The Faces of AIS: Inga Beatens
At AIS our people are what make us exceptional and what better way to highlight the faces of the business than to delve into their career journey and what tips they have for anyone looking to join the industry.
Inga Beatens
Furniture Project Manager
What inspired you to pursue your current career, and how did you get started in this field?
Project management has always been quietly present in my life, from organising my school talent show to taking extra credit modules in International Project Management at university, to stepping into my first entry-level role as a project coordinator in the roofing department here in the UK. I’ve always enjoyed the organisational side, ensuring things run smoothly and people are informed about what’s happening.
Over time, I realised I wanted to take that skill into a field where the outcome felt more creative and rewarding. That’s what led me into interiors and, later, the cherry on top – furniture. I’m drawn to the idea of shaping spaces that people can enjoy and use every day. I really value aesthetics and notice how the space around us makes us feel.
How has your role evolved since joining AIS?
Even in my relatively short 6 months here (at the time of writing this), it’s been a whirlwind – juggling multiple projects at once, which is industry standard – but at no point have I felt like I’m doing it alone. The level of trust is unreal, the collaboration and support are next-level, and I feel empowered to shape my role to suit my style and strengths. Delivering projects, such as the Revolut London project, has never been this fun – and way less like jumping through hoops!
What is your favourite spot in the office?
I absolutely love the location of our office – I love being so close to the Thames and St Paul’s. But if I had to choose a specific spot within the office, it would have to be the studio.
It has that creative vibe and great space for any collaboration sessions.
How would you describe your team and workplace environment?
An absolute dream team! We work so well together despite having some strong personalities (by that I mean me as one of them). Even through high-pressure situations, we face any clashes before they become a problem and embrace the work we all love so much. I joined at the busiest time, and it has been great.
What’s your go-to productivity tip?
Compartmentalise! I have this system I work with – I label tasks and things in 3 groups: warm, hot and on fire. Anything on fire requires a ‘drop and roll’ response – drop everything and deal with it. Hot needs to be done before it gets to a ‘drop and roll situation’, and warm is for the quieter periods.
And never waste a commute.
Being site-based, the inbox and small admin tasks can easily pile up, and those locked moments when you must be stationary for other reasons are golden.
Another thing I swear by is lunchtime walk – no matter how small – get that fresh air and regroup.
What’s your favourite office event or team tradition?
So far, the buddy system. Once you join, you get assigned a buddy – an informal person to guide you through how AIS works or just pop out to have a coffee with. And I love how much the AIS team takes part in fundraising challenges and sporting events.
I took part in the Cycle to Amsterdam event in early September, which I loved. Raising money for mental health charity ‘Mates in Mind’ is a great cause to be contributing to.
What is the biggest challenge you’ve faced at work, and how did you overcome it?
Starting fresh always comes with a learning curve – new systems, ways of working, relationships and preexisting dynamics to navigate. My approach has been to listen, ask questions, and lean on the team’s support when integrating my skill into AIS’s day-to-day processes and projects. The culture here makes it easy because everyone is open and encouraging.
Can you share a fun fact about yourself that coworkers might not know?
I speak three languages besides English and once competed in international junior piano competitions, so I can still read sheet music.
These days, my party trick is that I can squat with my (very reasonably sized) husband on my shoulders.
Oh, and I might be one of the very rare people that still has never managed to watch a full episode of Game of Thrones!
What tips would you give to someone just starting in your profession?
Be resilient, but don’t be afraid to use your voice and take up space. Project management works best when you bring your perspective to the table as early in the process as possible, not just follow along. The right workplace will value that and give you room to grow.
Stay curious, communicate with confidence, and remind yourself daily that there is always a solution.
What is the best thing about your colleagues?
They’re all hands-on and genuinely work as a team. It is not just a hiring. Everyone’s willing to roll up their sleeves, work hard, and still keep things fun along the way – it makes a huge difference to the energy on projects.
