Design Collective Welcomes Katarina Carlin as New Director of Interior Architecture and Design

Katarina Carlin has joined Design Collective as Principal and Director of Interior Architecture and Design. She is taking the reins from Lou Ghitman, who has recently retired after an illustrious 32-year career with the firm.

In her new role, Katarina brings 19 years of experience and will be responsible for leading Design Collective’s interiors practice and strengthening our team and client relationships across the country.

“Katarina has the breadth of experience and expertise to elevate our design work to new heights,” says Mike Goodwin, Managing Principal at Design Collective. “She excels as a leader, showcases remarkable design talent, and stands out as a collaborative team player. All in all, Katarina is a tremendous addition for our firm and our clients."

Katarina began her career as a designer in California before moving to New York in 2007. Some of her noteworthy projects include: The Penthouse at 15 Central Park West, the University Dining Center at Minnesota State University, Mankato, and Carroll & Marshall Halls at Towson University, the HUB Student Center and Dining Facility at Clemson University and Greenberg Gibbons new headquarters in Baltimore’s first mass timber building.

“I was drawn to Design Collective by the breadth and quality of the firm’s work, its record for design excellence, and its cross-pollination of market sectors and services, which align with my skillsets,” Carlin says. “I’m excited to join the talented team of designers, and I look forward to doing great things with them.”

Katarina's work has won multiple architecture and design awards, for projects including the Edward St. John Learning and Teaching Center at the University of Maryland College Park, the Gladding Residence Center at Virginia Commonwealth University, and Fribley Commons Dining Facility at Case Western Reserve University.

Before joining Design Collective, Katarina was an associate principal at Ayers Saint Gross and an architect at Robert A.M. Stern Architects.

Katarina is a licensed architect, LEED Accredited Professional and a member of both AIA and IIDA. She holds a master’s degree from the Southern California Institute of Architecture and a bachelor’s degree in interior design from James Madison University.