Annabelle Régent is one of our senior designers whose superpowers include making complex stuff simple and helping others grow. She’s created new experiences and solved challenges for international e-commerces, services and organisations and we’re lucky enough to have her on our team.
What’s your work background?
I graduated with a Masters in visual communication in France in 2013 and started as a digital designer for an online homeware startup in Berlin. I then joined a french group of 6+ fashion brands going through a digital transformation. I transitioned from being a 360 designer to UX on the job, upskilling through mentorship, books and events. I later moved to London and did a bit of freelancing before joining &us.
Why did you choose to come and work at &us?
Having mostly worked in-house, I wanted to experience the consultancy world for its pace and variety of work and I was attracted by both the people (a bunch of smart, talented individuals yet very little ego) and the culture that I found empowering.
What does your morning routine look like?
It changes regularly. At the moment, I wake up around 7 am but stay in bed as long as I can, reading with a cup of tea. I rarely have breakfast. Meetings start at 8 am as I’m working with a client an hour ahead of me.
What does an average working day have in store for you?
Planning and running activities with clients, having conversations to support and strengthen the design team and support internal initiatives. I also always try to go for a quick walk after lunch.
What’s the best thing about your job?
You get exposed to so many personalities with different experiences and on a wide variety of topics, it’s never boring. There is also something rewarding in helping clients shift their ways of working and showing them the impact of a user-centric approach.
How has your work day changed in the last year: What new things will you be keeping? And what can’t you wait to go back to?
I love the focus that working from home brings me as I’m often on calls and can be quite sensitive to noise. The time gained from not commuting has, like everyone, had a huge positive impact on my personal life. However, I do miss the opportunities to collaborate as a wider team IRL and take part in random spontaneous conversations.
Predictions for the next year? What will clients want most of in the next 12-24 months?
A stronger focus on climate-related innovation and continuous coaching and strategic support to adjust to hybrid ways of working and new consumers habits.
What is the most random thing on your desk?
An F&B sample pot. I’m still deciding on our living room’s shade of white. Yep.
Who was your last email from?
Miro – I got a new comment from a client on a workshop board I’m working on.
What is the best piece of advice you have received?
Don’t dwell on things that are out of your control. Add butter in everything you cook.
What did you want to be when you ‘grew up’?
A chemist. I always loved mixing stuff and seeing what happens next. I also had an interest in writing. After graduating in sciences, I lived abroad for a year and when I came back I joined a design school and got sucked into the world wide web.
How do you relax outside of work?
I go for a walk, play the piano or cuddle Arnold, our fluffy British longhair cat. I’d love to pick up life drawing again at some point – I found it to be very relaxing and creative.
What would be your superpower if you had one?
Hyper-speed learning. Can you imagine being able to read books, learn languages or any new skills in minutes?! This or teleportation, to see my family in France more often.
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