Hello there!

I’m Bret Thompson and I’m a UX researcher and designer based out of Richmond, Virginia with an extensive background in business development and sales. As an optimistic pragmatist, I believe there’s always an opportunity to create engaging and pleasant experiences, designed with everyone in mind. I find the most value in my work when I’m able to provide solutions for our clients’ biggest problems, which was a driving force that led me down the exciting path of UX design.


About Me
I got my start at the research advisory firm Corporate Executive Board (CEB), before it was acquired by Gartner where I worked with clients spanning between midmarket to F500 organizations. I then made the move into the SaaS world working for PlanGrid - a start-up that would also be acquired, this time by industry pioneer Autodesk where I currently work in the Architecture, Engineering, and Construction (AEC) space.

Being in a variety of client-facing roles for the last 10 years, I’ve found that several skills I’ve developed - whether it’s understanding the ‘why’ behind human behavior, collaborating with different teams, generating and communicating new ideas - has naturally transferred to skills needed for human-centered design processes. My ultimate goal is to continue building on these skills to create a positive impact on people’s lives through good user experience design.


In My Free Time
You’ll find me spending quality time with my family, enjoying the outdoors, reading a book, or trying free food samples at Costco, but you won’t find me sitting around doing nothing! I’m always open to learning something new and connecting with people, so let’s chat!

Currently Reading: All the Light We Cannot See by Anthony Doerr

Current Playlist: At the moment a lot of Jim Croce!

Favorite Hike: Old Rag Mountain, Shenandoah National Park

Favorite Quote: “I guess it comes down to a simple choice, really. Get busy living, or get busy dying.”
- Andy Dufresne, The Shawshank Redemption

Let’s connect!

Feel free to drop a line on LinkedIn, or email me directly at thompsbh@gmail.com. You can also view my resume by clicking the link at the top of this page, or downloading it here:

What others are saying

  • "After getting his LUMA Practitioner certification, Bret wasted no time in applying the skills he learned to assist me with key initiatives within our org."

    - Brian L., Direct Manager, Autodesk

    1/5

  • "Bret always goes above and beyond and is a true team player. I truly appreciate how dedicated to his craft he is."

    - John M., Account Manager, Autodesk

    2/5

  • "Bret helped lead an amazing Autodesk event at a conference in Austin. Not only were we able to increase brand awareness for our customer base, but I lost count of how many attendees said that it was the best event they'd attended at this conference!"

    - Jackie S., Field Marketing Manager, formerly Autodesk

    3/5

  • "Bret is a proven professional that brings his 'A' game every day. He's made such a positive impact on PlanGrid, and now Autodesk."

    - Paul A., Account Manager, Autodesk

    4/5

  • "Bret is just the nicest, smartest, most well-balanced young man who always gives 100% effort in everything he does. From opening stubborn pickle jars to helping me find the channel to my favorite show, I know I can count on him"

    - Grandma Thompson

    5/5