Catherine Borgstrom
Design Strategist, Sustainability Specialist
Phone:
607-437-4144
Email:
Location:
New York, NY, USA
A Bit About Me
Communications-driven sustainability strategist and designer with experience translating complex climate, economic, and social systems into clear, compelling public narratives. Brings a background in climate science, visual communication, and stakeholder engagement to support advocacy campaigns, coalitions, and mission-driven organizations. Experienced in developing messaging, written content, and visual assets that advance climate justice, build public understanding, and mobilize action across diverse audiences.
Education
2021-2022
M.A. Climate & Society
Columbia University Climate School
Interdisciplinary master’s program building foundations in climate science, and on societal and environmental impacts of climate change. Focused on systems thinking, and cross-sector collaboration as a mechanism for positive change.
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2014-2018
B.A. Industrial Design
High Distinction
California College of the Arts
Focused on sustainable design, user-centered solutions, and systems-based problem solving integrating technology, research, and environmental stewardship.
Work Experience
2025
Work On Climate | Volunteer Graphic Designer & Communications Contributor
Remote
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Member of a volunteer-led marketing and communications team supporting Work on Climate’s organizational shift toward a regenerative economy framework.
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Developed campaign messaging and visual assets for the public announcement of Work on Climate’s updated mission, translating complex economic and climate concepts into accessible, values-driven language.
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Co-wrote and designed a LinkedIn announcement post introducing the organization’s strategic evolution, balancing narrative clarity, movement framing, and visual cohesion.
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Collaborated cross-functionally with organizers, strategists, and marketers to coordinate messaging, narrative framing, and visual execution across channels.
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Applied visual storytelling, typography, and layout to create campaign-ready social and web assets consistent with brand and tone.
2021-2025
M Moser Associates | Sustainability & Universal Design Specialist
New York, NY
Communications, Narrative, & Public-Facing Strategy
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Developed research-backed sustainability toolkits, executive education materials, and public-facing design guides translating complex ESG and climate frameworks into accessible, action-oriented communications.
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Delivered internal trainings and presentations on sustainability frameworks, inclusive design, and ESG strategy for teams across North America and Asia.
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Partnered with leadership and marketing teams to translate research insights into public-facing communications, thought leadership, and campaign-ready presentations.
Project Sustainability Consulting
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Led sustainability strategy and implementation across 12+ global projects, aligning design and operational outcomes with client ESG goals.
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Guided clients through certification processes (LEED, WELL, and Living Building Challenge, etc.), including evidence compilation, technical documentation, and performance evaluation.
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Conducted embodied and operational carbon assessments, water/energy use analysis, and post-occupancy sustainability reviews to support design decision-making.
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Facilitated integrative design workshops, stakeholder meetings, and charrettes to align multi-disciplinary teams around sustainability, accessibility, and user needs.
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Developed project-specific frameworks translating high-level ESG objectives into measurable strategies used by architects, engineers, and facility teams.
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Created user and community research frameworks to integrate external feedback into inclusive design and sustainability goals for workplace projects
Research, Program Development & Strategic Services
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Led research for the firm’s ESG-Aligned Approach (Enterprise Service Development), synthesizing climate frameworks, corporate reporting standards, competitive benchmarking, internal data, and stakeholder interviews to create a new consulting offering.
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Directed research, development, and testing of KIND (Keys to Inclusive & Neurodiverse Design) through literature reviews, client interviews, community feedback, and evidence synthesis—applied across 1M+ sq ft of workspace.
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Conducted internal DEI, ESG, and operational research, including demographic analysis, evaluating corporate partnerships, supply chain mapping, GHG inventory, and certification submissions
2019-2021
Freelance Graphic Design and Brand Strategy Consulting
San Francisco Bay Area
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Conducted user and market research to guide brand identity, messaging, and create visual systems for small businesses, startups, and grassroots organizations.
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Researched audience needs, pain points, market positioning, and service expectations to inform graphic and brand design direction and communication strategy.
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Supported social impact organizations with accessible design recommendations, digital communications, and inclusive brand storytelling.
2019
Paper Culture | Seasonal Production Artist & Customer Advocate
Bay Area, CA
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Assisted with product design, production, and customer support during peak season.
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Managed high-volume client interactions, ensuring accurate and timely fulfillment of orders.
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Applied creative skills to enhance marketing assets and visual product presentation.
2019
Workshop Cafe | Graphic Designer & Assistant Workplace Manager
San Francisco, CA
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Conducted customer research and feedback synthesis to inform marketing campaigns, service offerings, and workspace updates; designed communications and marketing materials for updated services and advertising.
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Refined product offerings based on observed user behavior and customer interviews.
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Developed updated booking systems and meeting-room service packages based on user research, pricing analysis, and operational feedback.
2017
Haworth | Place Design Intern
Singapore
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Conducted business-to-business market research on workplace typologies (agile, ABW, hybrid), influencing the development of Haworth’s global workplace playbook.
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Analyzed user behavior, spatial needs, and organizational models to inform updates to Haworth’s furniture systems and kit-of-parts offerings.
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Synthesized findings into presentations and design guidelines used across product development and workplace strategy teams.
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