What was the most memorable moment during your time at Pilotfish?
"My interview week in Taipei: I’d work all day, go for dinner with Harm and Xavier, soak up discussions about strategic planning and general business operations, then head back to the office for a few more hours of work. We’d finish late in the evening. This one week taught me that design isn’t about luxurious lead-times, spacious studios, or fancy espresso machines… it’s hard work, long days, and shitty drip coffee… but incredibly energizing and exciting. I felt I was at the forefront and building something. This single week instilled a drive and work ethic that has stayed with me until today."
Design, he learned, wasn’t a polished final product but a process of passion and perseverance.
Pilotfish has always been about humanizing technology. How did that philosophy influence the way you work and innovate today?
"In my early days at PF, humanizing technology was all about storytelling—crafting concepts that not only told stories but also guided and educated users. This was crucial, as much of the technology we worked with was new and unprecedented."
For Brendan, storytelling became a key design skill bridging the gap between cutting-edge tech and real-life user experience.
What’s one lesson or skill you gained at Pilotfish that you carry with you to this day, whether in your career or personal life?
"Sketching. Harm was an exceptional sketcher who took the time to walk me through his process as concepts came to life on the page. Watching it unfold was magical, and it's a skill I’ve worked hard to emulate and pass on."
Brendan speaks of watching Harm Hogenbirk bring concepts to life on paper as if it were a kind of alchemy, turning abstract ideas into something you could almost reach out and touch. That hands-on mentorship became foundational to Brendan’s practice, and to the generations of designers he’s mentored since.
If you could describe Pilotfish’s spirit in just three words, what would they be, and why?
“Bold. Pilotfish dreams big, makes daring decisions, and takes ownership of their actions. Innovative. Pilotfish embraces new technologies and processes to create impactful, forward-thinking solutions. Human. Pilotfish places users at the heart of the design process to craft solutions that meaningfully resonate."
Three words that still shape how Brendan designs and how he leads.
Imagine stepping into the Pilotfish studio again today. What’s the first thing you’d say to your former teammates?
"G’day… did you miss me?"
A classic Aussie reentry line, and one that would probably be followed by coffee, sketches, and some big, bold thinking.
🙏 Thank you, Brendan
For your grit, humor, and unwavering belief in the creative process.
As you once put it:
“Building a design company is never-ending, one day you feel like a complete failure… the next, a hero. But I wouldn’t have it any other way.”
That spirit - the highs, the lows, and the commitment to keep building - sums up what Pilotfish has always been about.
We’re proud you’re part of our story, and always will be.
