In an effort to highlight free-thinking designers with a unique approach to their work, don’t miss Fresh to Follow. Each spring and fall, we’ll unveil a new designer or group of designers we deem “follow-worthy.” This fall, jump on board with five Celia Moh Scholarship recipients. Find out what drives each of their individual passions and follow along to see what new perspectives they'll have to share at Fall Market. We invite you the meet the fifth of five Fresh to Follow contributors.

Kate Hyman is a senior at Kendall College of Art and Design majoring in Furniture Design and minoring in Sculpture and Functional Objects. She pursued furniture design because it combines aspects of sculpture and industrial design. Kate has been on the President’s List and a Merit Scholar at KCAD. In her free time, she teaches as a peer tutor and a Continuing Education Sculpture Instructor. She also enjoys dancing, travelling, exploring the outdoors and downhill skiing. Following graduation, Kate would like to be a residential furniture designer working in a collaborative design environment.

Q&A

Why did you decide to pursue a design-related career?

My path towards design began in the classroom, but not in the traditional sense, in a classroom I lead as a teacher. With a fascination in human experience, and ambitions to improve the lives of others, teaching appeared an ideal fit. Within the classroom environment and furnishings, however, I quickly discovered unresolved issues of safety, functionality, and a general disregard for the user. I felt I could enact greater change in society, and reach a larger audience, through the critical and creative lens of design. At a basic level, design presents the opportunity to reevaluate every facet of the human experience – nothing is off the table. I pursued design to be an active problem solver in society.

Where do you imagine working when you graduate?

Of greatest importance, an ideal workplace would include passionate designers, dedicated to the overarching goal of sustainable, user-centric solutions. I thrive when pursuing an idea beyond my comfort zone, and want to work in a like minded organization where curiosity, empathy and challenges are encouraged.

What are a few of your favorite “designs,” whether home furnishings, apparel, logos, etc. and why?

There are too many to recount. However, I am partial to the Wishbone Chair by Hans Wegner. A timeless piece such as that demonstrates incredible restraint; simplicity, well done, can provide the greatest design challenge 

What are you looking forward to the most with regard to attending High Point Market?

When you gather people from specialized backgrounds that share a common passion, it generates a diverse exchange of ideas that you don’t stumble upon very often. I always return from Market feeling revitalized in my design practice, eager to apply new approaches informed by discussions held there. This is tremendously healthy and invaluable for both the individual and the industry as a whole. 

How do you define outstanding design?

Deeply considerate of, and integrated into, its intended environment and user lifestyle. Outstanding design holds empathy not only for the user, but also for the environment.