About Us
Should we decide to work together, we’re going to embark on an intimate relationship. We’re going to learn a lot about your family — what’s working for you and what’s not. All families have their own dynamics, and for us, finding a way to satisfy everyone is the most interesting part of the job.
Before we start scrutinizing your bedroom furniture, you should know something about us.
Cathryn Ramin, Founder
I’ve lived in Mill Valley since 1998, when my husband Ron and I moved up from Los Angeles with our two boys, aged four and seven. I was working for Restoration Hardware then, as head of communications — in fact, the day we moved into our house in Strawberry was my first day on my new job. In my absence, the movers carried furniture from the truck in one of those winter squall-rainbow-squall situations. Horizontal rain, in my front hall. You can imagine how that went. I could have used some help.
I’ve always been involved with design, but for decades, I made my living as a journalist and author. I’ve published a couple of best-selling non-fiction books, and about a million magazine articles.
Some of those articles appear in Introspective, the 1stDibs magazinre. I’m lucky to have the opportunity to be able to interview and learn from world-famous designers.
Introspectives Articles
About six years ago, we did a gut remodel of the spec house we’d bought in 1998, (article in Marin Magazine) and that’s when I realized that I could do a whole lot more than write about design — I could help people manage what can seem like an unsurmountable challenge. I also teach the Garage Art Workshop program, in case you have kids who are passionate artists, crafters and makers.
Sometimes there’s a fun crossover, like the day I showed up with stain samples for a client’s fence, and her two little boys wanted to help. Next time that fence needs staining, they’ll be old enough to do it themselves.
Life evolves. Right now, it may seem like infancy and childhood and those teenage years last forever, and you will never have a second to yourself. But it goes fast. Our sons are 29 and 32 now. The older one and his lovely wife live in Tam Valley, and we have beautiful little grandson.
It’s my pleasure to be able to bring happiness to families, while making life easier and more fulfilling.
Alice Shoua, Designer
We are thrilled to welcome Alice Shoua to our firm as our newest interior designer! With a diverse background that bridges both art and design, Alice brings a wealth of experience to our team. Her career began as a gallerist, where she honed her eye for aesthetics and developed a keen understanding of how visual elements interact within a space. Transitioning into interior design, Alice has skillfully crafted both commercial and residential interiors, creating environments that are as functional as they are beautiful. Her expertise extends to designing outdoor areas, blending indoor and outdoor spaces seamlessly. Alice’s deep knowledge of industry standards and innovative design practices will undoubtedly enhance our projects and elevate our creative vision. We are excited to see the fresh perspectives and exceptional design solutions she will bring to our firm!