Designer workbag secrets: revealed!

4.18.25

Ever looked at your designer and thought, What magical tools do they carry in that chic, oversized tote? Well, I’m unzipping the mystery today. Spoiler alert: it’s a perfect blend of practical, stylish, and just a little snack-obsessed.

Here’s what we typically have in our trusty workhorse, I mean, bag:

The Sturdy, Go-To Bag 

Let’s start with the item that houses all the things! A reliable, durable bag, ideally one with plenty of compartments to keep things organized. It’s gotta hold up through client meetings, site visits, and coffee shop work sessions. I have found that bags that can stand up on their own without flopping over (ideally, with feet to keep the bottom of the bag clean) and multiple compartments does a great job of keeping me organized. Our bags get put through so much being dragged around town that a material that is easily washable or wipe-down-able would be nice too. I am still on the hunt for one that does that, so if you have any suggestions, I’m all ears! 

Cellphone

Obviously! Although this list is not in any particular order, if all else fails, this one would be the topper. Our phones are more than just a phone these days, it’s our camera, calculator, inspo snapper, design tool, playlist player... the list goes on. She’s everything. The unofficial MVP. 

Laptop, iPad + Portable Mouse

Our other MVP, our literal digital lifeline. Design magic happens here. Even though so much of our world is physical with materials and samples, before we can get to that point, having access to online gets and keeps us organized. Whether it’s mood boards, floor plans, or catching up on a million tabs, this duo is always in tow. And a mouse = extra precision. No one has time for trackpad drama. I do prefer an ergonomic one to keep my hand from cramping up. 

On-the-Go Charger

With that said, our electronics need juice. Because nothing kills the design flow like a dead battery at 2 PM. I haven’t been able to find a portable charger that is compatible with my laptop but this baby does great keeping my phone and iPad juiced up. This little lifesaver keeps my gadgets alive during those long, design-heavy days.

Notebook or Grid Paper

Because sometimes ideas hit when Wi-Fi doesn’t or my personal hotspot fails. Sketches, notes, random doodles, it all starts on paper. Quickly sketching out a new floor plan onsite helps with grid paper. And I don’t know about you, but I like the simplicity of an idea on paper. It forces me to slow down and think things through differently. 

Favorite Pen and Pencil

Not all pens/pencils are the same. IYKYK. The pen/pencil makes all the difference. You know, the one that glides just right and somehow makes your handwriting look way cooler than it actually is. There have been times when I look at my quickly jotted notes and wonder what word I was even trying to spell but then I realize it’s the pen! Keep it handy because it makes writing/sketching fun! Color-wise, I normally have a red one for redlining, a blue or black one for basic notes, and an architectural pen to sketch out on trace paper. They all have their purpose. 

Highlighter

Along with my favorite pens, a highlighter is a must to mark up plans, notes, or inspiration from a design magazine or catalog. Color coding just makes life better. Also doubles as a low-key stress reliever. My go-to has always been a chunky highlighter in bright neon yellow. 

Measuring Tape + Laser Measure

It’s fair to call me a hoarder of measuring tapes. My name is Cat and I hoard measuring tapes. I think I have at least a dozen. There’s always definitely one in my workbag and there’s probably 2-3 more in my car at any given time. I never show up to a space without them. And sometimes we use a laser for longer distances or when we need a quick measure. 

Painter’s Tape

This one’s not always in my bag but it’s readily available in the car for the on-site visits. This comes in super handy for laying out furniture footprints, art placements, or taping up notes and swatches on-site when either we or our clients need a quick visual. Blue tape works great! A client once introduced me to purple tape and I love that it’s a thinner, softer, more pliable tape. 

Paint Fan Deck

Yes, I carry the whole fan with 2-3 more stashed in the car. Because screens lie! And lighting is everything when it comes to color. Picking the perfect shade of white? Yeah, it takes about 27 swatches and natural light. We used to have this super handy color-matching tool that you could place against any surface and it would instantly find the closest paint color via an app. Sadly, the app is no longer compatible, so it’s out of commission. We haven’t started the hunt for a new one just yet, but if you’ve come across anything similar, send it our way!

Sunglasses

Because protecting your eyes is super important! For sunny site visits or just looking effortlessly cool between errands :) 

Hand Lotion + Lippies

Hydrated hands and happy lips = good vibes only. In addition to hoarding measuring tapes, I also hoard hand lotion and “chapstick”. Nourished hands and lips means I can stay focused! 

Water Bottle

Must. Stay. Hydrated. The last thing anyone wants is a headache halfway through the day because of dehydration. Staying sharp starts with staying hydrated. Stainless steel bottles to all-the-rage copper bottles will keep your water cool and last you all day. 

Snacks

Sometimes the day can take a turn and we don’t know how long the workday will last. And no one wants to design while hangry! Not. A. Good. Idea. I always keep something stashed, usually some sort of nut, granola, or let’s be real...chocolate. Even melted it’s worth it. 

And that’s a wrap on what I lug around daily! Is my bag heavy? Yes. Do I sometimes wish I had a red wagon to lug it around? Yes. Is it worth it? Absolutely. It’s basically a mobile design studio with snacks. From paint decks to granola bars, every item earns its spot. It’s all about staying prepared, inspired, and a little snack-happy. 

I have a weird fascination with what people have in their bags just like I do with seeing how someone’s desk/workspace looks like. For me, it’s another layer of getting to know someone that is so honest and intimate. I know…it’s a weird thing. Are you like this? Or am I alone on this island? If you’re bag crazy too, tell me what you have in yours!

Design with love, 

Cat