TOP 100 MAGAZINE

Cristobal Chao

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Cristobal Chao, founder of Torii Studio, is redefining the digital product landscape by blending creativity and technical precision. A former Googler, software engineer, and UX specialist, Cristobal is passionate about building products that resonate deeply with users. “At Torii Studio, we don’t just create digital experiences; we craft products with soul,” he says.

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From Google to Boutique Brilliance

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Cristobal’s career began at Google, where he spent over six years as a front-end developer. There, he honed his expertise in scalable tools, user-friendly applications, and solid code bases. Before Google, he worked at Hattery Labs—a startup innovation lab, where he led engineering efforts until its acquisition by Google. These experiences shaped his vision for Torii Studio, which he founded in 2020 in New York.

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“For me, Torii Studio closes the circle—working with startups, scaling innovations at Google, and now using that knowledge to help businesses of all sizes achieve their goals,” Cristobal reflects.

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Crafting Products That Transform Businesses

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Torii Studio is a boutique innovation studio specializing in exceptional front-end experiences, scalable design systems, and intuitive user interfaces. Despite being a small studio, it has helped clients generate over $300 million in revenue in just a few years.

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What makes Torii unique is its commitment to delivering “the total package.” As Cristobal explains, “You can have a site that looks great on the outside, but if the code is a mess, it won’t last long. At Torii, we ensure that our websites and apps are stunning from the outside and rock solid on the inside.”

 

The studio’s expertise spans startups to Fortune 500 companies, creating solutions that combine technical excellence with creative problem-solving. Whether it’s crafting interactive user interfaces, developing scalable design systems, or integrating AI-driven tools, Torii empowers businesses to accelerate innovation and achieve remarkable results.

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Transformative Impact and Industry Recognition

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Under Cristobal’s leadership, Torii Studio has driven digital transformation for its partners, enabling startups to scale, achieve successful acquisitions, or secure funding rounds. Some of its groundbreaking tools, like Torii Style and Storiiblocks, have enhanced team efficiency by bridging the gap between design and development workflows. The studio’s commitment to excellence has earned accolades, including Top Software Development Agency and Top Creative and Design Agency by Clutch, as well as Best Innovation, Best UX, and Best UI awards from CSS.

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Passion for Transformation

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What Cristobal loves most is witnessing transformation—both for his clients and within his team. “Seeing a partner’s outdated user interface evolve into something modern and engaging is incredibly rewarding. Internally, the challenge of bringing innovative ideas to life with cutting-edge technology pushes our limits and makes us proud of the results.”

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For Cristobal Chao, Torii Studio is more than a business—it’s a way to give back. “I’ve taken all the lessons I learned at Google and beyond to help startups and mid-sized companies succeed. It’s about creating meaningful products that stand the test of time—beautiful on the outside and strong at the core.”

 

 

Cristobal Chao
Founder
Torii Studio
Website: https://torii.studio
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/crchao/
Facebook: https://www.linkedin.com/in/crchao/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/toriistudio/