Our Story
Third i is a boutique product design studio that works with a handful of clients at a time. That focus lets us really get to know you, your business, your goals and your vision.
Combining talents, we founded Third i
Like a lot of couples in adjacent fields, we talked shop at home all the time. We made a great team, but always behind the scenes. Eventually, we thought: what if we made our collaboration official? What kind of impact could we have? And honestly, how much fun could that be?
Leona Liskovec
Product Design & Branding
Heya, I’m Leona!
The first website I designed was in 1998 — an assignment for “New Technology in Communications,” a marketing course at Florida State University. Fixed table layouts, clipart, and lots of trial and error… but I saw how web design could blend language, visual design, and logic to tell a story. I was hooked.
Since then, I’ve spent 25+ years in marketing, working hands-on with insurance and tech startups to build websites, email campaigns, microsites, and more. My favorite work has always been the kind that brings clarity to something complex, combining strategy, branding, and user experience to solve real problems.
Over time, my roles grew more strategic. I worked closely with senior leaders to shape messaging, get buy-in, and build momentum for new ideas. Consulting came naturally after that, and I’ve helped several clients grow their brands and teams from the ground up.
But Third i Design feels special. It came from a real need to make custom product design more accessible, especially for researchers and small teams doing meaningful work. Too often, they are held back, not because the mission isn’t strong, but because teams lack the design and tech support to bring it to life. We’re trying to change that, so their work gets the modern tools, visibility, and impact it deserves.
I recently completed Sadhguru’s Inner Engineering program — a deep reset that helped me reconnect with myself, nature, and what really matters. That experience still shapes how I work: slowly, intentionally, and with heart.
Mike Liskovec
Software Engineering
Hey, I’m Mike
I’m a senior software engineer with 20 years of experience designing and building practical, high-performing applications.
I started my career as a high school teacher at a tech magnet school, helping students get their footing in software development. That early experience stuck with me—I love breaking down complex ideas and making tech approachable.
From there, I moved into oil and gas consulting, developing applications that helped companies meet regulatory standards and keep operations safe. Today, in addition to helping Leona with Third i, I’m part of the enterprise architecture team at one of the world’s largest convenience store companies. My focus is on modernizing legacy systems, designing APIs, and optimizing performance for applications that handle millions of transactions daily. I take a practical, problem-solving approach to making tech work in the real world.
Outside of work, you’ll find me on a mountain bike, hitting the trails, or—if I’m lucky—surfing somewhere warm. I’m also passionate about plant-based, whole-food cooking, and I make most of my meals from scratch, always experimenting to make healthy food taste amazing.
Why “Third i Design”?
Our name is inspired by the yogic concept of the third eye—an intelligence that extends beyond what we see. Research, science, and best practices form the foundation of everything we build, but we design for humans. That’s why we also trust experience, empathy, and a deep understanding of how people truly interact with the world.
Great design isn’t just functional; it feels right. It resonates. It connects.
Our mission
To demystify product design for business owners and research teams, empowering them to connect with their audiences through meaningful digital experiences
While working, Leona and Mike explore the country
We believe creativity thrives on new experiences: people, cultures, and nature. Many of our best ideas come to us when we’re out exploring.
