Laura Timosaari joins Columbia Road

Hi Laura, How did you get good at what you do?

My designer background lies in applied arts and product design. I have a bachelor’s degree in ceramics and glass design, which I’m very thankful for, since it has taught me patience, persistence and a true hands-on attitude. During my master’s degree, I focused more on user-centred and experimental design. Now here I am, still studying the user’s needs and behaviour, but now as a professional growth hacker.

Where have you earned your spurs?

I have over nine years of experience in the field of design. Some of my roles included: product development, concept design, UX/UI design and design leadership. I have been working both in consultancies and in-house positions, studying customer insights, creating concepts and drawing and testing user interfaces. In the past two years, I’ve been studying business and strategic design.

Why Columbia Road?

I had had my eye on Columbia Road for a few years. After getting to know the company through some Roadies, I was convinced that it was a place I should be one day. Working here doesn’t feel like working in a regular company, it feels more like being a part of a community of professionals and friends where each member is cherished and given space to blossom.

I love that Columbia Road is collaborating with the most interesting clients in Finland and that it has a clear mission of focusing on growth. It's extremely motivating to help companies thrive in these challenging times.

Eero, what will make our clients love Laura?

“Laura is a creative thinker and often comes up with creative ideas for difficult problems. When talking about abstract and complex problems, she is the first one to grab a pen and try to visualise things. She is also not afraid to ask questions to understand the bigger picture, and Laura has the skills to quickly become a vital part of the customer's team. She is truly excited about her work and that motivation and drive really shows!

Laura always tries to improve collaboration and ways of working. Her values include designing services from the customer’s perspective rather than according to company structures,” says Eero Martela, General Manager at Columbia Road.

What makes your heart beat a little faster?

I’m a house mouse and during the pandemic, I have found the true meaning of the word Hygge. My home is my sanctuary and I spend a lot of time on our super soft couch listening to audiobooks, and frankly, enjoying boredom. This gives a good balance since my work is often very social.

I love walking. It’s a part of my daily routine as well as a part of my holidays in the form of long hikes in the wilderness of Lapland. A great thing about starting work at Columbia Road is that it’s a nice walking distance from home, and the route is one of the most beautiful ones Helsinki has to offer.

How would you fancy working alongside Laura at Columbia Road? We're constantly looking for new skilful and nice people to join our crew! Take a peek at our open positions 👇