The people behind your product
Hidi Fankhauser
Founder
Hidi founded Design Works to give sportswear and outdoor brands a development partner that can take a product from first idea to production. Her background in apparel development shapes how the team works: a proven process, with 3D built in to cut samples, shorten timelines and make communication with factories clearer. For Hidi, 3D is the most practical way to improve both lead times and sustainability.
Outside work, she cooks and sews, teaches both to her kids, and skis with her family.
Heidi Lawson
Technical Design & Development
Heidi began her career in technical design and development at Patagonia. Since then she has worked with everyone from domestic brands running their own manufacturing to corporate development groups sourcing globally. Her experience covers design, patternmaking, technical design, product development, sourcing, social compliance, quality assurance and leadership. She's known for high standards, careful attention to detail and clear communication, and she stays calm when deadlines get tight.
She teaches sewing to local 4-H youth and spends her free time outdoors in Wyoming with her family.
James Ewsuk
Product Developer
James is a product developer at Design Works. He works in CLO 3D and Illustrator to turn concepts and patterns into accurate virtual samples and clean technical artwork, so brands can review fit and details before a physical sample is cut.
He's a backcountry skier, climber, fly fisher and hunter, so he knows first-hand what outdoor gear has to do. Off the clock, you'll find him on a trail, in the kitchen or reading.
Christl Schad
Product Development & Sourcing
Christl is a seasoned product developer who loves bringing product concepts to life. She started out making and selling her own clothing to local boutiques in the '90s, then built a career in the apparel industry, moving from design into product development and production. She brings a strong background in technical design, materials development and sourcing across specialty apparel markets, and enjoys helping brands succeed with their product visions.
In her downtime she collects vintage wares and enjoys live music, travel, arts and crafts, camping, skiing and skating.
Caitlyn Pullos
Product & Technical Development
Caitlyn is a product and technical development professional with more than a decade in performance apparel. She has held key roles at The North Face, Topo Designs and Spyder, working across a wide range of product categories. Her expertise spans the full product lifecycle, with a focus on fit, construction, sourcing and cost. She's known for an analytical approach and for keeping product aligned with brand and market expectations.