About

Hi! I’m Katharina Manz, a multi-disciplinary industrial designer and artist with a passion for turning imagination into reality. Born and raised in Germany, I moved to the US in 2010, where my creative journey truly unfolded. I studied industrial design at Muthesius Academy of Fine Arts & Design, mastering techniques in plastics, wood, and metal to bring functional designs to life.

Throughout my career, I’ve had the opportunity to collaborate with major brands, learning the intricacies of various design fields, sustainable development, and consumer behavior. I thrive on teamwork and innovation, always pushing the boundaries of what’s possible.

As an industrial designer, I believe our mission is to create products that benefit both people and the environment. Whether it’s a sustainable product or a completely new concept, I’m driven by the chance to improve lives through thoughtful design.

I have had the pleasure of working for a wide variety of companies and clients, from small startups and private projects to large corporations.

2022 - Today

Green Ideation LLC - Los Angeles

Full-Time - Head of Operations & Design

Managed cross-functional teams, optimized workflows, and streamlined manufacturing processes with overseas partners.
Developed marketing strategies, brand identity, and UX/UI design elements for digital and physical products.
Handled material sourcing to align with eco-conscious consumer trends.

Work Life

2018 - 2022

Aria Design LLC - Los Angeles

Contract - Project Manager, Interior Designer

Managed and oversaw residential and commercial interior design projects from concept through completion, ensuring client satisfaction and timely project delivery.
Coordinated with architects, contractors, and clients to create aesthetically pleasing, functional spaces.
Led project budgets, timelines, and procurement processes for materials and furnishings.

2014 - 2019

HyperloopTT Inc, Los Angeles

Freelance - Industrial Designer

Designed and developed the cabin exterior and interior from concept through prototype.
Managed testing and prototyping through 3D printing, wood shaping, iron welding and model fabrication.
Supervised in-house mold making for injection molding and pad printing, ensuring precision and high production quality.

2017 - 2017

Lovair USA, LLC.

Full-Time - Industrial Designer

Conceptualized product renders and graphics that enabled sales team to secure new business through impactful visual pitch materials.
Managed the development of the LA flagship showroom, aligning the space with the brand vision and enhancing client engagement.
Conducted user testing to ensure products were user-friendly and met customer needs.

2020 - 2022

Green Ideation LLC

Full-Time - Industrial Designer

Designed and developed innovative sustainable products, overseeing all stages from concept sketching to final production.
Conducted user research, prototyping, and testing, ensuring functionality and market viability.
Established design and material guidelines for brand consistency and manufacturing efficiency.

2019 - 2020

Mr. Pink Collection LLC, Los Angeles

Freelancer - Project Manager, Retail Design

Directed the end-to-end design and execution of a new retail store opening, overseeing architecture, interiors, and fixtures.
Developed detailed project plans, including budgeting, scheduling, and resource allocation, ensuring an on-time and within-budget launch.
Created project roadmaps and schedules enabling streamlined completion through close management of contractor teams and internal stakeholders.

2017 - 2018

Lovair USA, LLC. - Los Angeles

Full-Time - Production Design Manager

Led a team of industrial designers in creating compelling interior designs and brand narratives.
Directed the full product design process, optimizing aesthetics and manufacturability for large-scale production within budget.
Oversaw European supplier relationships to guarantee defect-free unit production at scale for inventory needs.

2015 - 2016

Pacific Lighting & Standards Co, Los Angeles

Full-Time - Graphic/Technical Designer

Designed outdoor lighting fixtures to support new business opportunities and acquisitions.
Led design efforts for The Walt Disney Company account, delivering customized solutions to meet their specific requirements.
Managed and produced marketing materials, including print ads, photo-realistic renderings, and illustrations.

2013 - 2013

Zodiac Aerospace - ZEO, Huntington Beach, CA

Internship - Industrial Designer

Designed and developed concepts and detailed drawings for commercial aircraft cabin interior products, balancing functionality and aesthetics.
Created 3D models and renderings for customer reviews, effectively presenting design concepts and gathering feedback.
Assisted in the development of product design standards to ensure consistency and quality.