Who is Lily Talah?

Lily comes from Monet’s Waterlilies—reflecting a lifelong devotion to craft and shaping the world through my own lens.

Talah means Golden in Farsi. This name was given to me in honor of my father’s Persian heritage. It grounds me in my heritage and serves as my commitment to cultural connection and inclusive design.

Lily Talah is an empathetic designer who centers craft around human emotion. I don’t just design what I think works, I listen to the people I create for, and I let their stories direct my output. My favorite projects are ones where I get to discover how to ease stressful experiences through delightful design— like managing orders at a busy restaurant, or navigating a new city for an international event.

I found passion in studying Service Design at the Savannah College of Art & Design, where I bounced between campuses in Atlanta and Savannah, GA. These two campus immersions served as their own case studies on cultivating community in diverse spaces, an extension of my experience living across 7 cities in 5 states…and I can’t wait to see where I go next!

Lily Moghanaki lying on a picnic blanket in a park, smiling, with trees and a picnic basket nearby.

Professional Experience

    • Public Speaking for executive audience and led efforts for presentation design.

    • Collaborated across User Experience, Product Management, and Operations teams.

    • Self-directed Service Design research resulting in development of (2) Service Blueprints, (4) Journey Maps for In-Store and Drive-Thru ordering experience for national QSR chain.

    • Conducted On Site Research through Indirect and Direct Observation of Guest Experience, Employee Immersion where I worked as a restaurant employee at 3 different Restaurant Brands, and Primary Interviews with 6 restaurant team members from various roles.

    • Produced social media marketing visuals for boutique Beverly Hills law firm.

    • Consulted with top attorneys to design comprehensive visuals—graphics, timelines, charts—for trial purposes.

    • Provided comprehensive administrative support to the CEO, managing multiple calendars, appointments, and logistics across both business and personal matters.

    • Coordinated procurement and sourcing of materials for in-house furniture design, supporting creative and operational needs with efficiency and follow-through.

    • Led setup of company’s e-commerce platform, managing product listings, catalog databases, and backend organization to ensure a seamless customer experience.

    • Acted as a central point of contact for clients, contractors, and third-party partners, delivering timely and professional communication across multi-channel meetings.

    • Provided administrative support to a fast-paced office, managing high volumes of paperwork, case files, and confidential records with accuracy and discretion.

    • Supported a diverse client base, ensuring culturally sensitive service and maintaining professionalism with individuals from a wide range of backgrounds.

    • Coordinated scheduling, maintained up-to-date case documentation, and tracked critical deadlines, contributing to the efficient operation of daily workflows.

    • Demonstrated exceptional attention to detail and multitasking abilities while managing shifting priorities and supporting case managers.

Academic Experience

    • Co-led the redesign strategy of Downtown Atlanta’s wayfinding and information services in preparation for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, in collaboration with ADID and Discover Atlanta.

    • Spearheaded stakeholder and ecosystem mapping, holistic service blueprinting, and long-term implementation strategy aligned with city growth initiatives.

    • Designed and CAD-modeled a new information booth to enhance Downtown Ambassador visibility, comfort, and visitor support.

    • Presented final design and strategic roadmap to an audience of public sector stakeholders, tourism leaders, and SCAD collaborators.

    • Led service design and experience strategy for a cross-disciplinary initiative focused on expanding access to fresh, affordable food in underserved areas of Downtown Atlanta.

    • Conducted on-ground research and co-facilitated community workshops to develop opportunity areas and a holistic service ecosystem.

    • Designed personas, journey maps, and service blueprints, integrating a vocational skills program to support local workforce development.

    • Invited to speak at the Mayor’s State of the City Address 2025, showcasing the project’s impact on equitable urban access and community empowerment.

    • Collaborated with Research and Visualization teams to support the development of a comprehensive service blueprint for BMW Group’s innovation initiative.

    • Ensured clarity and alignment in visual and verbal communication across multidisciplinary deliverables tailored to a corporate client audience.

    • Contributed to stakeholder presentation materials, translating research insights into actionable service design strategies.

    • Opened and closed the final presentation to BMW stakeholders, contributing to a compelling narrative that framed the project’s impact and strategic value.

    • Conducted a quarter-long research study on the impact of rising temperatures on Atlanta Parks & Recreation workers, with a focus on uniform redesign for safety and comfort.

    • Led field research efforts including interviews, ride-alongs, and cultural probe kits to gather firsthand insights from outdoor workers in the South East District.

    • Designed and facilitated an interactive sensory workshop and presented findings to Parks & Rec staff, the department chair, and SCAD leadership.

    • Delivered a research-backed framework and initial uniform concepts, which were passed on to SCAD Fashion students for continued development and prototyping in Phase Two.

Hospitality Experience

    • Handling transactions efficiently and accurately while creating a welcoming environment.

    • Supporting front-of-house operations including order coordination, product stocking, and opening/closing procedures

    • Demonstrating adaptability and problem-solving under pressure, and during peak hours.

    • Managing multiple tables in a high-energy, high-volume setting while maintaining poise and attention to detail.

    • Educating guests on traditional Korean BBQ offerings, cooking methods, and pairings to enhance their culinary experience

    • Delivered a warm and professional guest experience by greeting and seating patrons with efficiency and poise in a high-traffic dining environment.

    • Managed digital waitlist and reservation systems to optimize table turnover and reduce guest wait times, contributing to overall service flow.

    • Collaborated closely with servers and management to maintain balanced seating, anticipate service needs, and ensure smooth front-of-house operations.

    • Frequently recognized by guests and team members for a consistently kind demeanor, welcoming attitude, and ability to remain composed during peak hours.

    • Delivered efficient, friendly service in a high-volume, fast-paced environment while maintaining Sweetgreen’s commitment to hospitality and cleanliness.

    • Frequently recognized by team and guests for warm demeanor and consistently positive attitude, creating a welcoming and memorable customer experience.

    • Supported team operations by managing guest interactions, handling POS transactions, and ensuring smooth communication between front and back of house.