Nils Achenbach
I'm an Industrial Designer and technology enthusiast specializing in people-centered experiences that seamlessly integrate hardware, software, intelligence, and services.
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Born in May 1999
in Aschaffenburg, Germany (25)
Raised in St. Peter, in the heart of the black forest.
Studies
MFA in Advanced Product Design in the Umeå Institute of Design, Sweden
BA in Integrated Product Design in the University of Applied Sciences Coburg, Germany
High school diploma at the Lycée Franco-Allemand Fribourg (Section langues, éducation artistique)
Languages
German (native),
English (full working proficiency)
and French (good understanding)
I’ve always been drawn to things that are deeply considered - work where every detail carries intention and care, even if most people never consciously notice it. Whether in a product, a brand, or an experience, I believe the best design isn’t just seen - it’s felt. For me, thoughtfulness is not about striving for perfection for its own sake, but about creating something that resonates intuitively, something that quietly makes a difference.
What inspired me to become a designer is the unique intersection of art, science, and engineering. It’s a discipline that constantly challenges us to question assumptions, and refine our creative process. At the core of my teamwork is a curiosity and a willingness to be proven wrong - to challenge my own perspectives and step outside of my own comfort zone. Design, to me, isn’t about always having the right answers. It’s about asking the right questions, staying open, and finding joy in those moments when a better idea comes up.
Stepping into the unknown has shaped me profoundly. At 18, I left my hometown in Germany to study industrial design; by 19, I was living in Shanghai, immersed in a completely different culture and learning firsthand about the production side of design. My undergraduate studies in Coburg gave me a strong foundation in designing and building physical products, while also connecting me with surrounding disciplines such as marketing, typography, photography, perceptual psychology, interaction, and graphic design. This experience profoundly shaped my approach to projects, encouraging me to see product concepts as part of a larger context - a collection of brand experiences - rather than an isolated view on the product itself.
Later, I moved to northern Sweden to study at Umeå Institute of Design, where I deepened my focus on the strategic side of design. Surrounded by (very) long winters and a group of exceptional colleagues, I expanded my perspective toward conceptual, forward-thinking work that helps organizations imagine more optimistic futures - making the world feel just a little more thoughtful.
08.2022 - 02.2023
6 months
Above is a leading design and innovation agency specializing in the fusion of physical and digital experiences. Known for its expertise in strategy, industrial design, UX/UI, and technology integration, Above partners with global brands to create forward-thinking solutions across consumer electronics, medical devices, and mobility.
At Above, I have actively contributed to a diverse range of high-level client projects, ensuring strategic and impactful design solutions. My focus has been on prototyping and refining design concepts for client presentations, utilizing CAD modeling to drive iteration and precision. A key part of my role has involved crafting final appearance models, delivering high-quality, tangible representations of both physical and digital design visions.
Beyond design execution, I applied my photography and videography skills to enhance design communication, elevate social media campaigns, and produce compelling visual narratives for internal projects.
Collaboration has been central to my work, as I have engaged closely with principal designers, senior designers, and fellow interns, effectively managing tight deadlines through adaptability, coordination, and a solution-driven approach.
02.2021 - 08.2021
6 months
Brose is a global supplier of mechatronic systems for doors, seats, and electric drives, enhancing vehicle functionality, comfort, and efficiency. As a key OEM partner for brands such as BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Audi, Volkswagen, Tesla, and Porsche, Brose plays a key role in bringing next-generation vehicles to the market.
Following a successful collaboration during my bachelor’s studies, I was offered a position to develop creative concepts and visualizations for next-generation mechatronic systems. My work involved contributing to the development and visual communication of advanced mechatronic components for vehicle doors, sensing systems, and seats, utilizing CAD, animation software, and rendering tools to bring concepts to life.
For my bachelor thesis, I focused on enhancing vehicle performance and passenger comfort by reimagining air conditioning management in electric vehicles. This included an innovative approach to integrating infrared heating elements into door panels, improving energy efficiency and extending EV range in low temperatures.
Collaboration played a crucial role in this project, as I worked closely with experts in air conditioning management, vehicle crash safety, and mechanical engineering. The project was patented in autumn 2021.
08.2019 - 02.2020
6 months
PHOENIX DESIGN
SHANGHAI, CHINA
Industrial Design Intern
Phoenix Design is a design agency specializing in product creation, ideation, and prototyping, with a strong focus on user-centered innovation across industries such as consumer goods, electronics, and sanitary products. The studio has been globally recognized for excellence in design, securing 1st place in the iF World Design Index and receiving the prestigious title “Red Dot: Design Team of the Year 2018.”
During my time in Shanghai, I focused on designing products tailored for the Asian market, refining my ability to communicate design visions effectively while collaborating with Senior Designers and engaging with Chinese clients - primarily but not only in the wellbeing and bathroom accessory sector.
Through this experience, I gained proficiency and confidence in iterative design processes, including ideation, prototyping, CAD modeling, and CGI visualization, strengthening my ability to develop and refine high-quality product concepts.
Living independently in one of the world’s largest cities at the age of 19 presented both challenges and opportunities, profoundly shaping my personal growth and professional development.
Recognitions in Design
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