Consulting
Building and scaling capabilities
Empathetic
We know that empathy and understanding is at the heart of good design, good relationships and good business.
Challenging
We don't shy away from challenging the status quo to maximise value for everyone involved.
Partnering
We work with clients, not for clients. Co-creation and rapid iteration leads to the best results.
Personalised
We treat every challenge as unique. We're not a transactional, cookie-cutter consultancy.
Accountable
We feel a sense of ownership alongside our clients. We see every detail right through to the end.
PARK Consulting was founded in 1998 by Tim Selders and Frans Joziasse. Both experienced designers, they'd both become increasingly frustrated with the disconnect between design and business. They saw an opportunity to bridge the gap by creating a unique proposition that focused on helping leaders to establish design as a business enabler and growth driver. PARK Consulting was born and was an immediate success, finding its niche with early clients including Sony, Kia/Hyundai, LEGO, and HP.
Since those early days, the role of Design Leadership has significantly evolved. Today, enabling and driving business growth is just the start. Leaders of design now need to build bridges across touchpoints and functions, develop next-generation capabilities, act as a catalyst for business-wide change and, of course, always do more with less. As the landscape for design leadership has evolved, so has PARK. Regularly viewed as a thought leader in the industry, PARK Consulting has now partnered with over 300 different clients.
In 2013, to complement PARK's consulting services, Grow (now known as PARK Academy) was established with the aim of 'empowering design leaders' through education. We're very proud that PARK Academy has since had a positive impact on the careers of more than 2000 Design Management and Design Leadership students across Europe and the USA.
In 2023 PARK celebrates its 25th anniversary as the business ownership transitions to James Hall and Andy Sharpe, with Frans Joziasse continuing as an integral part of the leadership team until 2028. We’re also consolidating the business into the 4 services – Consulting, Academy, Coaching and Connections.
Looking back, it's been a wonderful 25 years, and we look forward to more of the same.
Why 'PARK'? The name PARK stems from the East Gardens of the Imperial Palace near the Marunouchi Business District in Tokyo. A park in which co-founder Frans would spend his lunch break whilst visiting Japan during the 1990s. This park is where locals go to reflect, relax and dream – just a few of the things that we try to facilitate here at PARK.
Senior Consultant and Tutor
With over 20 years’ experience working with design executives and teams, Aileen has gleaned a deep understanding of using design as a strategic business resource.
As well as an MBA in design management, she’s also an accredited coach and facilitator, and an advisory council member of the Design Management Institute.
Company Director
Andy is a Senior Consultant and Director at PARK. Originally trained as a product designer, he spent 17 years client-side at Unilever, working in Design Management and Leadership roles in both the UK and USA.
After many years as a client of PARK, in 2018 he jumped the fence and in 2023 became a co-owner alongside James Hall. Andy underpins everything he does with a belief – that human progress means keeping things simple.
Senior Consultant and Tutor
With his extensive experience in strategic design and managing human-centred, digital products and services, Brian’s end-goal is always about the benefits of great design.
He’s collaborated with teams from a diverse range of global organisations, including Audi, Philips, Vanguard, Adidas, Fidelity and JP Morgan Chase. He’s also a coach on our PARK Academy program. Brian holds an MBA in Design Management and serves on the leadership team of the Service Design Network.
Business Manager
In 2008 Carola joined PARK as our office manager. Since then, her role has expanded to cover management of business operations.
With her enthusiastic, can-do attitude and an aptitude for listening, she’s facilitated many of our Design Leadership programs, ensuring everything runs smoothly.
Consultant & Project Manager USA
Denisse joined PARK in 2018. Specialising in managing digital projects, Denisse has been responsible for Livebook – our very own e-learning platform.
With a background not only in Design Management and Interactive Design, but also finance, Denisse has a creative mind as well as a business one. Consulting clients in strategy and branding, her experience also makes her perfectly suited to our Design Leadership education programs.
Senior Consultant and Tutor
Frank sees himself as a change facilitator, helping people to make their lives, their businesses, and their communities better each day.
He draws upon his skills as a creative visualiser, kaizen expert and his intuition to coach teams and unlock their potential for better balance and efficacy.
Founding Director
As a co-founder of PARK and leader of the organisation over the last 25 years, Frans is proud of the strong vision he has instilled and the inspiring team he has built.
With a firm belief in the power of design, he relishes watching his clients reach their full potential and seeing what impact strong leadership can have both on business and the planet.
Business Visualiser
Hans is a skilled artist and visualiser with a background in advertising. For over a decade, he created campaigns for both Danish and international clients.
Hans has the rare ability to draw ‘fluently’, capturing and visualising any idea on the fly during meetings and workshops. Originally working for PARK for many years as a freelancer, Hans joined the team in 2021.
Consultant
With 7 years in the design field and experience in product design and human-centred design, Iren is a highly organised and supportive collaborator.
She enjoys design research and strategy and is always excited about cultural innovations that help businesses thrive.
Company Director
James joined PARK in 2013 following an extensive career in product design at both LEGO and Hasbro. Here he honed his skills in design leadership – directing, managing and launching multiple consumer products worldwide.
Today, James not only teaches the Academy programs, but is also a senior consultant and Company Director at PARK. From embracing new design leadership techniques to helping people discover new ways to think, James’ raison d’être is to help his clients reach their goals.
Managing Director USA
Jay is a well-versed design and innovation leadership consultant. With 25 years’ experience in business, brand and design, he’s been coaching PARK clients since 2010 – transforming their businesses, maximising value across the triple bottom line and using collaboration, co-creation and communication to set them up for long term success.
Junior Consultant
Johannes joined PARK in 2021. His background as a product designer and start-up founder means he approaches any challenge with a creative, dedicated and empathetic mindset.
Johannes shares a passion for design, which he hopes will inspire others to create and help move humanity forward.
Senior Consultant & Tutor USA
At PARK Stephan leads projects that transform our clients’ businesses with innovation and design excellence. He also tutors the Design Leadership Academy.
Outside of PARK, Stephan serves on the board of directors of the Industrial Designers Society of America and leads their Special Interest section, ensuring a sustainable future. He also regularly writes articles for Innovation magazine, mentors start-ups and guides the NY Design Week Festival as part of the NYCxDesign Advisory Committee.
Senior Consultant and Tutor
Tim brings his broad experience from former corporate and agency roles, as a design manager and leader, to our team. He’s worked with global organisations such as Motorola, Whirlpool, Newell, McDonalds and Wilson Sporting Goods.
Tim’s passion is for human-centred, sustainable design approaches. Outside of PARK, you’ll find him leading a volunteer, non-profit nature reserve near his home in Holland, Lake Michigan.