Katherine Ferwerda

Adept at working with a range of stakeholders – non-profits, major corporations, celebrities, and community members. Expert knowledge of production and design as well as coalition building. Excellent multi-tasker, creative problem solver, independent, and patient listener. Committed advocate for the environment with a focus on educating younger generations and at risk communities about climate resiliency through storytelling and immersive experiences.

Green Building Corps - USGBC-CA (US Green Building Council)

(2025-05)

• Future Green Leaders Summit - Event Team Lead
• Created CAD drawings for site planning
• Vendor procurement for rentals, catering, restrooms, hotels, and branded swag
• Event support of Q2-4 Regional Work Alliance job retraining conferences
• Small business outreach for Green Business Committee
• Co-chair of Green Schools Committee

Owner - Social Study Studio

(2018-01)

Design & Production Studio specializing in corporate events and fundraisers

• Designer for corporate and executive events, overseeing concept development, vendor sourcing, budget creation and reconciliation, installation management, and onsite execution.
• Worked closely with clients, venue staff, and production crews to align creative design with operational needs and deliver seamless event experiences.
• Cisco Technology — Creative Director; IMPACT Global Sales Conference, Mandalay Bay & MGM Grand, Las Vegas, 2023
• In-N-Out Burger — Event Designer; Annual Christmas Party, Slave to Nothing Fundraiser, 70th Anniversary Events, various locations, 2018–2023
• Microsoft – Event Designer: "Celebration" annual sales conference after party, Paris Resort, Las Vegas, NV 2018
• Nike — Event Designer; LeBron James Signature Shoe Influencer Event, Beverly Hills Flagship, 2018
• A16z Crypto — Event Designer; Founders Summit, Ritz-Carlton, Rancho Mirage, 2022
• Wildwoods Organization — Event Designer & Producer; Annual Fundraisers, 2019, 2021, 2023, 2025

Owner - Social Study store - Highland Park, Los Angeles

(2012-01 - 2020-12)

Retail store and community event space in Highland Park, Los Angeles

• Produced a broad portfolio of community and cultural events including over 24 art exhibitions, musical performances, craft and food fairs, holistic health and crafting workshops, and various civic gatherings.
• Curated and managed a 1,000 sq ft retail environment focused on sustainable goods in all categories – Gifts, housewares, body, children, women's and men's clothing

CAD & Prop Designer for corporate and private events - Colin Cowie Lifestyle

(2001-01 - 2004-12)

• Oprah Winfrey Show, episodes: Bob Greene's Wedding and The Million Dollar Wedding
• Oprah Winfrey's 50th Birthday Celebration
• Matrix Reloaded Premiere Party

Event Designer - CAA (Creative Artists Agency) & Kathleen Sacchi

(1999-01 - 2003-12)

• Designed CAA's corporate and executive events including internal programs, client-facing receptions, and annual celebrations.

Event Designer & Producer - What A Pair! (1–3)

(2001-01 - 2003-12)

Fundraiser for Revlon/UCLA Breast Center featuring 40 celebrity performances.

• Creative direction, vendor oversight, rehearsals, budgets, and full event-day operations.

Event Designer - Bolthouse Productions

(2001-01 - 2002-12)

• Designed celebrity and entertainment industry events, including the Virgin Records Grammy Party at the Hotel Figueroa.

Event Designer - Merv Griffin Productions

(2000-01 - 2000-12)

• Designed and supervised all scenic and production elements for Universal's The Grinch Toy Fair at the Armory Building in NYC & Los Angeles Premiere Party.

Event Designer - Discover Card

(2003-01 - 2003-12)

Annual Convention

• Designed four genre-based experiential rooms for corporate team building.

Event Co-Producer - Planetary Coral Reef Foundation

(2002-01 - 2002-12)

• Produced the Celebrity Sail fundraising event, featuring speakers, art activations, and programming hosted by James Cameron.

Event Designer & Co-Producer - West Coast Salsa Congress

(2002-01 - 2002-12)

• Designed multiple performance stages; collaborated with international performers; oversaw logistics and programming.

Hospitality Coordinator - AFI Los Angeles International Film Festival

(1999-01 - 1999-12)

• Designed VIP and sponsorship lounges; coordinated daily receptions for filmmakers.

Event & Stage Designer - Project ALS

(1999-01 - 1999-12)

Benefit event

• Produced a celebrity fundraising event for Project ALS in partnership with InStyle Magazine and Saks Fifth Avenue.

Production Designer - Freelance - Los Angeles

(1994-01 - 2002-12)

• Served as Production Designer, Art Director, and Decorator for commercials, music videos, short films, and theater productions across Los Angeles.

Master of Arts (MA) - Narrative and Emerging Technology - Arizona State University

Master of Fine Arts (MFA) - Production Design - University of California San Diego

Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) - Printing - Rhode Island School of Design