Making in-house a home: David Wall, Tines

In this episode of The Changemakers, Dave is joined by David Wall, Creative Director at Tines and President of the Institute of Designers in Ireland.

David shares his unique career trajectory, moving from agency and independent studio practice to leading in-house brand design for a fast-growing tech company. He delves into the parallels between running a boutique studio and his current role at Tines, emphasising the ownership and learning opportunities inherent in both.

David also discusses what drew him to Tines – a workflow automation and AI orchestration platform – and how their brand messaging stands apart in the cybersecurity space by focusing on the positive outcomes of automation. We explore Tines' culture of empowering designers with significant autonomy, where collaboration means seeking meaningful input rather than permission, and how this fosters rapid progress and innovation. David also sheds light on the seamless integration between brand and product design at Tines, highlighting shared goals for design quality and the benefits of close proximity to product development. He underscores how design's value is deeply ingrained in Tines' leadership, evident from their earliest hires.

For agency creatives considering an in-house role, David offers practical advice on assessing organisational structure and ensuring design has a strong voice. Finally, he shares insights into his impactful work with the Institute of Designers in Ireland (IDI), where he champions design advocacy and policy.

Timestamps:

00:00 Introduction to the Podcast

00:53 Guest Introduction: David Wall from Tines

01:12 Meeting at RSA Conference

01:42 David's Transition from Agency to In-House

02:06 Brand and Product Design Collaboration

06:06 David's Role and Responsibilities at Tines

12:25 The Importance of Autonomy in Design

19:11 Leadership and Design Culture at Tines

32:18 Advice for Designers Moving In-House

41:36 Involvement with the Institute of Designers in Ireland (IDI)

44:16 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

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