Behind the Design: Katie Clay, an Architect Delighted by the Client Experience
Pull back the curtain and get to know the people behind the design. The solutions we develop for clients and communities are brought to you by passionate individuals devoted to delivering better built environments — places that support healthy, productive, sustainable ways of living.Â
Our next #PeoplePassions blog post features Katie Clay, an architect who is particularly delighted by being able to fully understand what each client desires and deliver a space that goes above and beyond their expectations.
What is your personal design philosophy?
I think the most important part of designing is providing a space your client is ecstatic about. That’s one of my biggest design philosophies. I’ve learned that from working with clients over the years; the worst feeling to me is having anything less than a totally satisfied client. I want to design spaces that are what they want to see visually and function perfectly in ways they maybe didn’t know they needed.
I pride myself in being able to read people and getting to know each client personally. It brings me joy to be able to understand people’s feelings, sometimes without them having to even say it. I put myself in their shoes and imagine what it would be like to inhabit a space that’s truly made for them. The space is not ours. It’s theirs. I do my best to put my ego aside and adjust as necessary. And sometimes a client doesn’t want to rock the boat, so I feel it’s my job to really pay attention and envision what they’re telling me and then deliver that.
Katie and coworkers model for photography of their finished design on a tech campus in Sunnyvale, California
Tell us about one of your favorite projects.
A high-profile tech client campus. This was a long-term project, and I put a lot of hard work and care into it. It began before the pandemic started and was still going afterwards, even though it had changed quite a bit. And after all that, we were able to deliver a stunning project that met the client’s evolving needs. We really put our hearts and souls into it. Every single individual contributed their own personal touch and ideas into it. And, In the end, the client was thrilled with their workplace, and that was the best feeling — to see the client so happy with what we did for them.
It brings me joy to be able to understand people’s feelings and to be able to guess their needs or wants, sometimes without them having to even say it.
Katie and coworkers model for photography of their finished design on a tech campus in Sunnyvale, California
When have your personal and professional passions aligned?
There was a time when we were helping to design a center for service animals. Dogs hold a huge part of my heart. I was elated to be part of a project like that and to support an organization that trains service animals. I’m a dedicated dog mom. My dog, Griffin, means everything to me. He’s my emotional support animal and travels with me a lot, so I would love to work with a client like that in the future.
Katie’s beloved dog, Griffin, in Austin, Texas
What are some of your passion projects at work or outside of the office?
Oh, my gosh! Too many things to mention. I travel a lot. I’m very adventurous and love spending time with my dog, an Irish Setter/Australian Shepherd named Griffin. I’ve taken him on numerous plane rides and adventures. I’m extremely extroverted and love to spend time socializing and exploring new places. I usually have plans every single night of the week. I also spend quite a bit of time practicing Latin dancing. It’s a great emotional, physical, and mental exercise. I’ve been doing that for years.
Katie while skydiving in Slovenia!
Katie in Venice, Italy
A little more about Katie…
Originally from Nampa, Idaho, Katie Clay now works out of Cushing Terrell’s office in Austin, Texas. Her professional work experience began while getting her Master of Architecture from Andrews University in Michigan. She worked on high-profile residential projects, then after graduation, she moved back to Idaho where she worked at a small, local firm. She gained experience in tenant improvements, educational facilities, fire stations, and even a tiny house on wheels!
After four years, she decided to take the plunge with Cushing Terrell, and after one and a half years with the firm, she transferred to the Austin office. From there, she’s worked on tech projects and has assisted the retail design team with grocery projects for clients like Whole Foods Market.
