Cate Black Architecture Studio is a full service architecture practice located on Galveston Island. We are dedicated to thoughtful & creative designs.
Since 2018, we have been striving to elevate architecture on the island. We translate our client's wants & needs into beautiful built environments that go beyond aesthetics. Our projects are designed with an innate understanding of what it means to design & build along the Gulf Coast -because it is tricky. Our founder Cate Black has worked almost exclusively in Galveston for over a decade. This is reflected in our comprehensive knowledge of coastal design & build best practices, local building codes and design regulations, and the excellent relationships we have with other local industry professionals.
The most important part of our approach? It is client-focused. We listen to what you as the client want, and use our expertise to render that into a design that you can be excited about. We pride ourselves on the whole experience working together - not only the end product. We deliver a design process that includes clear and timely communication alongside realistic expectations throughout.
Though we primarily work in Galveston, we can be convinced to leave the island from time to time. We hope to work with you soon.
Cate Black
AIA, NCARB, FORTIFIED Wise, SEED
Principal & Founder
Cate founded the practice (formerly RISE Architecture + Design) in 2018, after a decade of professional experience working for architects and builders. She has designed over 75 homes throughout Galveston; including new builds, beach house addition/renovation work, and historic renovations and additions. Her houses have been featured in a variety of publications and media. In addition to residential work, she has also assisted local small businesses with their build-outs and renovations.
Cate is heavily invested in her community, and has volunteered with a variety of organizations. Most notably, she is the Vice President of the Board of Directors for BUILD Galveston; she served as a commissioner on the City of Galveston Planning Commission from 2016-2020 (vice chair in 2019, chair in 2020); sat on the Texas Society of Architects Convention Futures Committee from 2016-2019; and founded, managed, and sat on the board for Galveston’s Own Farmers Market from 2012-2016.
Cate and her husband, local realtor Brian Kuhn, have lived on the island since early 2011. Together they have two amazing children. She does her best to enjoy all that island life has to offer, and continues to work on accepting that sand will always be in their house.
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Masters in Architecture, University of Houston
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2020 Outstanding Young Alumni Award, University of Houston College of Architecture and Design Alumni Association
40 Under 40, Galveston County Daily News 2020
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Cate Black
AIA, NCARB, FORTIFIED Wise, SEED
Principal & Founder
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Maryza Eguiluz
Associate AIA
Junior Architectural Designer
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Betsy Striedel
LEED GA, LFA, AIA Associate
Architectural Designer
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Ronesto Pineda
Associate AIA
Junior Architectural Designer
Betsy Striedel
LEED GA, LFA, AIA Associate
Junior Architectural Designer
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Betsy spent her childhood on the Texas Gulf Coast, where she developed a deep appreciation for coastal architecture and our natural environment. After spending several years in the veterinary and animal care industry, she attended The University of Texas at San Antonio to study architecture. She graduated at the top of her class for both her Bachelor of Science in Architecture (2017) and her Master of Architecture (2020).
During her time at UTSA, Betsy acted as a graduate thesis advisor, started the school’s first AIAS Women in Architecture chapter, and received the Department Chair’s Award for Excellence for her Master’s thesis. Her thesis was then chosen to be entered into the Archprix to represent her university the following year.
Betsy has been involved with the Texas Dance Hall Preservation organization, the Urban Future Lab, and was part of a 3-person team that was awarded the 2020 APA Gold Award for a “Grassroots Initiative” in the Texas region.
Throughout her architectural career, she has worked on “Mountain Modern” and eco-conscious resorts and residences in Colorado, North Carolina, Vermont, California, and Oregon. She is a LEED GA, Living Future Associate (LFA), and a CAPM.
Betsy is also a talented portrait artist who works primarily on portraits of women and non gender conforming adults, as well as volunteering time to create memorial portraits for grieving loved ones. She has a deep commitment to the natural environment, animals, and community. When she’s not working on architecture, art, or volunteering, Betsy is an avid hiker and kayaker who enjoys spending time exploring the outdoors with her two dogs.
Ronesto Pineda
Associate AIA
Junior Architectural Designer
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Ronesto is a native of Belize. His interest in architecture initially led him to study at university in Lima, Peru, and ultimately led him to Andrews University in Michigan, where he received both his Bachelor and Master of Architecture. Throughout college he worked with his fellow classmates and colleagues in different student-led initiatives/organizations; including SINEA (Sociedad de Investigación de Estudiantes de Architectura, a student-lead research group in Peru) and Andrews AIAS (American Institute of Architecture Students).
Professionally, Ronesto has over six years of experience in both development and residential design, working in Peru, Belize, Michigan, South Carolina, and now Galveston. He has also volunteered through his church in an architectural capacity, assisting in the design and construction of churches.
Ronesto enjoys reading, researching various subject areas, being in nature, enhancing his computer skills, photographing houses, experiencing new adventures, and getting involved in mechanical challenges like keeping his Fiat intact.