"Laura was also so much more than her role.
She builds the energy in the room, makes connections to people, understands what they need
and transforms insights into something bigger, better and more purposeful.
I would employ her again in a heartbeat."
Eleanor Ford,
Former Director at The Good Lab. Now Chief People Officer at ZINC VC
She builds the energy in the room, makes connections to people, understands what they need
and transforms insights into something bigger, better and more purposeful.
I would employ her again in a heartbeat."
Eleanor Ford,
Former Director at The Good Lab. Now Chief People Officer at ZINC VC
About me
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I work with a people- and planet-centered lens through all phases of the innovation process, across insight, concept development, prototyping, testing, and delivery.
I work across disciplines and have a rare skillset weaving through design, science and the arts, helping me bring fresh ideas, insights and expertise to every project. Clients include design and innovation agencies, start-ups, local and central government and small to medium-sized organisations focused on social, environmental, or commercial issues. I’ve delivered 80+ projects that help clients future proof their businesses and co-founded two businesses, including the first service design agency in the north of England. I bring a wealth of knowledge, a can-do attitude and a bunch of tried and tested (and new) tools. I'm a fast-learner and often act as a bridge for pollinating ideas and methods across industries and sectors. I blend curiosity and creativity with a strong commercial focus. |
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"I value your energy. I know that when you're committed to a project, you're always on.
You notice things and share them - and keep the client's broader needs top of mind."
Jacky Parsons, Founder and Director, Intelligencer
You notice things and share them - and keep the client's broader needs top of mind."
Jacky Parsons, Founder and Director, Intelligencer
Core skills & expertiseI'm a proud multidisciplinarian,
with design and innovation expertise spanning: Design Strategy Design Research / Insight Front-end innovation Service and Experience Design Systems Thinking Creative workshop facilitation Coaching (team / systems) |
ExperimentsI'm also experimenting with, and learning about:
Speculative Futures Participatory art Regenerative art and design Toolbox of tricks(Some) practices, methods and skills I draw on and use as part of projects:
Design Council Systemic Design Framework / Toolkit Cards for Life - for regenerative design and ‘Living Systems Thinking’ Radical experiments in regenerative practices through my art practice |
What I'm up to currently:
- Sharing conversations about the UK Design Councils' Systemic Design toolkit - do contact me if you'd like to connect about this
- Working as a Systems Coach with four teams on the Shaping Places Healthier Lives systems change programme
- Authoring five systems change case studies for the Shaping Places Healthier Lives programme: documenting foundational work, key shifts, and the nuanced opportunities and challenges encountered in this three-year funded initiative. You can read these case-studies here: Newham, Stainforth, Blyth, BNSSG, Shropshire
- Wrapping-up nine months participation on the life-changing Bio-Leadership Fellowship programme
- Taking care of and learning from my young daughter
- Creating artworks inspired by trees, wind and moss - recently exhibiting at the Royal Geographical Society
- Co-running art and ecology nature connection experiences with artist Lucy Jane MacAllister Dukes
"I had a vision for the coaching: I wanted it to be targeted and focused, with tangible outputs.
You completely got it and delivered exactly what I was hoping for."
Rachel Bronstein, Senior Programme Manager, UK Design Council
You completely got it and delivered exactly what I was hoping for."
Rachel Bronstein, Senior Programme Manager, UK Design Council