Katie as a designer

Her experience is diverse, and began at a young age assembling science fair presentation boards with Xacto blades (her mother is an interior designer), and winning bridge building competitions in physics (her father is an architect). Following her parents' path she graduated with a Bachelor's of Science in Design from the University of Cincinnati's College of Design, Architecture, Art, and Planning, and began her professional experience early with their co-op program at companies such as the National Park Service and Vanderbyl Design. Upon graduation she started her own business in San Francisco, but later circled back to Cincinnati where she built and led the graphic design department at Reztark Design Studio. Next she worked at Alaska Airlines as an inaugural member of their in-house creative studio and later went on to work for NBBJ in Seattle as a Lead Experience Designer for clients such as Kaiser Permanente, REI, and Alaska Airlines. Katie currently works as a freelance brand experience designer and artist.

Katie's strength lies in her ability to lead people and resources for maximum effectiveness. She thrives in a collaborative environment, forming mutually rewarding relationships with clients and team members. She is a catalyst for turning ideas into action. She brings a contagious energy to all projects, triggering an increased momentum to realize the final product. She has a solution-oriented mindset allowing her to analyze complex situations, identify potential shortcomings, and make the necessary adjustments to achieve an effective result.

Prior to her full time design career, Katie split her time as a freelance designer and rowing coach for nine years. While coaching, Katie's boats frequently won regional championships, and consistently finished in the top 10 nationally, including a national title in 2008. Her coaching career encompassed leadership roles at the nationally competitive Cincinnati Junior Rowing Club and an Assistant Coach position for the Stanford University Varsity Women's program. The skills acquired from these experiences have allowed her to be an effective leader, mentor, and team member in her design pursuits.

In her spare time, she enjoys yoga, spending time in nature with her family, and frequenting farmers markets.

Katie has a passion to make a lasting difference in the lives she encounters, by way of soulful art, effective visual communication, or a genuine smile.