Katja Werner Design

About the practice

What began as a long-standing fascination with flea markets and scrapyards—rescuing discarded objects from the street and repurposing found items—gradually evolved into the core of my work as a designer. With a background spanning corporate, motion, set, and interior design, I have always found that an interdisciplinary approach—often pushing the boundaries toward fine art—adds a vital spark to my creative process. In 2007, driven by a desire to integrate ecological responsibility with professional design, I embarked on a new direction and founded the label K.W.D. At the heart of my practice lies the goal of uncovering the inherent qualities and virtues of a material, then repurposing it in a sustainable way—liberated from its original function. I highlight unique characteristics, such as signs of wear or industrial markings, and preserve original forms rather than erasing them. The result is a collection of one-of-a-kind pieces and small-batch series, each reflecting the passion and heart I pour into my work.