INFORMATION

ABOUT

Katherine Bonsi is a Japanese-American multidisciplinary designer based in Tokyo, Japan. She is passionate about material culture, craft and visual storytelling, and always aims to practice empathy in her work.

CONTACT

www.linkedin.com/in/katherinebonsi
kbonsi@alumni.risd.edu

EDUCATION

Rhode Island School of Design | June 2023
BFA Industrial Design

Providence, Rhode Island

EXPERIENCE

Designer & Researcher at Kimono Fūkei | January 2025 - May 2026
Tokyo, Japan

  • Researched the cultural heritage, traditional production methods, and material composition of Oshima Tsumugi textiles, specifically kasuri weaving and dorozome mud-dyeing, to accurately evaluate and procure archival fabrics across Tokyo for high-end apparel development.

  • Developed a zero-waste framework by re-engineering original kimono silhouettes into contemporary apparel using rectangular technical patterning, and using reclaimed dorozome-dyed leather for detailing.

  • Managed all stages of production and branding, including technical pattern making, garment construction, editorial photography, and digital asset creation.

  • Planned, marketed, and launched a solo exhibition in Harajuku (Fall 2025), directly managing event logistics, visual merchandising, and public relations to introduce the brand to the market.

Industrial Designer at Cartier | February 2024 - October 2024
Tokyo, Japan

  • Conceptualized physical, digital, and boutique concepts alongside the Senior Design Lead and Product Manager, translating luxury brand heritage into specific aesthetic narratives that enhances both the client experience and back-office operations.

    • Engineered CAD models and technical drawings for manufacturing in collaboration with the Technical Lead, ensuring strict alignment with project specifications, material constraints, and brand philosophy.

    • Translated complex design concepts into highly visual, informative presentations for executive stakeholders, effectively communicating technical project milestones to secure alignment.

    • Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to maintain a cohesive design narrative across all physical and digital touchpoints, successfully balancing aesthetic innovation with business objectives.

Teaching Assistant for Experimental and Foundation Studies (EFS) | September 2021 - December 2022
Providence, Rhode Island USA

  • Collaborated with faculty to deliver a multidimensional course plan that encouraged critical thinking and experimentation among students as well as the development of three dimensional hand building and software skills.

  • Demonstrated strong communication and organizational skills by providing individualized constructive feedback to students on their work, facilitating class discussions and documenting all student projects.

  • Fostered a supportive and inclusive learning environment by working closely with students to determine their strengths and areas of improvement and providing one-on-one guidance and resources to ensure their success in the course.

Materials and Picture Collection Assistant | June 2021 - August 2021
Providence, Rhode Island USA

  • Managed the labeling, filing and organization of over 41,000 images and material samples, ensuring that the collection was easy to navigate for students and that the resources were properly cared for and preserved over time.

  • Demonstrated expertise in various resources including artists, designers and sustainable materials to provide guidance and recommendations to students, resulting in positive feedback and increased usage of the collection.

  • Maintained a record of dependable and punctual performance in all job duties and willingly embraced any additional tasks as delegated by the supervisor.


TECHNICAL SKILLS

Rhino

Fusion360

Solidworks

Keyshot

Adobe Creative Suite

Microsoft Powerpoint

Microsoft Word

Final Cut Pro

Figma

3D Printing

Laser-cutting

DESIGN SKILLS

Product Design

Graphic Design

Presentation Design

Experience Design

Interface Design

Mockup Design

Rapid Prototyping

Wireframing

Design Thinking

Product Thinking

User Journey Mapping UX Research

Market Research Problem Solving Storytelling

FINE ARTS / CRAFT

Woodworking

Shoe Making

Japanese Papermaking

Charcoal Drawing

Sewing

Model Making

Ceramic Hand Building

Plaster Casting

SELECTED EXHIBITIONS

Printmaking Triennial Exhibition | October 2023
Woods-Gerry Gallery
Providence, Rhode Island

Industrial Design Senior Show | April 2023
Gelman Gallery
Providence, Rhode Island

Industrial Design Triennial Exhibition | October 2022
Woods-Gerry Gallery
Providence, Rhode Island

Industrial Design Triennial Exhibition | October 2019
Woods-Gerry Gallery
Providence, Rhode Island

HONORS & AWARDS

Mary C. Warwell Scholarship
Industrial Design Merit Award Scholarship
September 2022

Mary C. Warwell Scholarship
Industrial Design Merit Award Scholarship
September 2021

Student Honor Roll Designation
Rhode Island School of Design
Fall / Spring 2018 - 2023

Board of Director’s Honorable Mention
Regional Art Show Washington State
January 2018

Regional Award
Regional Art Show Washington State
January 2018

Award of Excellence
Visual Arts Reflections Washington State
January 2018

Award of Excellence
Shanghai American School
January 2017

LANGUAGES

English
Native Proficiency

Japanese
Working Proficiency