Kathryn Grotheer: Designing for the Next Bite

Kathryn Grotheer
Senior Designer, Bergmeyer, Boston / Age: 33
Favorite Sport: Skiing

WHY KATHRYN?

Kathryn showcases a strategic retail mindset to the fast-growing intersection of food, beverage and brand experience. As a Senior Designer at Bergmeyer, she leads complex projects from concept through construction, shaping environments that balance operational performance, guest experience and strong brand storytelling.

Her portfolio includes work for nationally recognized brands such as Shake Shack and Sweetgreen, where she helped support large-scale rollout programs requiring speed, consistency and precise brand execution. Most notably, Kathryn has served as project lead for Pressed Café, guiding the development of a new prototype that blends quick-service dining with retail-driven merchandising, from coffee and pastry displays to streamlined guest flow. The result is a concept designed not just for dining, but for brand engagement and scalable growth.

Kathryn recently guided the development of Pressed Café’s new prototype. PHOTO: BERGMEYER

Inside the studio, Kathryn is widely respected for her calm leadership and technical rigor. She mentors interns and emerging designers, helping them build confidence while navigating the realities of fast-paced project work. Known among some colleagues as a “ninja” for her efficiency and problem-solving skills, Kathryn consistently elevates both the work and the teams around her, proving that impactful retail design is as much about thoughtful leadership as it is about the spaces themselves.

Who has been the greatest influence on you in your work?

My parents have set great examples of what it looks like to balance professionalism, creativity and whimsy. I wouldn’t be the designer I am today without their influence.

What do you enjoy most about your job?

I love finding creative ways to solve problems. I see every parameter or challenge presented as an opportunity to find a new, innovative solution.

How have you handled challenges in your career?

Always staying on your toes and not just rolling with the punches but learning to anticipate and shifting towards the front foot. Often brands will evolve along the course of the project and come to understand more clearly programmatic demands and evolutions. While it’s always a challenge, it’s one I embrace – growing alongside a client, learning together and landing on a final product that perfectly suits their wants and needs.

Describe a recent project that you were involved in.

I recently worked with a local restaurant concept, Pressed Café, on their landmark 10th location in the heart of Boston’s Seaport district. This was an important milestone and evolution of the brand that presented unique technical challenges – fitting their robust kitchen program into a relatively small footprint. It was incredibly rewarding to solve complex spatial puzzles while simultaneously evolving the brand identity to set the tone for their continued growth.

What experience or specific interest has shaped you as a designer?

I’ve always been intrigued by set design. Whether it be theater, TV or movies, the nuances in the design of the props and sets not only lay the groundwork but set the scene and can tell a supporting story of their own – as if they have their own characterization.

If I had a completely unlimited budget for a project, I would…

…emphasize universal design and make the space a multisensory, accessible experience.

My dream project is…

…a combination bookstore, coffee bar and small concert venue.

The best part of my day is…

…chatting with my sisters.