About
Luciano Villalobos
Software developer with a background in Industrial Engineering, based in Perth.
I build web apps, internal tools, AI-powered products and other things that solve real problems.
I also run Igniter Studio, my independent development studio.
Perth, Western Australia ยท Master of IT, Cyber Security specialisation
Background
I like building useful things
I'm a Chilean software developer based in Perth, Australia.
My background is in Industrial Engineering, which probably explains why I naturally look at software as part of a bigger system. I like understanding how things work, where the friction is, and how they can be improved.
Most of my work today is around web applications, internal tools, SaaS, automation and AI-powered products. I have also worked with IoT and hardware-connected systems, so I enjoy projects that go beyond a normal website.
I usually work with TypeScript, React, Next.js, PostgreSQL and Supabase, but I'm not too attached to a specific stack. I care more about choosing the right tools, keeping things understandable and building something that works properly.
Through Igniter Studio, I work directly with clients from the first conversation through design, development and launch. I enjoy understanding the problem just as much as building the solution.
I'm also completing a Master of Information Technology with a Cyber Security specialisation in Perth. That has pushed me to think more deeply about architecture, authentication, data, privacy and how AI systems should be built responsibly.
Outside of client work, I tend to explore whatever catches my attention. AI, cybersecurity, IoT, hardware, 3D printing, CAD, interface design, physics, and the occasional topic that turns into a much longer rabbit hole than expected.
The logs on this site are where some of that ends up.
Approach
How I build
- Understand the problem firstCode comes after knowing what actually needs fixing.
- Keep things simpleComplexity should have a reason to exist.
- Build for real useNot just the happy-path demo.
- Think about security earlyIt is much easier than trying to add it later.
- Use AI where it makes senseNot just because it can be added.
- Keep humans involved when it mattersEspecially when software is making recommendations, interpreting uncertain information or supporting important decisions.
Stack
What I build with
- Frontend
- ReactNext.jsTypeScriptTailwind CSSFramer Motion
- Backend
- Node.jsPythonFastAPI
- Data & AI
- PostgreSQLSupabaseDrizzle ORMOpenAI APIZod
- IoT & Edge
- MQTTESP32Raspberry PiInfluxDB
- Security & Infrastructure
- DockerCloudflareOAuthJWTTLS
- Tooling
- GitGitHubVercelFigma
The stack changes depending on the project. These are just the tools I currently reach for most often.
Curiosity
Things I'm currently interested in
Links
Where to find me
Contact
Have something interesting in mind?
Tell me what you're working on.