I’m a multidisciplinary strategist and designer, working at the intersection of brand, technology, future, and design. Expert in generative systems (AI and non-AI). Co-founder of Plateau Candy, a studio for emerging digital practices.
Over 25 years, I've honed expertise at the intersection of brand communication, strategy, and digital innovation. My foundation in philosophy, coding, and design enables me to merge strategic thinking with cutting-edge technology. I've collaborated with global brands like Telekom, Porsche, BOSS, SAP, Disney, and BMW, contributing as a strategist, consultant, and designer. Key roles include shaping the Future CX/BX Lab at Telekom Design Gallery, serving as Director Consulting at i22, and leading strategy at the design and brand agency Meiré und Meiré. In 2022, I co-founded Plateau Candy, focusing on generative systems and emergent digital practices.
In 2022, I co-founded Plateau Candy with Meiré und Meiré, a studio dedicated to emergent digital practices and shaping the future of brand experiences. Plateau Candy empowers brands to leverage tomorrow’s technologies through the initiation, development, and launch of code-driven projects spanning design, culture, arts, fashion, and web3. Collaborating with leading creators and experts, we craft forward-thinking solutions. As an expert in generative systems (AI and non-AI), I contribute through speeches, consulting, and projects that merge strategy, creativity, and innovation.
“Kolja is one of those rare professionals that through his experience and enthusiasm can excite clients and stakeholders about the future of their business. With a very strategic but pragmatic foundation Kolja navigates the landscape of tomorrows technologies, Design and Experiences to define what the next steps could, should and must be for the companies and brands he is working with. If you want to transform your business and make it future proof the Kolja is your guy. On top of that he is great to work with, personal, open and a real team player which makes working with Kolja an absolute must for any company looking to be ready for tomorrow. I would work with him any day!”
Eelko Lommers, Global Director Digital Product Experience at IKEA— Quote Source
Clients & Awards
My clients are typically people who need an experienced, holistic thinking, director-level designer capable of executing across all aspects of design on a project. Some companies I've worked for: Meiré und Meiré, Deutsche Telekom, Porsche, Disney, BMW, Dornbracht, Pixelpark, MINI, WHU, Beisheim, Schoeller, Akarion, Caparol and Best Foods.
Awards: ADC / NextReality Award / Red Dots / German Brand Awards / Content Marketing Awards / Iconic Awards / Automotive Brand Awards / Fox Finance Awards / IF Design Awards…
While big brand names and shiny trophies are nice, I care most about the people I work with and how that collaboration is experienced by all involved. Not to mention I believe that having a good working relationship with my clients is vital to producing the best outcomes.
Lifelong Learning
Lifelong learning is not a threat but a promise. Driven by curiosity and sometimes concrete needs deriving from projects, I regularly expand my skills and knowledge by dipping my mental toe into the immense sea of remote training out there.
Tim Rodenbröker: Creative Coding via Patreon (2020, ongoing), The Future Laboratory: The Trends and Foresight Academy Masterclass (2019), CAL Arts: Ideas from the History of Graphic Design (2017) via Coursera, edX: Digital Branding and Engagement (2016) via EdX, Institut Mines-Télécom: Innovating in a Digital World (2016), MoMA: Interactive Strategies for Engaging with Art (2016) via Coursera, University of Pennsylvania: Design — Creation of Artifacts in Society (2014) via Coursera, Open Universities Australia: User Experience for the Web (2014), Open Universities Australia: Principles of Project Management (2014) […]