Although it's not very ladylike, my two-finger whistle is louder than any you'll hear. And coming from a gray-haired gal like me, it gets people's attention. A well-designed room gets people's attention too, just in a subtler, more pleasing manner. Great design is about more than just getting noticed and looking good, it's about practicality, function and comfort.

I have always been a creative thinker with a knack for the visual and have been using my inspiration to make things functional, comfortable and better looking for years. I've had a number of different creative experiences that have contributed to this. As a young girl, my grandmother taught me to knit and sew, and I learned how to construct a a tailored blazer. My spare time was spent making dolls and their clothes, building Barbie houses and taking every art class I could. I went on to study graphic design and journalism at Iowa State University. Part-time retail work through high school and college as well as my 10 years at Eddie Bauer expanded my knowledge of retail store merchandising and multi-store management. Working for a custom home builder I refined my customer service skills and design knowledge by assisting clients with every detail of their new homes, from initial concept to final punch list. 

A former Chicagoan who now lives in Madison, Wisconsin, I am a recent empty nester with 3 college-aged kids. I have been rockin' my gray hair since 2005 (and am happy to share how I embraced the gray instead of fighting it). I'm told I am a millennial-minded design junkie. I am an avid biker and sometimes exerciser. When I travel and explore I never leave home without the perfect travel guide, to find unique neighborhoods, the best home and vintage shops, local architectural gems and the hippest microbreweries. I look forward to road tripping through the U.S. someday with my husband and trailer in tow.

Cathy Wall Designs LLC was born in 2004 from the idea that I could get paid to do what I love best, designing spaces that make people happy and at home. I pride myself on being a collaborator and communicator and look forward to the opportunity to work with you in shaping your dwelling.