Dipl.-Ing. Katrin Eckert

Leading strategic project delivery for a large-scale residential development with three new-builds, approx. 300 affordable rental units and 30,000 m² GFA. Coordinated Phase 31, established project governance, organizational structures and reporting frameworks, developed a digital collaboration environment and coordinated authorities and stakeholders. Key achievements: specialist planner tender incl. negotiations and awards in eight weeks, governance setup, digital reporting system and platform benchmarking.

Intentional transition period focused on care responsibilities, strategic reflection and targeted professional development. Focus areas: personal and care management; repositioning towards institutional and organizational leadership contexts; further development in emerging technologies, including AI-supported design methodologies; ongoing exchange within architecture, design and cultural networks.

Member of the Management Board responsible for brand, product innovation and design-led business units. Led interdisciplinary teams across product development, modular interiors and digital innovation (22 employees via team leaders). Defined innovation roadmap linking product, spatial and digital experience. Creative direction for products and brand environments. Key achievements: Kitos M II, USB-C charger, AI configuration tool, custom-made standards, jury member Pavilion Workplace, keynote speaker.

Invited guest lecturer and workshop leader on brand-focused design and retail architecture, translating professional practice into academic contexts. Designed and delivered lectures and workshops on design processes, spatial concepts and brand-oriented architecture. Transferred industry knowledge and best practices to teaching. Key achievements: multiple guest lectures and workshops; supported students in linking conceptual thinking with practical implementation.

Strategic leadership and development of the Modular Interiors unit, delivering international architectural and spatial solutions based on modular, scalable concepts for commercial and private clients. Led architects and design professionals; managed international projects; implemented processes, standards and guidelines; HR responsibility incl. recruiting. Key achievements: pop-up showrooms Brera Design Week (2021–2023), HEK Basel foyer redesign, VIP zones Design Miami/Art Basel, USM HQ workspaces.

Part-time lecturer teaching practice-oriented product design methods, connecting industry experience with academic education. Designed and delivered lectures and study modules, developed practical assignments and supervised student work, aligning content with program objectives. Key achievements: delivered a full semester module “Design in Industry”; designed and led an intensive study week with practice-oriented assignments and reflection sessions.

Leadership of an international architecture and operations team responsible for global design, rollout and operational standards of all Swatch points of sale worldwide. Led teams in Switzerland and Hong Kong (16 employees); managed global POS planning, rollout, budgets, logistics and supply chains; developed standards, processes and project tools. Key achievements: delivered 1,268 POS projects in 130+ countries; developed global POS manuals; planning committee member for new HQ (Shigeru Ban).

Project leadership and design responsibility for the renovation and transformation of a residential complex in Basel. Coordinated design development and project workflows, collaborated with specialist planners and stakeholders, and oversaw planning quality and implementation. Key achievements: led renovation design of a 40-year-old residential complex with 50 units in Basel; coordinated project development within a renowned Swiss architectural practice.

Leadership of an international storefitting team responsible for concept development, planning and rollout of European points of sale. Led architects and commercial staff (CH/PL/IT); managed design, realization, furniture development, production, logistics, budgets and suppliers; implemented standards and scalable rollout processes. Key achievements: delivered 369 POS across 26 countries, introduced structured tendering, created brand architecture manual, led Germany-wide rollout and architects’ meetings.

Independent architect delivering design, planning and project leadership for residential, commercial and public-sector projects in national and international contexts. Managed projects from concept to site supervision; coordinated planners, contractors and clients; prepared design, permit and execution planning, tender documents, quality assurance and stakeholder coordination. Key achievements: listed building renovation Nuremberg, workers’ housing estate Laurel [EC], Adidas Performance Center Rome etc.

Freelance architect within an interdisciplinary practice, working on complex residential, educational and urban development projects with focus on design development, execution planning and project coordination. Built strong foundations in housing and public-sector projects, including user participation and urban-scale thinking. Core responsibilities: design, permit and execution planning; coordination with planners and clients; support of tendering and contract awards and artistic site supervision etc.

Support and supervisory role within an architectural model-making workshop, ensuring technical standards, safety procedures and student guidance, laying a foundation in precision and craftsmanship. Managed workshop and equipment, instructed architecture students in model-making techniques and oversaw safety standards. Key achievements: produced high-precision architectural models for university and external projects, supported student skill development and maintained a strong safety record without accidents

One-year Erasmus study exchange programme for architecture.

Studies in Architecture