SDF Team / People

Cathy’s work combines art and architecture with teaching and public engagement, and is motivated by projects that use design to foster dialogue and community connection.

Cathy brings strong project management experience from both professional practice and large-scale public programming. As Principal of Braasch Architecture and previously an associate at several larger firms, she has led collaborative architectural and urban projects with diverse teams and stakeholders. In parallel, she has directed major workshops and symposia, most notably the Robert Reed Drawing Workshops, which brought together over 200 students and educators across institutions and required extensive fundraising, coordination, and collaboration.

As an architecture professor, Cathy regularly facilitated inclusive learning environments and led equity-focused initiatives within my institution. Having recently relocated to Seattle, she is eager to learn from and contribute to the local design community.

Christine is an architectural designer based in Seattle, where she brings a thoughtful and inclusive approach to her work. Originally from the Atlanta area, she developed an early appreciation for diverse cultures and global perspectives, which continues to shape her design philosophy today. Her curiosity about the world—its flavors, traditions, and stories—has inspired both her professional projects and personal journey.

While deeply involved in the built environment, Christine also values the importance of stillness and reflection. She finds peace in nature and enjoys the quiet moments that offer opportunities for introspection and fresh perspectives. These experiences often inform her creative process, allowing her to approach challenges with empathy and open-mindedness.

Passionate about making a meaningful impact, Christine is particularly drawn to initiatives that foster community engagement and elevate underrepresented voices. She believes that design should be a tool for inclusion and empowerment, and she actively seeks ways to bring people together through collaborative and interactive experiences. Over the years, she has contributed to a variety of public-focused efforts, including volunteering at community design festivals, co-creating interactive installations, and mentoring young creatives exploring careers in architecture and design.

Christine continues to advocate for spaces through her work that reflect the diverse voices of the communities they serve, striving to create environments that are functional, resonant, and human-centered.

Jessica is a returning Planning Team Member, bringing her diverse design background and passion for sustainability and equity-centered design. Originally from Orlando and with roots in Boston, Jessica’s experience spans the graphic design, UI/UX design, product design, and publication design fields.

Jessica also holds a degree in Mechanical Engineering, Materials Science, and Innovation, giving her a strong technical foundation that complements her creative background and provides a unique perspective for creative problem-solving.

In the past, she has led the creation of the FORGE Design Studios and the CATALYST Designathon at Boston University, creating opportunities for local Boston students to learn about design and contribute to the community by uplifting small businesses with their design skills.

In her spare time, you can find Jessica baking new pastries, making ceramics at the pottery studio, taking photos with her Nikon Zfc, or learning her fifth language.

After moving to Seattle, I’ve been seeking opportunities in the creative industry that allow me to build community while growing professionally, and this opportunity felt like the perfect blend of both! I’m especially excited to develop my project management skills as I continue working toward building a career in that field. I’m hoping this experience will offer a great opportunity to learn how to collaboratively plan and successfully execute an event of this scale. Overall, I’m really looking forward to meeting new people, working as part of a team, and seeing this project come together!

Driven by her boundless curiosity and vision for a better world, Karen designs with heart. As an architectural designer, she creates spaces where people gather, grow and belong. She recently moved from Los Angeles to Seattle to join Olson Kundig–bridging nature, culture and art through thoughtful design.

 Karen is thrilled to continue her work on the Seattle Design Festival Planning Committee Team where she is excited to inspire imagination and connection–encouraging communities to engage, experiment, and learn from one another through the joy of play.

 Outside of the studio, you’ll likely find her exploring the forest trails, nurturing her ever-growing knowledge of native plants, getting her hands muddy in the ceramic studio– or enjoying the peaceful moments in her garden with her flock of fluffy silkie chickens.

I am passionate about urbanism and the intersection between accessibility, sustainability, and design, especially in the context of housing and public transportation infrastructure. I am a student at the University of Washington studying Community, Environment, and Planning, where I have the opportunity to explore many facets of design through classes in architecture, urban ecology, and real estate. I am also an intern with Seattle Department of Transportation’s Public Engagement team, with valuable experience in community outreach, event planning, and interorganizational collaboration. I’ve attached my resume for further review of my experience and interests. 

As someone with a background in the arts and a career in the AEC industry, I feel passionate about advancing design through interdisciplinary collaboration, creativity, and meaningful community engagement. Working in marketing, I bring a perspective that bridges storytelling, strategy, and design in a way that helps translate complex ideas into accessible, engaging experiences. My background in event planning has further strengthened my ability to curate thoughtful, interactive environments that connect people to ideas.

Beyond my professional experience, I have volunteered with individual creatives, art collectives, and museums centered on creating immersive and interactive experiences for the community. These opportunities reinforced my belief that the most impactful design is informed by diverse voices and lived experiences. When communities are invited into the design process, outcomes become more relevant, inclusive, and resilient.

I am particularly interested in promoting an interdisciplinary approach to design that breaks down traditional boundaries within the AEC industry. By fostering collaboration across disciplines and prioritizing community feedback, we can push the future of design forward in ways that are both innovative and responsive to a rapidly changing landscape. Design should not exist in silos; it should evolve alongside current events, cultural shifts, and emerging needs.

It is my belief that building the future can be both purposeful and fun. I am excited to explore new ideas and help continue building a design culture that is engaging, inclusive, and forward-looking.

Rachael Keith is a junior Phi Theta Kappa student pursuing a bachelor’s degree in Interior Architecture at Bellevue College. She has spent the past several years integrating herself into the vibrant design community of Seattle. With a strong commitment to learning and a love for
sustainable design, she strives to cultivate a diverse range of experiences that reflect the importance of community engagement.

Rachael volunteers at the Center on Contemporary Art, where she participates in the ShowWalls program, curating engaging contemporary art vignettes for member artists while fostering a deeper application toward the intersection of community art, design, and architecture. She has become progressively involved with the Seattle Design Festival. Initially volunteering at the 2022 festival through CoCA, her ongoing design studies quickly spurred her desire to commit to becoming a built installation exhibitor in 2024. This opportunity allowed her to collaborate with the SDF planning team, builders, designers, and artists as a physical catalyst for transforming creative design concepts into reality. She is now thrilled to contribute to event planning and community engagement as part of the Mixer team.

Outside of her academic and community volunteering pursuits, she enjoys finding new ways to engage with local artists and culture, finding inspiration and reflection in gardening with the local P-Patch program, spending time with friends antiquing and at estate sales, and meeting up with fellow student design cohorts at regional get-togethers. Rachael is thrilled to have the opportunity to be a part of the Festival Planning Team and contribute to the ongoing dialogue of design in the PNW community.

Steven Yang is an Architectural Designer at BRR Architecture, originally from Atlanta, GA. Over the past several years, he has worked on built installations and small-scale projects throughout the Atlanta metro area, with a strong passion for community-focused and sustainable design.

Steven has actively contributed to a range of community engagement initiatives, volunteering at events such as PARK(ing) Day, the Atlanta Design Festival, Future City, and many others. He’s also been involved with the Seattle Design Festival for the past 3–4 years, always eager to see the ideas and energy the local community brings to life.

Outside of work and volunteering, Steven enjoys discovering new food spots, cooking, traveling, and biking through the city to uncover hidden gems and fresh perspectives.

I was born and raised in Shiraz, Iran—a city where gardens, poetry, and beauty are woven into everyday life. Growing up there, I didn’t realize how much these quiet influences would shape me. Only later did I understand why I was so drawn to spaces that hold stories, create belonging, and feel deeply human. Architecture became my way of giving shape to these feelings. 

My journey has been anything but linear. After earning my Bachelor’s degree in Architecture in Shiraz, I moved to Italy for my Master’s at Politecnico di Milano. Living there was both inspiring and humbling—it challenged me to see architecture not just as design, but as culture, history, and human connection. Since then, I’ve called Bournemouth in the UK, Los Angeles, and now Seattle home. Each place has left its mark, teaching me more about who I am as a person and as a designer. 

I chose architecture for its power to connect, inspire, and create belonging—the same values that drive my work with SDF. Being part of SDF allows me to merge my passion for design with my commitment to community, helping shape an experience that brings people together in meaningful ways. It’s a reminder that design is never just about buildings—it’s about people, stories, and the spaces where life unfolds.

I’m a design student at Aalto University in Finland but I’m from Seattle. I’m hoping to get to know the design scene in Seattle better as I plan to continue my design career there.

 My current education is service focused, and I do have a knack for planning and organizing. I also have some experience designing exhibitions, printed event material and facilitating workshops. I’ve enjoyed my volunteer role at the urban garden event space in Helsinki (Dodo) and am curious to be on the planning end.

I am a product designer with a multidisciplinary creative path—spanning digital product design, website, typography, poster design, photography, and even the entrepreneurial hustle of launching my own nut butter brand. This diverse background has taught me that great design isn’t just about solving problems; it’s about enriching lives and leaving people inspired to explore further.

As a Chinese-born world explorer now calling Seattle home, I am eager to bring a multicultural lens to the team. I want to help the Festival connect with a broader, more diverse audience and ensure our programming resonates across different cultural perspectives.

I’ve been searching for a design community here to get involved with, and I’m ready to roll up my sleeves. Whether it’s reviewing proposals, supporting logistics, or communicating with partners, I pride myself on being dependable and highly collaborative. Seattle deserves more “aha moments,” and I want to be part of making those happen.