At Top Shelf Design, the way we work today traces back to how it all started.
Not in a boardroom—but around a kitchen table.
That’s where Kathryn first built the foundation for what Top Shelf Design would become: a company grounded in strategy, creativity, and a commitment to doing right by clients. That mindset hasn’t changed. It’s simply evolved.
Recently, Kathryn was recognized with inclusion in Marquis Who’s Who—an acknowledgment of her leadership and the impact she’s had in the design and marketing space. But recognition has never been the goal. The focus has always been the work itself and the people behind it.
Design That Starts With Understanding
From the beginning, Kathryn’s approach has been simple: understand the problem first. That idea still drives how we show up for our clients. Whether it’s branding, publications, or digital platforms, the goal is to translate complex ideas into something clear, usable, and meaningful.
A lot of the organizations we work with—especially nonprofits and associations—are navigating complex information and high expectations. The role of design isn’t just to make things look good. It’s to make things make sense.
Staying Close to the Work
One of the things Kathryn prioritized early on was keeping designers directly connected to clients.
It’s a model we still use today. The people doing the work are part of the conversation from the start. That continuity leads to better outcomes—less translation, more clarity, and stronger relationships over time.
Consistency Over Time
More than 20 years in, a lot has changed—tools, platforms, expectations. What hasn’t changed is the emphasis on consistency. Meeting deadlines. Communicating clearly. Following through.
Those aren’t flashy ideas, but they’re the reason many of our clients have stayed with us for years and continue to come back project after project.
Looking Ahead
As Top Shelf Design continues to grow, the goal isn’t to become something completely different. It’s to keep building on what’s worked—strong relationships, thoughtful design, and a team that takes pride in doing things well.
Kathryn’s recognition is a moment worth acknowledging. But more than anything, it’s a reflection of the steady, behind-the-scenes work that’s been happening all along.
And that’s what continues to move us forward.
