We met in 2005. We have always been interested in the same questions but, up to now, we have been answering them in different contexts.
James is a researcher and strategist. He has spent most of his career in design and innovation studios, helping senior clients answer big questions and create breakthrough brands, products, and services. Over the years, his clients have included major brands in FMCG, sports fashion, and financial services.
His most recent role was co-MD of Designit London. Prior to that he spent three years working in house at Aviva during a period of huge transformation. He helped build the global product and design team and sat on the management team of the UK direct business.
Timo is a researcher and architect. He has designed retail spaces, residential buildings, and football stadiums, always rethinking them and improving the experience. In parallel, he worked on community building and integrative city development in Seoul, Sao Paulo and Buenos Aires.
He has a track record of leading significant research and development programmes and has sat on the board of a number of NGOs in Germany, Italy and Cambodia. He has also consulted for the European Commission.
In his most recent role, he led a project studying smart cities at the cutting-edge research centre “Refiguration of Spaces” at TU Berlin. He holds a PhD in Cultural Studies, Goldsmiths College London, on collective rhythmic practice of urban everyday live.
