Kodigo

Founder

People behind the work

Kodigo exists to help organizations launch ideas and improve day-to-day operations through dependable web software and thoughtful design. The studio is led by Ricardo Paes—a developer who pairs technical skills with years of hands-on experience shipping physical products and running small businesses.

Ricardo Paes, founder of Kodigo, smiling in a professional headshot wearing a dark patterned shirt.

Ricardo Paes

Founder & web developer

Based in Búzios, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

After more than two decades designing and building high-quality woodwork—from bespoke kitchens and shop fit-outs in New Zealand and Brazil to wooden surfboards and production leadership in Hawaii—Ricardo made a deliberate move into software. That path shaped a practical eye for detail, tolerance, and finish: qualities that show up in interface polish, performance, and maintainable code.

Ricardo holds formal qualifications in web development, information technology, and small-business project management from Whitecliffe and Te Wānanga o Aotearoa (New Zealand), with continued study in database design, UI/UX tooling, and modern JavaScript ecosystems. At Kodigo he focuses on React, Next.js, APIs, and data-backed features that teams can rely on—bringing the same patience for iteration that fine manufacturing demands.

Selected experience

  • Application developer at App HQ (New Plymouth), building and supporting client-facing software from 2023 onward.
  • Founder of Cork Bodyboards—sustainable bodyboards using cork, timber, and upcycled materials, sold across Australia, New Zealand, Europe, and the United States.
  • Owner of Marcenaria da Motta Paes (Rio de Janeiro), delivering bespoke residential and commercial furniture end to end.
  • Manager at Haleiwa Surfboard Company (Hawaii), overseeing production of custom doors, windows, and wooden surfboards.

Education & focused learning

  • NZQA Level 5 diploma, Web Development + Design (Whitecliffe), New Zealand.
  • NZQA Level 5 certificate, Information Technology (Whitecliffe), covering systems thinking, simple application delivery, UX, and ethical practice.
  • NZQA Level 4 certificate, Small Business & Project Management (Te Wānanga o Aotearoa).
  • Professional courses in SQL and MySQL, relational database design, Figma for UI/UX, computer networking fundamentals, and IT support practice.

Languages

Portuguese and English—comfortable collaborating with teams and clients internationally.

Connect

For professional updates, projects, and background, visit Ricardo’s LinkedIn profile.

Ricardo Paes on LinkedIn