More Than a Floor Plan: Catherine’s Take on the Design Process

There’s a moment in every remodeling project when everything clicks. When the vision, the measurements, the materials, and the spark of creativity all align. For Catherine, one of Blackdog’s talented designers, that moment is the best of the great moments in the design process.

“My favorite part of the design process is when the project begins to take shape—when the vision becomes tangible,” she says. “It’s a truly rewarding moment when a client’s dream is translated onto paper and all the moving parts start to align.”

Catherine sees design as a blend of creativity and calculation. A beautiful balance of form and function. “Design is a bit formulaic,” she explains. “There are always the same essential parts and pieces in every project. But the way you bring those together is what makes each design unique. There’s almost a mathematical element to it.”

Picture Matt Damon having his breakthrough moment at the chalkboard in Good Will Hunting. That ‘Aha’ moment comes at times that aren’t always expected, but when it does, it’s felt by everyone involved. It’s the intangible but undeniable moment when the homeowners and designer know they’ve arrived at the right solution.

Of course, Catherine also loves the reveal—the moment she steps into the finished space and sees the vision brought to life. But for her, the creative process itself is the most exhilarating part.

Catherine’s Impact at Blackdog

One of Catherine’s latest projects was for homeowners in Andover, Massachusetts. We began by removing the wall separating the Kitchen and Dining room, creating a 360-square-foot kitchen with new hardwood flooring. The flow of the kitchen was greatly improved due to the expansiveness and a new arched opening that allows direct access from the Kitchen to the sunroom.

One of the most important aspects of any remodel is ensuring the new space feels cohesive with the rest of the home. Since most homeowners renovate only one or two areas, thoughtful design choices are key to creating a seamless transition between old and new. In this project, the original home featured arched openings throughout the first floor. By incorporating matching arched doorways into the newly expanded kitchen, we echoed the home’s existing architecture and created a sense of visual continuity. Installing the same wood flooring across the entire first floor further unified the spaces.

Every homeowner brings a unique set of needs, goals, and future plans to the design process. It’s our job to thoughtfully translate those into a space that works for them now and in the future. In another project, the client was remodeling with an aging-in-place mindset. They wanted to ensure their home would remain accessible and functional should they ever need a wheelchair. We completely reimagined a 115-square-foot back hallway that originally included a half bath, laundry closet, and linen storage. The new layout now features a beautifully integrated ¾ bathroom designed with accessibility in mind, including a curbless shower, ADA-compliant vanity, soft-close pocket door, and strategically placed designer grab bars. A recessed medicine cabinet with built-in lighting and a side-by-side washer and dryer brings both convenience and style.

When asked what she loves about working at Blackdog, Catherine doesn’t hesitate.

“It’s the people,” she says. “There’s a standard of excellence and integrity that’s incredibly inspiring. You’re surrounded by professionals who genuinely care about the work, and it motivates you to show up as your best self every day.”

Her advice for homeowners about to begin their remodeling journey?

“It’s about preparing for the process,” Catherine says. “There will be disruptions, lots of decisions, and a learning curve—but it’s a partnership. We walk with our clients every step of the way, and together we create something that makes all the effort worth it.”

With a thoughtful design, steady support, and a collaborative spirit, Catherine helps homeowners create spaces that elevate not just their homes but their lives. By paying close attention to architectural details and materials, she creates a seamless flow that makes every space feel like it’s always been part of the home. It’s these subtle but intentional choices that make a remodel truly successful, and a joy for the homeowners to live in every day for years to come.