My Story

Where strategic vision meets creative execution.

Great design doesn't just happen, it emerges from insight, empathy, and strategic clarity.

The Foundation: Art Meets Engineering

Raised by a fine artist and an engineer, I've always lived at the intersection of creativity and logic. This unique foundation shapes everything I do, from how I approach complex design challenges to how I lead teams through ambitious projects.

My journey began with a BFA in Industrial Design from the Milwaukee Institute of Art & Design (MIAD), where I also studied sculpture. This combination of functional design thinking and artistic expression became the blueprint for my approach: solutions that don't just look beautiful, they work hard for the brand, the channel, and the people who experience them.

Professional Evolution

13 years ago, I started as a designer focused on making spaces beautiful. Today, I'm a creative leader focused on making businesses successful and teams extraordinary.

The progression wasn't accidental, each role taught me that great design requires great leadership, and great leadership amplifies great design.

My Design Philosophy.

Great design doesn't just happen, it emerges from insight, empathy, and strategic clarity.

I believe the best solutions come from understanding three critical elements: what the customer truly needs, what the brand authentically represents, and what the channel requires. When these align, magic happens.

My work identifies the consideration drivers for the customer and opportunities for the brand and channel in order to connect with the customer at key moments in their journey.

My approach blends data-based insights, creative vision, and business strategy in order to help clients and internal teams align around shared goals and navigate the business and marketing demands of each activation.

I'm passionate about design as a tool for connection and storytelling, constantly absorbing trends, insights, and ideas to create work that resonates with both people and brands.

My Edge

Strategic Creative Thinking

I don't just solve design problems, I identify the right problems to solve.

My approach starts with deep customer insights and business objectives, ensuring every creative decision drives measurable impact.

Operational Excellence

Beautiful concepts mean nothing without flawless execution.

I've built systems and processes that consistently deliver complex projects on time, on budget, and beyond expectations.

Team Builder

"Kathleen makes teams better. Full stop."*

I create environments where diverse talents thrive, collaboration flourishes, and everyone feels empowered to do their best work. *Quote from Creative Staff Member, Simon/Myers

Industry Breadth

Cross-Industry Expertise.

From retail, CPG, consumer to trade, higher education to healthcare, I translate insights across industries to create fresh, differentiated solutions that cut through marketplace noise.