The people who use our boards.

Who are you, and what do you do? What do you like to do outside of work?

I’m Petra, and I’ve spent the last 21 years helping build the digital world at Google. I’ve seen the internet evolve from the inside—starting with the foundational days of Search, moving into the scale of Gmail, and currently building Google Wallet APIs.

But I’ve never been “just” an engineer. I’ve always needed a creative outlet that has a physical or business-driven result. I ran a professional photography business, which taught me to see light and composition with the same precision I apply to a code review. I also built an Amazon FBA business, navigating the logistics and market dynamics of physical goods.

Lately, my obsession has shifted to the earth. I’m deep into landscape design, specifically the challenge of creating tranquil, structured outdoor spaces around my home.

There is a fascinating parallel between designing a Japanese garden and designing a high-traffic API: Both require a deep understanding of flow, constraints, and the beauty of minimalism.

What hardware do you use?

My workspace is a study in “purist productivity.” I use a white ErgoDox EZ, which stands out beautifully against my rough sawn wood desk. It’s paired with a MacBook Pro, but the real stars are the screens.

At the office, I have two large monitors that allow me to keep my documentation, code, and terminal all visible at once. At home, I go even bigger—two massive panels. I’m also a bit of a networking nerd; my home is hardwired with over 48 Cat6 plenum-rated cables for ultimate PoE setup, and I am currently designing my dream server rack.

And what software?

My digital life is lived in Chrome and a terminal shell. Because I’ve been at Google for over two decades, I almost exclusively use a proprietary toolset. Outside of that, I keep it simple—if it can’t be done in a browser or a shell, I probably don’t need it.

What’s your keyboard setup like? Do you use a custom layout or custom keycaps?

I’m a “mirrored” user: I have one ErgoDox EZ at home and another at my office desk. There’s no context-switching for my muscle memory; I want the same tactile experience regardless of where I am.

Interestingly, I don't use custom keycaps or fancy configurations. I use the stock setup with Cherry MX Brown switches. I like the tactile feedback without the distracting noise of a clicky switch.

The biggest benefit of the ErgoDox for me—aside from the ergonomics—is actually the social security. Because it’s a split keyboard with a unique form factor, it acts as a natural barrier. My child won't touch it, and my coworkers wouldn't dream of trying to type a quick message on it. It’s a “Petra-only” input device, and I love that exclusivity.

What would be your dream setup?

Honestly? I’m living it, but I’d just like to “scale” the environment. My dream setup would be a minimalist, Brutalist-inspired home office with floor-to-ceiling glass looking out over my Japanese garden.