Phil Collins
AI Consultant · Solutions Architect · Software Engineer
Summary
AI consultant, solutions architect and software engineer who helps teams turn AI into shipped, reliable software. Available for freelance and contract work. Most of my recent work has been on AI systems for regulated, security-sensitive organisations: data that is not allowed to leave the building, agents whose reach has to be bounded on purpose, and evaluation that has to hold up when “the model said so” is not an acceptable answer. Alongside that I advise and build for clients integrating LLMs, RAG and automation into real products. With a unique background spanning a decade as a chef, I bring a creative, detail-obsessed approach to solving customers' specific problems with technology.
I excel at translating business needs into pragmatic technical solutions: architecting scalable systems, leading delivery, and shipping full-stack across React, TypeScript, Node and Python. Beyond code, I channel my creativity into photography and juggling. Hobbies that reflect my balance of precision and playfulness in both work and life.
Frontend Team Lead
White Space
An AI company building a modular AI operating system for regulated, security-sensitive industries including defence, government, and financial services.
Leading the frontend team across multiple projects, mentoring junior developers and managing team workflows through Jira. Working on bleeding-edge AI technology with a clear vision toward superintelligence. The key challenge and USP is deploying AI infrastructure into highly secure, air-gapped environments, on machines handling classified and sensitive information. A significant technical hurdle that we are actively overcoming with live deployments.
Senior Software Engineer
Poppins Agency
A full-service digital agency, specializes in delivering end-to-end solutions for branding, design, web, and in-person experiences.
At Poppins Agency, I serve as the lead developer across multiple projects, focusing on building robust web applications and platforms. Leveraging modern tools like NextJS, Tailwind CSS, and Prisma, I have developed award-winning websites and scalable applications. My role also involves mentoring team members, improving project efficiency, and contributing to the hiring process.
Senior Software Engineer
Memorisely
An online learning platform specializing in Figma courses and resources.
As a consultant for Memorisely, I developed a full-stack application using NextJS, NestJS, Tailwind CSS, and Prisma. I established a dedicated team to maintain and expand the application, ensuring seamless handoff for continued development.
Senior Software Engineer
DMG Media
Publisher of the Daily Mail, embarked on transitioning its websites from WordPress to NextJS.
Hired to spearhead this initiative, I contributed as a senior developer on several projects. While the scope shifted unexpectedly, I provided support to other teams, refining my ability to adapt in dynamic environments.
Senior Software Engineer
Evil Geniuses
A renowned esports organization, expanded into software to enhance scouting and fan engagement.
At Evil Geniuses, I led the development of a sophisticated internal scouting application that later evolved into a customer-facing platform. I implemented real-time game visualizations in the browser, integrating second-by-second gameplay data to create dynamic, interactive play maps. Additionally, I established streaming functionality for live updates using GraphQL subscriptions triggered by Python-based ingestion scripts.
Before transitioning to software engineering, Phil had a distinguished 10-year career as a chef. As a head chef in the French Alps, he developed strong leadership, creativity, and problem-solving skills that now enhance his approach to software development.