Kate Dannessa is a Providence based designer focused on sculptural objects and furniture. Her creative process is rooted in experimentation with method, material, and form. Rather than envisioning a piece, she begins by focusing on a specific combination of processes that enable a dialogue with the materials at hand. Resulting works blend craft, art object, and functional simplicity. Each piece is designed and handmade in her studio, and in collaboration with local manufacturers.

Select Works Available at:

     Otras Formas - New York, NY

     JohnnyCakes - Providence, RI

     Sticks & Bones - Marfa, TX 

Kate holds a BFA in Industrial Design from the Rhode Island School of Design (RISD) and an MA in Interdisciplinary Studies from New York University. She spent her early career fabricating for high end designers- honing her craft in furniture, lighting, and hardware. In addition, she regularly collaborates on client projects, designing speculative tools and object-based workshops. Kate is currently an Assistant Professor in the Industrial Design Department at RISD and teaches primarily shop-based studios. She believes strongly in the philosophy of thinking through making- where ideas are formed through the process of creation and experimentation- and centers this approach in teaching and in practice.

 [Information on client work, collaborations, and teaching pedagogy can be found here]