Women Designers You Should Know

Amber Asay
  • 4.9 (74)
  • DESIGN
  • UPDATED BIWEEKLY

Redesigning history by celebrating women. Amber Asay (host and designer) highlights groundbreaking contributions of women designers who have shaped the world we live in today. From graphic designers to architects, industrial designers to fashion icons, we explore the inspiring stories of the women who came before us, breaking barriers and paving the way for future generations. There's a dual approach in each episode, with a designer as a featured guest, we'll uncover the remarkable journey of a historical figure, shedding light on their innovative designs, their challenges, and their triumphs. The goal is to make these extraordinary women household names, ensuring that their legacies are rightfully celebrated and recognized for their profound impact on design history.

  1. 049. Carolyn Davidson and Sarah Williams: The Woman Behind the Swoosh

    SEP 9

    049. Carolyn Davidson and Sarah Williams: The Woman Behind the Swoosh

    When it comes to recognizable icons, few rival Nike’s Swoosh, designed by student designer Carolyn Davidson for $35. We unpack her quiet career, late recognition, and lasting influence with guest Sarah Williams, Co-CEO of Beardwood & Co. and President of AIGA NY. _______ Support this podcast with a small donation: Buy Me A Coffee This show is powered by branding and design studio  Nice People Join this podcast and the Patreon community: patreon.com/womendesignersyoushouldknow Have a 1:1 mentor call with Amber Asay: intro.co/amberasay _______ About Carolyn Davidson: We’re pulling back the curtain on one of design’s most enduring marks: the Nike Swoosh. In 1971, Portland State University student Carolyn Davidson sketched a fluid, wing-like “stripe” directly over a shoe drawing—a fast, simple symbol that Phil Knight didn’t love at first but chose under production pressure. She invoiced $35, kept freelancing for the scrappy company as it rebranded from Blue Ribbon Sports to Nike, and later stepped away from the spotlight. Years afterward, Nike surprised her with a gold Swoosh ring and stock—an act of overdue recognition that grew to life-changing value. We trace Davidson’s process, her broader early contributions beyond the logo, and how the Swoosh eventually stood alone without the wordmark.   About Sarah Williams: Sarah Williams is Co-CEO of Beardwood & Co. and President of AIGA New York. She joined Beardwood early (2006) after starting at Landor and rose to co-owner, leading brand programs for companies like Danone and Colgate while advancing mentorship and access across the NYC design community. Follow Sarah: Instagram: @_sarah_aw_ Beardwood & Co Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/beardwoodco/ https://beardwood.com/ ____ View all the visually rich 1-min reels of each woman on IG below: Instagram: Amber AsayInstagram: Women Designers Pod

    48 min
  2. 048. Lorraine Wild: Redefining Design Education (w/ Louise Sandhaus)

    AUG 19

    048. Lorraine Wild: Redefining Design Education (w/ Louise Sandhaus)

    In this dual feature episode we take a celebratory look at Lorraine Wild’s influence as a writer, educator, and designer who helped shift graphic design from a formal practice to a cultural one, with personal insight from friend and fellow designer, Louise Sandhaus. Lorraine Wild resources: Green Dragon Office “More Than a Few Questions About Graphic Design Education” (1983) via Emigre archive Design Observer Archive – Lorraine Wild   Louise Sandhaus links: Buy Earthquakes, Mudslides, Fires & Riots _______ Support this podcast with a small donation: Buy Me A Coffee This show is powered by branding and design studio  Nice People Join this podcast and the Patreon community: patreon.com/womendesignersyoushouldknow Have a 1:1 mentor call with Amber Asay: intro.co/amberasay _______ About Lorraine: Lorraine Wild is a Canadian-born graphic designer, educator, and writer whose work has shaped the trajectory of contemporary design. After studying at Cranbrook and Yale, she launched a career that bridged cultural criticism, publishing, and pedagogy. At CalArts, she reimagined graphic design education to focus on personal voice and authorship, mentoring generations of now-prominent designers. Through her studio Green Dragon Office, she’s known for crafting visually rich books and catalogs for artists, architects, and cultural institutions, always rooted in research, narrative, and materiality. About Louise: Louise Sandhaus is a Los Angeles–based graphic designer, educator, and historian. A former director of the CalArts Graphic Design Program, she’s the founder of Louise Sandhaus Design (LSD) and co-founder of the initiative “The People’s Graphic Design Archive.” Her celebrated book Earthquakes, Mudslides, Fires & Riots helped redefine how we archive and celebrate California graphic design. Known for her bold, joyful aesthetic and deep commitment to inclusive design history, Louise has been a vocal advocate for amplifying overlooked voices in the field — especially women.   ____ View all the visually rich 1-min reels of each woman on IG below: Instagram: Amber AsayInstagram: Women Designers Pod

    59 min
  3. 047. Claire McCardell: Inventor of Casual Fashion (w/ Elizabeth Evitts Dickinson)

    AUG 5

    047. Claire McCardell: Inventor of Casual Fashion (w/ Elizabeth Evitts Dickinson)

    Discover the untold story of Claire McCardell, the woman who invented casual wear, defied Dior, and changed the way American women dress (with insight from author Elizabeth Evitts Dickinson, who finally put her name back on the label). Buy the Book: Claire McCardell: The Designer Who Set Women Free _______ Support this podcast with a small donation: Buy Me A Coffee This show is powered by branding and design studio  Nice People Join this podcast and the Patreon community: patreon.com/womendesignersyoushouldknow Have a 1:1 mentor call with Amber Asay: intro.co/amberasay _______ About Claire: Claire McCardell put zippers on the side so women could dress themselves. She gave us pockets when men said we didn’t need them. She invented the wrap dress before Diane von Furstenberg and made ballet flats a thing—during wartime, using Capezio dance shoes. At a time when women were being arrested for wearing pants, Claire McCardell was designing clothing that made women feel powerful, stylish, and free. While Dior was cinching waists and romanticizing restriction, Claire was pioneering what became known as the “American Look”—comfortable, functional, and modern. Her name was once as big as Chanel’s, and she was the first designer to have her name on a ready-to-wear label. So why don’t we remember her? Find out on this week’s episode.   About Elizabeth: Elizabeth Evitts Dickinson is an award-winning journalist and author based in Baltimore. Her work has appeared in The New York Times, Harper’s Magazine, The Washington Post, and more. Her debut book, Claire McCardell: The Designer Who Set Women Free, was published in June 2025 to wide acclaim, including praise from The New York Times Book Review, which called it “the linchpin I didn’t know I needed.”   ____ View all the visually rich 1-min reels of each woman on IG below: Instagram: Amber AsayInstagram: Women Designers Pod

    56 min
  4. 046: Sharon Werner: Imposter Syndrome

    JUL 22

    046: Sharon Werner: Imposter Syndrome

    This episode explores the remarkable career of Sharon Werner, founder of Werner Design Werks, and her candid reflections on misogyny, imposter syndrome, and staying small by choice. From childhood paper dolls to running a studio for nearly 35 years, Sharon’s story is filled with wit, honesty, and hard-earned wisdom. _______ Support this podcast with a small donation: Buy Me A Coffee This show is powered by branding and design studio  Nice People Join this podcast and the Patreon community: patreon.com/womendesignersyoushouldknow Have a 1:1 mentor call with Amber Asay: intro.co/amberasay _______ About Sharon: Sharon Werner is the founder of Werner Design Werks, an award-winning design studio in Minneapolis known for its bold, thoughtful branding and packaging work. With nearly 35 years at the helm, Sharon has worked with clients ranging from Target and Nick at Nite to Moët Hennessy and Planned Parenthood. Her studio is known for its collaborative approach, small-team mindset, and deep respect for craft and storytelling. Follow Sharon: Website: wdw.com Instagram: @wernerdesignwerks Sharon's Instagram: @sharon_werner660 ____ View all the visually rich 1-min reels of each woman on IG below: Instagram: Amber AsayInstagram: Women Designers Pod

    46 min
  5. 045. Clara Porset and Lindsey Colhoun: Frida Kahlo’s Favorite Chair

    JUL 8

    045. Clara Porset and Lindsey Colhoun: Frida Kahlo’s Favorite Chair

    This designer-on-designer episode explores Clara Porset’s legacy of cultural modernism and political courage, with insights from interior designer Lindsey Colhoun, whose own work echoes Clara’s timeless use of natural materials and storytelling. _______ Support this podcast with a small donation: Buy Me A Coffee This show is powered by branding and design studio  Nice People Join this podcast and the Patreon community: patreon.com/womendesignersyoushouldknow Have a 1:1 mentor call with Amber Asay: intro.co/amberasay _______ About Clara: Clara Porset (1895–1981) was a Cuban-born, Mexican-adopted designer known for fusing modernist principles with indigenous Mexican craft and materials. Trained at Columbia University, the École des Beaux-Arts, and influenced by the Bauhaus, she developed a design philosophy centered on functionality, ethics, and cultural identity. Forced into political exile from Cuba, she found her voice in Mexico — redefining the field of interior design, mentoring students, and designing iconic furniture like the Butaca chair, which remains on display in Frida Kahlo’s home. Her work lives on in warm, handmade modernism and in the generations of designers she inspired. About Lindsey: Lindsey Colhoun is the Founder and Creative Director of her eponymous interior design studio, where she creates warm, livable sanctuaries that merge functionality, style, and sustainability. A Los Angeles native raised in a historic Frank Gehry home, Lindsey was immersed in architecture and interiors from a young age — influenced by her mother, also an interior designer. Today, she works with celebrities, Hollywood executives, and discerning clients, known for her timeless Southern California aesthetic and thoughtful, layered spaces that reflect the personalities and lifestyles of the people who live in them. Follow Lindsey: Website: lindseycolhoun.com Instagram: @lindseycolhoundesign ____ View all the visually rich 1-min reels of each woman on IG below: Instagram: Amber AsayInstagram: Women Designers Pod

    47 min
  6. 044. Rachel Saunders: From Burnout to Alignment

    JUN 24

    044. Rachel Saunders: From Burnout to Alignment

    Ceramicist Rachel Saunders shares her self-taught creative journey—from leaving LA burnout behind to launching a soul-led business, shifting into retreats, and redefining success on her own terms. _______ Support this podcast with a small donation: Buy Me A Coffee This show is powered by branding and design studio  Nice People Join this podcast and the Patreon community: patreon.com/womendesignersyoushouldknow Have a 1:1 mentor call with Amber Asay: intro.co/amberasay _______ About Rachel: Rachel Saunders is a self-taught ceramicist and designer based on Vancouver Island, Canada. She is the founder of Rachel Saunders Ceramics, a brand known for its sculptural yet functional pieces that explore themes of femininity, sustainability, and intuitive design. Her now-iconic Woman Vase has become a symbol of empowerment and creativity. Rachel began her creative journey in visual merchandising in Los Angeles, but after experiencing burnout in a toxic work environment, she returned to Canada and immersed herself in clay—learning through community studios, YouTube videos, and trial and error. Over time, she built a globally recognized brand, with her work featured in publications like Architectural Digest, Vogue, and Elle Decor. In 2022, Rachel made a major shift away from product-based production toward more intentional, holistic offerings—launching an online creative membership and hosting artist retreats in Greece and Tuscany. Through her work and her story, she continues to inspire creatives to define success on their own terms and prioritize a sustainable, soul-led life. Follow Rachel: Website: rachelsaundersceramics.com Instagram: @rachelsaundersceramics.   ____ View all the visually rich 1-min reels of each woman on IG below: Instagram: Amber AsayInstagram: Women Designers Pod

    35 min
  7. 043. Edith Head: Hollywood Costumes & Controversies

    JUN 10

    043. Edith Head: Hollywood Costumes & Controversies

    This deep-dive episode explores the jaw-dropping career of costume designer Edith Head—Hollywood’s most awarded woman—whose designs for stars like Audrey Hepburn and Grace Kelly came with a trail of secrets, rivalries, and reinvention, with fashion enthusiast Darrian Wright joining for the ride. _______ Support this podcast with a small donation: Buy Me A Coffee This show is powered by branding and design studio  Nice People Join this podcast and the Patreon community: patreon.com/womendesignersyoushouldknow Have a 1:1 mentor call with Amber Asay: intro.co/amberasay _______ About Edith: Edith Head was a legendary Hollywood costume designer whose career spanned over 50 years and more than 440 films. Known for her iconic round glasses and modest demeanor, she was the behind-the-scenes architect of some of the silver screen’s most iconic looks. With 8 Academy Awards—more than any woman in history—Head crafted wardrobes that shaped characters, stars, and an entire era of film, often blurring the lines between credit, creativity, and control.   ____ View all the visually rich 1-min reels of each woman on IG below: Instagram: Amber AsayInstagram: Women Designers Pod

    54 min
  8. 042. Justina Blakeney: Creative Evolution

    MAY 28

    042. Justina Blakeney: Creative Evolution

    This episode features designer and Jungalow founder Justina Blakeney as she opens up about work-life balance, her art show California Poppy, the impact of the LA fires, and the quiet courage it takes to keep evolving creatively.   Checkout her art show: California Poppy at The Art Wolf Checkout her latest book: Jungalow: Decorate Wild _______ Support this podcast with a small donation: Buy Me A Coffee This show is powered by branding and design studio  Nice People Join this podcast and the Patreon community: patreon.com/womendesignersyoushouldknow Have a 1:1 mentor call with Amber Asay: intro.co/amberasay _______ About Justina: Justina Blakeney is a true multi-hyphenate—artist, designer, author, creative director, entrepreneur—and the founder of the wildly popular lifestyle brand, Jungalow. Her signature style is instantly recognizable: bold, bohemian, colorful, and deeply rooted in personal expression and global inspiration. But beyond aesthetics, Justina has reshaped what a modern creative career can look like. Over the years, she’s collaborated with a long list of major brands including Target, Anthropologie, Loloi Rugs, Selamat, Opalhouse, and Keds—bringing her joyful sensibility into homes, wardrobes, and even our feet. Her work has been featured in Architectural Digest, Vogue, The New York Times, Dwell, and more. She’s also the author of The New Bohemians, The New Bohemians Handbook, and Jungalow: Decorate Wild—books that have helped countless readers reclaim their homes as spaces of healing and self-expression. In this conversation, we talk about the LA fires that forced her to evacuate her home, the symbolism behind her solo art show California Poppy, and how she’s finding her way back to forgotten parts of herself through painting, song, and joy. We also dive into work-life balance, creative risk-taking, identity, motherhood, and what it means to define “enoughness” in a culture that always demands more. Follow Justina: Instagram: @justinablakeney justinablakeney.com jungalow.com Jungalow: Decorate Wild   ____ View all the visually rich 1-min reels of each woman on IG below: Instagram: Amber AsayInstagram: Women Designers Pod

    45 min
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4.9
out of 5
74 Ratings

About

Redesigning history by celebrating women. Amber Asay (host and designer) highlights groundbreaking contributions of women designers who have shaped the world we live in today. From graphic designers to architects, industrial designers to fashion icons, we explore the inspiring stories of the women who came before us, breaking barriers and paving the way for future generations. There's a dual approach in each episode, with a designer as a featured guest, we'll uncover the remarkable journey of a historical figure, shedding light on their innovative designs, their challenges, and their triumphs. The goal is to make these extraordinary women household names, ensuring that their legacies are rightfully celebrated and recognized for their profound impact on design history.

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