WEDA 2023: Katherine Stuart leads with confidence at STUARTS DESIGN®

by Aisha Capulong

Katherine further cements her role as a champion for inclusivity in design with her second WEDA win in a row at the 2023 DOTY Awards

As Design Director over at STUARTS DESIGN®, this is Katherine’s second Women Empowering Designer Award (WEDA) win, and she has since collaborated with notable clients and organisations that also champion inclusivity in design. She has always believed success to be a journey rather than a destination, and looks to lead by example for her team. Katherine sees the act of empowering others as one that starts from self-confidence, and she has strived, in turn, to manifest this into a work culture where women are encouraged to challenge the status quo while celebrating each other’s professional achievements.

Often starting her day following a clear, structured plan prepared the day before, the eminent Design Director emphasises on the importance of staying true to one’s vision and values, even when faced with doubts or external pressure — Katherine maintains that authenticity and integrity is crucial to who she is as a designer.

Considering each step forward as an opportunity for evolution, her idea of a successful leader is one who is able to model resilience for their team while ensuring they are equally equipped with both the tools and confidence to tackle any challenge that comes their way. Now and then, Katherine recharges her battery through travel, where she immerses herself in the different lifestyles led by those outside her usual environment. It inspires her work and fuels her creativity by exposing her to various cultures and insightful angles.

When asked how she envisions her career in the next five years, Katherine curiously comments, “Well, I wish to not have this disclosed.” With such a powerfully mysterious answer, one can’t help but wonder: what incredible things does she have in store for her and her impressive team at STUARTS DESIGN®?