About Us

Driven by Design. Grounded in Results.

At UpTop, we use human-centered design to solve real business challenges and create digital experiences that truly connect. Our work blends creativity and strategy to deliver solutions that are not only intuitive and beautiful—but also drive measurable results.
For more than two decades, we’ve helped organizations streamline operations, empower their teams, and create experiences that unlock real business value. We don’t design for design’s sake—everything we create is built to move your business forward.

A Team Built for Modern Problem-Solving

We bring together a multidisciplinary team of strategists, UX researchers, designers, and developers who thrive on turning ambiguity into clarity and complexity into simplicity.

Primarily remote and nationally distributed, we collaborate seamlessly with clients across the country while remaining focused on what matters most: delivering exceptional digital products and services that transform how organizations work.

Our specialty lies in UX research, product strategy, experience design, and custom development for medium to large enterprises. Whether modernizing legacy systems, launching new digital tools, or optimizing internal workflows, we guide teams with a balance of rigor, creativity, and practical expertise.

Why We Do It

We believe in the power of thoughtful design to make life better—for users, for employees, and for organizations navigating constant change.

We’re energized by uncovering deep insights, identifying friction points, and shaping experiences that simplify processes, enhance service delivery, and drive meaningful outcomes.

Design isn’t just our craft—it's how we help businesses adapt, evolve, and thrive.
For more than two decades, we’ve helped organizations streamline operations, empower their teams, and create experiences that unlock real business value. We don’t design for design’s sake—everything we create is built to move your business forward.

A Team Built for Modern Problem-Solving

We bring together a multidisciplinary team of strategists, UX researchers, designers, and developers who thrive on turning ambiguity into clarity and complexity into simplicity.

Primarily remote and nationally distributed, we collaborate seamlessly with clients across the country while remaining focused on what matters most: delivering exceptional digital products and services that transform how organizations work.

Our specialty lies in UX research, product strategy, experience design, and custom development for medium to large enterprises. Whether modernizing legacy systems, launching new digital tools, or optimizing internal workflows, we guide teams with a balance of rigor, creativity, and practical expertise.

Why We Do It

We believe in the power of thoughtful design to make life better—for users, for employees, and for organizations navigating constant change.

We’re energized by uncovering deep insights, identifying friction points, and shaping experiences that simplify processes, enhance service delivery, and drive meaningful outcomes.

Design isn’t just our craft—it's how we help businesses adapt, evolve, and thrive.

Our Story

Founded in Seattle in 2000, UpTop has grown alongside the evolution of digital technology—adapting, scaling, and embracing new ways of creating value. Over the decades, one thing has stayed constant: our commitment to designing experiences that serve people first.

Our Story

Founded in Seattle in 2000, UpTop has grown alongside the evolution of digital technology—adapting, scaling, and embracing new ways of creating value. Over the decades, one thing has stayed constant: our commitment to designing experiences that serve people first.
Today, co-owners Craig Nishizaki (Head of Business) and Michael Woo (Head of Design) continue to shape that vision. As key contributors for more than a decade, they have been instrumental in UpTop’s culture, strategy, and long-term success—leading the company through major transformations while keeping our work grounded in both empathy and results.
Today, co-owners Craig Nishizaki (Head of Business) and Michael Woo (Head of Design) continue to shape that vision. As key contributors for more than a decade, they have been instrumental in UpTop’s culture, strategy, and long-term success—leading the company through major transformations while keeping our work grounded in both empathy and results.

How We Work

  • Flexible, Yet Principled

    We adapt to each client’s needs while staying anchored in our core values.

  • Deep Partnership

    We embed with your team, collaborate closely, and act as committed partners—not outside vendors.

  • Scalable Support

    As you grow, we scale with you—expanding capabilities and providing the right expertise at every stage.

  • Honest Guidance

    We share candid, strategic insights grounded in research and experience—even when they’re uncomfortable—because trust matters.

  • Problem-Solvers at Heart

    We thrive on complexity. The harder the challenge, the more excited we are to solve it.

(and How We Don’t)

  • We’re Not a Branding or Marketing Agency

    We focus on UX research, product design, and digital strategy—not logos, taglines, or ad campaigns.

  • No Long Research Cycles

    We keep research lean, focused, and actionable—designed to accelerate decision-making, not slow it down.

  • No Design in a Black Box

    We collaborate openly and iteratively to ensure solutions are aligned with real business needs at every step.

  • No Brochure Websites

    We build functional, user-centric digital products and systems—not static pages with no strategic purpose.

  • No Unrealistic Timelines

    We move fast, but never at the expense of quality. Intentional work drives better outcomes.

Meet Our Team

We’re headquartered in Seattle with a core in-house team, supported by a nationwide network of cross-industry experts and a trusted development partner based in Europe.
Let’s Build What’s Next. Together.
From creating innovative new products to elevating existing experiences, UpTop is ready to help you make it happen.