“I feel strongly that the natural and built environment can impact us profoundly as people for the better. I have been the most inspired in natural spaces, particularly outdoor ‘rooms’ created by landscape features and natural textures that tell the story of time. I always look to bring this into projects through materials, spatial experiences and connections to the outdoors. It is hard to pick one aspect of the design process that is my favorite, but I love the creative brainstorming where anything is still possible, especially the beginning schematic stages where you are getting to know the limitations, program, client and inspirations to create a vision for the project.”

During a visit to the Jackson area while an undergraduate, Katherine was so moved by the natural beauty of Teton Valley that she dedicated her thesis project to architectural ideas for the Grand Teton National Park. Her passion for how the natural world can inform and elevate spaces evolved into a strong interest in sustainability. While with Perkins Eastman Architects in New York she co-chaired its Green Committee and was one of its first LEED Associates. Since joining GYDE in 2012, her sense of place and its stewardship continues to inform her work, which has included residences, structures in R Park, and many commercial projects.

B. Arch. & M. Arch, Tulane University, 2005