
Mixed Reality capture support for the official Justice League VR experience. Used at the London World Premiere where cast members played it.
Starfox AR
VR Austin Jam 2017 project using iPhone X TrueDepth Camera to track face and control Andross in a boss battle.
PLNAR
ARKit app to measure spaces accurately. 103k+ users in first 3 weeks, featured on App Store, ranked #30 in Utilities. Featured in The New York Times, VR Scout, Popular Mechanics, and more.
Client: SmartPicture
Salesforce Trailhead
VR log flume ride experience for Salesforce's Trailhead conference. Developed gameplay mechanics, physics, optimized performance, and created a scoring system.
Client: Salesforce
OSHA Lock-Out Tag-Out VR
Learn the "Lock Out Tag Out" OSHA Safety Procedure from inside a Tunnel Boring Machine.
Client: Banjo
Banjo Pong
An agency portfolio wrapped inside a Room-Scale playground.
MRI Buddy
Preparing children for an MRI Exam using interactive VR.
Second Bar & Kitchen
Architectural visualization for Second Bar & Kitchen's Domain location.
2015-2016
Lead Instructor, Creative Technology Lab
Taught 3D printing, prototyping, and CAD while moonlighting as a freelance VR developer.
Orc Yourself
Branded Kinect installation where users assume the role of an Orc, customize their character, and take a photo.
HTC Vive Wall Mount
Minimalist wall mount for HTC Vive. Headset rests on edges, easy to remove, lenses face down for sun protection.
Vive Lighthouse Barndoor
Solution for multiple lighthouse systems in the same space. Snap-on barndoors act as virtual walls.
BMMCC 360 Mount
360 camera mount designed for the Blackmagic Micro Cinema Camera.
PoGo Battery Carriage
Battery mount for iPhone designed during Pokemon Go's peak. Extended playtime for hours. Used at conferences and music festivals.
2014-2015
VR Developer
Freelance
Independent VR development and prototyping.
Mike Gamma: VR Bounty Hunter
Lighthearted VR romp in the style of classic point and click adventure games. First game developed using the Leap Motion Android SDK.
Han Solo Raspberry Pi Case
Han Solo in Carbonite case for Raspberry Pi 2/B+. Sold on Etsy store.
ProtostarVR Headset
Mobile VR HMD with pupil tracking using prism array, infrared illuminators, and smartphone camera. Press-fit phone cartridge system.
2013-2014
Cinematographer
Cinematography and color correction for short films, music videos, and commercials.
Intersection Short Film
Director of Photography on a short film with a successful crowdfunding campaign. Senior thesis film in cinematography.
Pervert Short Film
Colorist on award-winning short film. Official Selection at multiple festivals including New Orleans Film Festival and deadCENTER.
Cinematic Reel
Director of Photography Demo Reel - 2013
2011-2015