As a sustainability catalyst, I help purpose-driven organisations deeply understand the people and systems they serve, ensuring the solutions we co-create respect and support all forms of life.
Empathy and compassion connect us to one another and to the planet—they are the foundation for purposeful, sustainable change.
practice areas
Digging deep to understand the root causes of problems from those with lived experience. Challenging assumptions, questioning the status quo, and uncovering insights that drive new ways of thinking and amplified impact.
Combining research, facilitation, and strategic design, I guide change makers and teams ready to change the way they do things. I offer expertise and support to drive meaningful change and embed sustainable, life-centred practices.
Leveraging a breadth of experience, I offer a comprehensive range of design services tailored to support organisations looking for additional capacity and capability.
services & design disciplines
For me, Design Research is not the reserve of a particular discipline, sector, or practice. It is a term to describe a range of problem-identification and solution-finding practices (note, I did not say problem-solving). That said, beyond a set of expertise, Design Research is a mindset, it is a way of thinking about, viewing, interacting with, and exploring the world. And, it is vital if we are to transform how we live.
Disciplines such as Service Design, UX, and Human-Centred Design are subsets of Design Research. The power of the holistic approach I use lies in the combination of a number a core components, namely, Critical Thinking, Systems Thinking, Creative Thinking, Life-Centred Thinking and empathy.
how we can engage
Process and project specific co-design and participatory design services.
Bespoke consultation to develop and implement actionable plans.
Hands-on or remote planning and project/ process design, implementation support.
Varying levels of training in co-design, design thinking, and life-centred design.
Strategic advice on the implementation of co-design & engagement processes.
Part-time or project-based strategic guidance on all matters ESG and CSR.
who is behind &brown?
Kia ora folks, I’m Dr Ann Brown, but my friends call me Annie.
I have 17+ years of international experience in design and research. As a lifelong learner, I hold a BA in Product Design, an MA in Design for Sustainable Development, and a PhD in Nonprofit Strategy. I continually push myself to stay informed, recently completing a micro-credential in Leading Beyond Sustainability.
I've worked across industries and sectors from grassroots community activation to government social research, and luxury brand experience. I am an interdisciplinary collaborator and advocate for 'true' co-design. I strive to employ and foster life-centric design thinking capability.
I have a deep understanding of the vital role design plays in creating solutions in response to contemporary threats. My passion has evolved over time and I am currently focused on supporting change-makers to realise their agency to act for sustainability.
collaborators
Organisations I have worked with over the years
next steps
connect
You may want to:
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Use the connect form.
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Email outlining your reason for connecting ann@andbrown.co.nz
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LinkedIn via InMessage.
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Call me +64 (0)21 165 5890
meet
Once connected, we can set up a time to meet (in person or online). Our first meeting can be brief and informal to get a feel for where you're at, what you're up to, and how I can help.
I'm happy to set up meetings using:
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Zoom
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Teams
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Google Meet
Let's find a mutually convenient time and set something up today using Calendarly.
scope
Following an initial chat, we can move to a more formal converation where we start to scope how your needs mesh with my experience, expertise, and availability.
Don't delay, let's get started.
why work with me
17+ years of experience
Values & purpose driven
Highly qualified
Inter- & trans-disciplinary
Collaborative to the core
Constantly learning
