Max Kahls / About

Work

Who do you work with?

I work primarily with companies and agencies on complex digital products, often in long-term or embedded setups.

For agencies, I support project teams either in the background or as a direct client-facing partner, helping to lead projects, expand scopes and ensure high-quality execution across design and development.

For companies, I integrate into existing product teams as an external specialist, supporting large initiatives, new products or system-level challenges where additional experience and structure are needed.

Who have you worked with in the past?

Consorsbank, Constaff, ERGO Group, Netinera Deutschland, H&M, Berliner Verkehrsbetriebe, Volkswagen, Zalando, Messe Berlin, Commerz Real (hausInvest), Die Botschaft, Apoprojekt, Groth Gruppe, Die Länderbahn / Alex, SponsorPay, Intersnack, DWS Verlag, Wintergarten Berlin, Snackfox – among others.

How do you work?

I work in close collaboration with product, design and development teams, focusing on clarity, feasibility and long-term maintainability.

My approach is pragmatic and structured: aligning business goals with technical constraints, defining clear processes and ensuring design decisions hold up beyond the initial release.

I intentionally limit the number of parallel engagements to stay deeply involved and deliver sustainable results. If I feel a project isn’t a good fit, I’ll say so openly and help identify better alternatives.

What are your services?

Design Systems & Interface Architecture
Design and evolution of scalable, token-based and accessible interface systems. This includes UI definition at component and pattern level, visual consistency across products, and long-term maintainability within complex product ecosystems.

UX & Product Design
Hands-on user experience and product design work, from problem framing and information architecture to interaction design and validation. Focused on building usable, coherent products that balance user needs, technical constraints, and business goals.

Facilitation & Design–Development Collaboration
‍Facilitating alignment between product, design, and engineering through clear interfaces, shared understanding, and pragmatic processes. Supporting teams in decision-making, prioritization, and translating concepts into executable work.

Product & Initiative Execution
Structuring and driving complex product initiatives in growing organizations, often within long-term or embedded engagements. Combining strategic framing with hands-on execution across teams and disciplines.

Who's creating the work?

You work directly with me. I take responsibility for the design work and its direction, either hands-on or in a leading role within the team.

Depending on the project, I collaborate with trusted developers, product managers or agencies, or support teams in selecting the right partners through structured pitches.

Rates & Contracts

What are your rates?

Rates depend on the scope, duration and organizational context of a project. I usually work on a day or monthly basis in long-term or embedded setups. For specific estimates, feel free to get in touch.

On what basis can we work together?

I work as an independent senior designer on a freelance basis. Most collaborations are structured through framework agreements combined with individual commissioning or retainer models. I strongly prefer long-term partnerships where I can be embedded within teams and contribute sustainably over time.

Miscellaneous

Availability: Limited 🟡

Availability depends on scope and timing. Please reach out for current details.

Where do you work?

I work remotely and collaborate with teams across different locations. Depending on the project, I’m available for on-site collaboration when it adds value.

German or English?

Both. I’m comfortable working in German and English-speaking teams.

I’m an independent Senior Product and Brand Designer with a dedicated focus on working in complex digital environments.

FAQs

Work

Rates & Contracts

Miscellaneous