Hi, I’m Mona_a designer driven by a passion for crafting thoughtful, timeless designs that blend aesthetics and functionality. My journey began early in my family’s six-generation orthopaedic shoe business, where I developed a deep appreciation for craftsmanship and individual problem-solving.
I hold a Bachelor’s degree in Integrated Product Design from Hochschule der Medien in Stuttgart and recently completed my Master’s in Interior Architecture and Furniture Design at TH Rosenheim. During my bachelor’s degree, I qualified as an orthopaedic shoemaker through an external examination, becoming the first woman in my family to earn this certification.
My professional experience includes an internship at BECK DESIGN, where I contributed to the development of designer upholstered furniture for brands such as Rolf Benz and Leolux. I later worked full-time as a Junior Product Developer at Designplus, creating retail solutions for brands like Bogner and Hallhuber. I also gained experience as a working student at Nils Holger Moormann, where I designed individual furniture concepts.
In 2024, I received the Women EXIST Scholarship with a concept for an orthopaedic shoe featuring a 3D-printed sole, tailored to specific medical indications — a project in which I combined traditional craftsmanship with innovative digital tooling.
Since 2025, I have been working as a Footwear Designer at Gabor Women, where I now unite both my backgrounds: my hands-on orthopaedic training and my academic design expertise.
Outside of work, I recharge by exploring mountain lakes, enjoying a sunny siesta by the water, listening to indie music, and savoring the perfect cheese. Since moving to Rosenheim, I’ve embraced hiking as a new passion — because when you live surrounded by mountains, at some point, you just have to cross one.
Education
_2022 – 2024: Master’s in Interior Architecture and Furniture Design, Technische Hochschule Rosenheim
_2017 – 2021: Bachelor’s in Integrated Product Design, Hochschule der Medien, Stuttgart
_2022: Certified Orthopaedic Shoemaker (Externenprüfung)
_2013 – 2016: Technical High School, Ravensburg
Professional Experience
_2025: Junior Footwear Designer, Gabor, Rosenheim
_2023 – 2024: Product planning (Furniture Design), Nils Holger Moormann, Aschau
_2022: Junior Product Developer (Retail Design), Designplus GmbH, Stuttgart
_2020: Internship, BECK DESIGN (Furniture Design), Bodensee
_2016 – Present: Family Business, Semmlin Innovative Orthopädie
Scholarships and Achievements
_2023 – 2024: Women EXIST Scholarship
Skillset
Rhino3D, KeyShot, Adobe Creative Cloud, Rapid Prototyping, Shoe Technology, Orthopedic Footwear Techniques, Concept Development, Presentation Skills, Material Research, Trend Analysis, Technical Documentation