About

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Kate O’Connell is the Founder and Owner of KDESIGN Creative, a branding and design consultancy specializing in brand identity development and a wide range of creative services. With more than 25 years of experience, Kate has built and elevated brands across diverse industries, helping organizations communicate their value through strategic, impactful design.

In addition to leading KDESIGN Creative, Kate serves as Vice President of Marketing and Brand at Hodess Construction, where she oversees brand strategy, marketing initiatives, and corporate communications.

Prior to joining Hodess Construction, Kate was Director of Brand Management at Shawmut Design and Construction in Boston, where she led the firm’s brand strategy and managed the creative team responsible for maintaining the quality, consistency, and evolution of the Shawmut brand. Before Shawmut, she spent 13 years as Corporate Design Director at Suffolk Construction, one of the nation’s largest and most innovative construction management firms. Earlier in her career, Kate was a Senior Designer at bbi Marketing, a sports marketing agency based in Rockland, Massachusetts, and began her professional journey as a Junior Graphic Designer for the Kansas City Chiefs in Kansas City, Missouri.

A recognized leader in branding and design, Kate has participated in numerous industry seminars and panel discussions focused on marketing, communications, and creative strategy. Her work has earned several prestigious awards, including a Hermes Creative Award (Platinum Winner) in the Corporate Website category, First Place from the Society for Marketing Professional Services (SMPS) in the Corporate Brochure category, Second Place from SMPS in the Book/Monograph category, and just recently as a National Finalist in the SMPS Brand Refresh Category.

Kate holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Graphic Design and Photography from the University of Kansas and furthered her studies in photography and design at the European School of Design in Milan, Italy.

Deeply committed to community involvement, Kate has volunteered with Braintree Youth Soccer, Mass Fallen Heroes, and Youth Design Boston, where she served as a mentor to aspiring young designers. She has also held leadership and advisory roles with organizations including the American Institute of Graphic Arts (AIGA) Boston Chapter and Youth Design Boston.

Kate resides in the Boston area with her wife and three sons.