In their words
“It is rare to find account directors as sensitive to design issues as any designer and concurrently championing client needs. I found this in Jan and I am profoundly grateful for it. Jan was my project manager on what proved to be the most complex and demanding undertaking I’ve ever been involved with: the identity for the cultural centre on Abu Dhabi. The behind-the-scenes rigour that was necessary to support this project, particularly budgetary and logistics, required brilliant project management. I know I could not have run the project without her high level of professionalism and support.”
Harry Pearce
Partner, Pentagram
“Jan is a true inspiration, bringing an effervescent charm and integrity to every interaction you have with her. I have worked with her over the last five years, from the brand relaunch at The Co-operative Group to developing a compelling own-label for the independent retail sector at Musgrave Retail Partners GB. Her passion for detail, for delivering the right result first time, and working tirelessly to make you as the client feel wonderful about the work you are jointly delivering makes having Jan on board a complete joy. Simply one of the best consultants I have ever had the pleasure of working with.”
Jemima Bird
Commercial and Operations Director, Moss Bros Group
(former Marketing Director, Musgrave Retail Partners GB)
In brief
My consultancy background includes roles on the client and agency side, which is a contrast that I enjoy and helps enrich my understanding of the pressures that both parties face. With Pentagram, the world’s largest independent design consultancy, I acted as Account Director, helping to manage projects of great complexity in the UK and the Middle East.
Pentagram is one of the most admired design companies in the world, with a track record of brilliant work stretching back four decades. Operating from five offices worldwide, the firm is owned and run by 19 partners, who are leaders in their creative fields.
As one of the partners, Harry Pearce is known for his outstandingly beautiful and intelligent commercial work, and has caught the attention of the world through the creative inspiration he has added to the ground-breaking human rights charity, Witness. I knew Harry from his previous role at Lippa Pearce, where I worked on the Inland Revenue identity project (see HMRC case study). Soon after joining Pentagram, he invited me to account-direct a brand identity and implementation programme for Qasr al-Hosn, an ambitious venture to establish a new cultural architecture complex in Abu Dhabi.
This presented many challenges, including the geographical distance, the cultural contrasts, and the financial and planning issues. There was also the sheer scope of media, ranging from a one-mile hoarding to a travelling multi-media exhibition, alongside a range of publications and a five-minute documentary film. I supported Harry throughout the process, allowing him to focus on the creative output.
Qasr al-Hosn was one of several accounts that I managed on behalf of Harry Pearce. Others included the design and implementation of an entire own-brand packaging range for UK food retailer Budgens, part of Musgrave Retail Partners. In each case, my role has been one of creative enablement: supporting an exceptional designer and ensuring the client is delighted with the result.
It was a privilege to work with Harry, whose enduring creative excellence is matched by the continual striving for truth in his work – he is a shining exemplar for the industry.