Thoughtful design. Smart process.
For people who care — about beauty, about living well, about impact.
balance design studio creates
mindful, joyful kitchens
Of course you want a beautiful kitchen that delights.
But there’s so much more that matters.
You want the project to run smoothly.
You want your investment to be well spent.
You want your values to be reflected in the outcome.
You want the joy to last.
Dreaming of a new kitchen is exciting.
Building one…is complicated.
“I’ve been in the construction industry for thirty years. Catherine exceeded all my expectations.”
— Jonathan R. (Houzz)
I am Catherine Weiland, principal of balance design studio.
I design kitchens.
Conventional kitchen designers are cabinet specialists.
Interior designers and architects are creative generalists.
All are fine models that delight many.
My clients and I have a passionate interest in kitchens — the most materially-dense and materially-complex room in the home.
We value deep, holistic expertise because we appreciate both the joy of making and sharing food and the feeling of a beautiful space.
And because kitchens are so materially-dense, we understand that new kitchens have a significant impact that needs careful consideration.
None of this makes deep, holistic expertise better-than. It makes it the right choice for those that want it.
How I work
My service is structured in two parts.
The baseline, fixed-fee service establishes the layout of the space and includes the integral materials like cabinets and counters.
Once the design direction is established, clients may continue with tailored guidance for selecting the furnishings, fixtures, and materials that complete the concept.
I am a guide
There is more to the job than layout and aesthetics.
Kitchens take months to install.
Technology will, no doubt, become more useful in implementing kitchens.
But tech can’t yet collaborate with installers and tradespeople to overcome hurdles.
There is no app that helps clients navigate anxiety with wisdom & humor.
The myriad decisions impacting cost and outcome require experienced human judgement, coordination, and communication.
I perform this guiding role in partnership with clients and the implementation team so that decisions are comfortable, comprehensive, and aligned.
For a walkthrough of the experience, visit my process page.
“Catherine has a great sense of humor which is handy when you are freaking out about what handles to buy!”
— Karine O. (Houzz)
Typical projects
My typical project is a kitchen renovation with a budget of $125K+.
My preference is to work with implementers from my network.
Yet, I do work and play well with others when this isn’t possible.
I also work with new construction projects with a budget of $1M+.
In such cases, it is common for my scope to expand beyond the kitchen.
I also offer consulting for situations where my full service isn’t a fit.
“Catherine’s consulting background is evident in her professionalism and ability to connect.”
—Julie Q. (Houzz)
People hire me for my unique perspective
My childhood pastime was drawing.
But the idea of a creative career didn’t seem practical. A tech career seemed safer.
I assumed it was a forever job and pursued an MBA and a masters in information systems.
The goal of that education was to teach students how to make important decisions.
I may not be in tech anymore, but I use that education every day.
The tech bubble burst a few years after grad school and I became a DIY house flipper.
The transition wasn’t easy. I lost my way clinging to status and stuff.
I found my way by letting go and showing up.
Want to check out the latest?
Want an overview of all this?
Want to talk about a project?