The Humans of Hancock and Rowe: Hannah
The Humans of Hancock and Rowe is a series of interviews that introduces you to who we are and the people we work alongside. From our team to our clients, we’ll be sharing the stories of those who our agency help, support and collaborate with.
Introducing Hannah Pilbeam, morgue technician turned freelance designer.
Where do you come from?
I’ve pretty much been rooted in Kent my whole life (think hobbit, but with fewer second breakfasts and no epic quest out of the shire) and my path into design, UX, and UI is about as straightforward as a plate of spaghetti.
It’s 2004 and like most fresh out of the packet 18-year-olds, I left school dazed, confused, and headed off to University - mostly because that’s just what you did back then. I started out studying English, made it through the first year, and then decided on a hard lane change…into Biochemistry. Naturally.
When I left uni, I collected a very random CV: I worked in a morgue (not the liveliest workplace admittedly, but it had its perks), trained as a body piercer, nannied, and even wrangled lab equipment creating experiments as a science technician at King’s School. Eventually, I circled back to University, this time on the staff side, working with the web team. And that’s where I stumbled headfirst into design…and finally found my thing.
Where are you now?
Around 2010 (back when TikTok was just a Kesha song and not a social media empire) I’d started my career as a full-time designer, spending five years working with some fantastic, well-respected agencies in London and across the South East. It was an incredible foundation, but by early 2016 I felt ready for a new challenge, so I took the leap into freelancing.
Almost a decade later (how did that happen?!), I’ve had the privilege of collaborating with an amazing variety of clients and projects. From designing classical music streaming apps and creating brochure sites for world-renowned musicians to working alongside NGOs, eco-businesses, and social enterprises championing marginalised communities. Every project has given me the chance to combine creativity with purpose, which is what I love most about what I do.
How did you travel between the two?
So, how did I get from morgues and biochemistry labs to designing apps and websites? Honestly, by teaching myself, asking an endless stream of questions, and leaning on the generous wisdom of others - people who were in the same boat or had already sailed around the design block a few times.
Getting to where I am today has been a real mix of things: a healthy dose of curiosity, a stubborn commitment to keep learning, and a willingness to make mistakes and grow from them (this one’s been a biggie). Somewhere along the way, I also picked up a mild caffeine addiction during my agency days, which means I fully understand the value of good coffee and an even better sense of humour.
Most importantly, I’ve learned that good design isn’t just about pixels and prototypes - it’s about people. Being kind, compassionate, and meeting people where they are has turned out to be just as important as mastering user flows and innovative UX design.
Whether I’m chatting with a client who isn’t sure how to explain what they want, or designing for users who might be stressed, frustrated, or just trying to get from A to B as quickly as possible, empathy is the thing that ties it all together. I ask a lot of questions, listen carefully, and try to step into someone else’s shoes so I can design experiences that feel intuitive, human, and genuinely useful. I’ve found that when people feel heard and supported, the end result isn’t just better design - it’s better relationships, too.
What are your hopes for the future and the digital world?
Looking ahead, my hopes for the future and for the digital world are rooted in the same things that drew me into design in the first place: curiosity, empathy, and creating work that genuinely helps people.
We live in a world where we can have thousands of “friends” online, yet no-one nearby to ask to feed the dog (or cat). Despite being more connected than ever on paper, so many of us are feeling increasingly disconnected - and that goes against what we’re hardwired for as humans: real connection. That’s a big part of why I want to keep the human element at the heart of my work.
For me, it’s about finding the balance. I want to design digital experiences that feel easy, seamless, and beautifully intuitive, without stripping away intention or connectedness. Technology should make life simpler, not lonelier, and I believe good design has the power to do exactly that. I’m especially passionate about collaborating with organisations that are trying to make a positive difference and using design as a tool for connection and impact, not just aesthetics.
On a more personal note, my hopes for the future include marrying my fiancé (roll on July 2026), spending more time outdoors with the dogs (Lola and Roo), and hiking to the top of really tall stuff.
What do you enjoy most about working with Hancock & Rowe?
What I enjoy most about working with Hancock and Rowe is how human they are, not just in their approach, but in the way they hold space for everything that being human entails. They work in a truly person-centred way, meeting people where they are rather than where they “should” be, and that feels both refreshing and inspiring.
There’s a real power-with stance in how they collaborate - it’s never about imposing solutions but about working alongside people, listening deeply, and valuing lived experience. That sense of partnership and respect creates an environment where growth and change actually feel possible and that’s something I find incredibly motivating to be a part of.
