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Updated: October 6, 2025 / 2025 40 Under 40 honorees

40 Under 40: Katie Wise combines a love of design and building with an iconic Maine brand

Photo / Tim Greenway Katie Wise, 37: Director of design and construction, L.L.Bean
Katie Wise, 37 Director of design and construction, L.L.Bean Read all about the 40 Under 40 honorees  
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Greatest achievement: My greatest personal achievement is my family and being a mom to two incredible kids. Professionally, my greatest achievement is bringing the design of an iconic Maine brand, L.L.Bean, to life through built spaces. These include our retail stores, new corporate headquarters, and our flagship store renovation (currently under construction). Combining my passion as an architect with being a mom and showing my kids how much pride I have in my work gives me a huge sense of achievement.

Passion project: I am a board member of Camp Susan Curtis, whose mission is to provide a transformative summer camp experience to Maine kids from low-income households. I am a true believer that nature and the outdoors are central to well-being, so I have enjoyed supporting this amazing organization.

Lightbulb moment: I have never had one singular moment, rather many small moments taking me to various places. I try to lead with optimism and positively and enjoy taking on and trying new things. One of those moments was certainly joining L.L.Bean. Working for L.L.Bean, a company rich in history and brand, has been formative in my career as a designer. I love bringing a brand to life through our built spaces, and the “lightbulb moment” for me was combining my love of design and building with an iconic Maine brand.

Influential book: “The Death and Life of Great American Cities,” by Jane Jacobs

Favorite movies or TV show: I love anything horror, suspense or true crime. But in my current stage of life as a mom, you’ll most often find me watching “Bluey,” which I love!

Personal hero: My parents, who showed me how to work hard, lead with empathy, instilled my love of the outdoors and have always been supportive of my creative endeavors.

Favorite quote: “Work hard and be kind.”

Best way to recharge: I love spending time with my husband and two young kids. I enjoy painting, spending time at the lake and skiing.

Dinner party guests: I would invite my grandparents, whom I miss dearly, Queen Elizabeth and her corgis, Taylor Swift and her cats, my best friends (so they can meet Taylor), and, of course, my husband and kids.

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