Herrick Spencer

I’m a Senior Development Engineer at Microsoft on the Windows AI and Inbox Apps team, where I work on the applications that ship with Windows—Calculator, Notepad, Sound Recorder, and Alarms & Clock. I spent three years primarily focused on the Snipping Tool, then worked through 2024 and most of 2025 on the Paint app, where I helped add exciting AI features like Generative Stickers. Currently, I’m focused on AI features across Windows OS in general while continuing to drive improvements for Inbox apps.

My path to Microsoft wasn’t traditional—I started with four years of architectural training at Norwich University and Vermont College, then spent a decade as an architectural draftsman and designer before discovering my passion for programming. For the full story of my journey from blueprints to code, check out my Career & Education page.

My Microsoft journey has taken me through some fascinating teams: I previously worked on APS (Applications, Partners, and Store), where I created OSS toolkits and supported partners ranging from Apple and Spotify to Siemens and IFTTT. Before that, I had a blast on the IoT Maker team building open-source projects for DIY electronics integrated with Microsoft services—including writing the Raspberry Pi NOOBS installer for Windows Preview! I also spent time on the Forefront Online Protection team, securing Office tools like Exchange and Office apps against viruses and data leakage.

It’s been an incredibly diverse career that’s allowed me to learn far more than a typical development role would offer.

Beyond the Code

I’m a former daily Jiu-Jitsu practitioner who took an extended break after breaking my ankle in the fourth fight of a competition (against a 300+ lb cop, no less!). I’m hoping to get back on the mats, but between family and work, finding the time is proving to be its own kind of challenge. Mountain biking through the wilderness of the Pacific Northwest has taken the place of exercise of late.

Before becoming a dad, I was an avid motorcyclist who rode far more than I drove. I put about 6,000 miles per year on four wheels and 15,000 on two! I’ve experienced everything from standards to cruisers to sport bikes, and lastly a sport tourer (ST1300). One of my favorite adventures was a 2,000-mile journey in a single week, riding 400 miles per day through Nova Scotia and around Cape Breton.

What You’ll Find Here

DIY Projects & Making

• Woodworking - From shop organization to custom furniture
• Home Improvement - Because something’s always broken
• Automation - Just getting started, but excited about the possibilities

Technology & Development

• DIY Electronics - Arduino and Netduino projects, with plans for AI/RC devices featuring audio/video transmission
• WinUI3/UWP Development - Building modern Windows applications
• C# and C++/WinRT - The languages that keep me busy
• Developer Tools - Git workflows, Visual Studio tricks, and VS Code magic
• Problem Solving - Like the Sudoku solver that started as an interview question and became a fascinating thought experiment with colleagues

And More

This blog is my digital workshop where I share everything from technical deep-dives to weekend project failures (and successes). Whether you’re here for the code, the craftsmanship, or just curious about what makes a Microsoft engineer tick, welcome!

Want to know more? Feel free to explore the archives—there’s probably something in there that’ll give you more insight than you bargained for.