I'm Cian O'Rourke
A Full Stack Software Developer and team lead at Babylon, with a Diploma in Software Development from Code Institute. I lead technical direction for my team — running code reviews, unblocking junior developers, and driving key technical decisions — while staying hands-on building full-stack, AI-integrated applications with Next.js, TypeScript, and Firebase. Having trained as a chef and barman in award-winning Dublin restaurants, I bring unique skills in stress management, team organization, and working under tight deadlines to the world of software development.
My Journey
From professional kitchens to coding bootcamps, every experience has shaped my approach to development
Full Stack Developer & Team Lead, Babylon
December 2025 - Present
Building production features with React and Next.js, translating Figma designs into pixel-perfect UI, leading code review and release management, and supporting onboarding for junior developers.
Professional Kitchen
2021-2025
Award-winning Dublin restaurants - managed teams and high-pressure environments.
Software Development
2019-2020
Code Institute diploma with focus on full-stack development and problem-solving.
Dual Career Path
2021-2025
Maintained coding skills through private projects while working as a professional chef.
Full Stack Developer & Team Lead, Babylon
Build and maintain production features for a multicultural platform with React and Next.js, translating complex Figma wireframes into responsive, accessible UI. Collaborate with mobile developers on shared Firebase architecture and API design, lead testing and release management, and support the onboarding of junior developers.
Professional Kitchen Experience
Trained as chef and barman in award-winning Dublin restaurants Crudo and Achara. Managed kitchen teams, supply orders, and delivered high-quality results under tight deadlines.
Software Development Diploma
Completed Diploma in Software Development at Code Institute during Covid. Gained broad skills in technical, problem-solving and communications domains through four focused projects.
Culinary to Code
After completing my diploma during Covid when few organisations were hiring junior developers, I gained invaluable experience in award-winning restaurants while staying passionate about my software career.
Where Culinary Meets Code
The skills I learned in professional kitchens translate perfectly to software development
From the Kitchen
Stress Management
Managing kitchen teams and multiple orders during dinner rush in award-winning restaurants taught me to handle tight deadlines and complex requirements effectively.
Attention to Detail
Every garnish matters in plating, just like every semicolon matters in code.
Team Organization
Running kitchen teams in professional environments taught me to organize teams effectively, delegate tasks, and ensure seamless collaboration under pressure.
To the Code
Agile Development
Quick iterations, rapid problem-solving, and delivering quality under tight timelines.
Clean Code
Writing maintainable, readable code with the same precision I brought to food presentation.
Cross-functional Teams
Working effectively with designers, product managers, and stakeholders.
Beyond the Screen
After completing my software development diploma, I continued to work on small private projects while working full-time as a chef. This dual approach allowed me to maintain and grow my technical skills while gaining invaluable experience in high-pressure professional environments.
When I'm not crafting code, you'll find me experimenting with new recipes, exploring local food markets, or planning my next culinary adventure. Whether I'm debugging a complex algorithm or perfecting a new dish, I approach every challenge with curiosity, creativity, and persistence.
Current Obsession
I love working with fish and learning about all the different ways you can use fish and fish butchery techniques.