Welcome 🖖👽

Hi

I'm Nikolai. I build backend and platform systems, mostly by removing unnecessary complexity and automating things that shouldn't need humans. I also build tools that help people automate their own work.

This site is a home for projects I've built over the years - tools I actually use, many open-source or source-available, created to solve concrete problems. I try to stay away from trends and buzzwords but occasionally I'll explore something new if it actually solves a real issue. This blog is also a space where I can crack all the stupid jokes I want, which would otherwise not quite fit in on the vibe of other platforms. So please 🐻 with me.

I'll also write occasionally about engineering, systems, and work experiences where something went wrong (or surprisingly right the very first time).

The main problem I have is not enough waking hours to work on everything I'm interested in.

Music & Audio production

When I need a break from engineering, I sometimes work on music and audio production. What I like most is exploring ideas in the creative process and being able to hear a pattern or sound that would perfectly fill a gap in a track, then figuring out how to actually realize it.

Working Together

I'm open to consulting work, B2B partnerships, and the right full-time opportunities.

If you're a recruiter reaching out, skip the coding challenges - my projects page shows real work I've shipped. I'd rather talk shop with your technical team to see if we're a good fit. Reach out with specifics and we'll take it from there.

Live long and prosper. 🖖👽