CDA Interior Design

Big mistake we took this company on without properly checking references. Soon after giving a $20k deposit we realized Catherine was not responsive, missing meetings not really the person she represented to be during our initial meetings. We ended up terminating her 2 months ago. She promised to provide out items and never has. We have repeatedly asked for our advance to be return and again complete silence. Not professional at all and not the person she portrays to be. Also not very experienced as she added no value during our short process.

The company was very professional and patient with my crazy schedule . I plan on hiring them within the next 2 months.

Based on her reputation, I hired Ms. Dolen to assist in some upgrade for my 80s home. Her contract called for a relatively high hourly rate plus 15% over cost for any additional materials and services purchased. She understandably charged for hours spent on her first visit to my home, but then sent an assistant to take pictures, at the same hourly rate - pictures which Ms Dolen could and should have taken on her initial visit. She billed for services not requested (drawing for redesign of kitchen), but removed those charges when that was brought to her attention. I questioned what seemed an inordinately high cost for wood flooring she had chosen and ordered, but she assured me that charge to me was cost plus 15% as per contract. However, when I asked to see the vendor's invoice for the floring, I discovered that she had charged me was cost plus 25%. She claimed this was just an inadvertent error and reduced the bill accordingly. The wood flooring vendor & Installer, engaged by Ms. Dolen, put plank flooring on the tread and risers of stairs in the same manner & design as on the floor, resulting in an unsightly, never-before-seen way to put wood on stairs. She never came to look at this mess and I ended up having to hire and pay a contractor tohave the stairs redone properly, with solid piece wood risers and treads.

Catherine Dolen is one of the most talented designers that i have ever worked with. She is one of the few designers that i know who does both contemporary and traditional design very well. She is also very good at combining the 2 for a great transitional look. I worked with her on many projects both in the fabric and furniture realm and then the plumbing and hardware realm. She followed me from one job to another. She listens to her clients and is able to achieve the look they aspire to while still staying within their budgets and working cohesively with a builder and architect. I would recommend her to anyone who is looking for a desiger.

I have used Catherine Dolen & Associates for YEARS. They are very talented. They created an outstanding entry hall, remodeled my kitchen, selected fabric for chairs & sofa, installed windows, updated lighting. I never make a change in my house without consulting them. Their time schedule is accurate. They are always available during the construction or design work.

I selected Dolen & Associates as the Interior Design team I wanted to help me after a recommendation from our architect, and after seeing examples of her work on line and in the Waco Symphony house. This is a new experience for me; Catherine and her team have been a tremendous help. I came to her with a notebook of pictures from magazines and some color ideas; at our next meeting she had samples of paint colors, granite, fabric, etc. that were exactly what I would have chosen. We have concentrated on those things that the builders need first (her suggestion), such as plumbing, flooring, tile, etc. She gave me the names of businesses in Houston (where I live) so that I could look on my own; she also met me in Dallas for a day in the design district. She guided me, but never dictated; she gave me questions to think about before I settled on anything. We have been working with our architect for a year; Catherine and her team looked over the total design and saw things we didn't. For example, she suggested removing a door to the butler's pantry to give us more counter space (a great idea) and she moved the appliances to make it easier for me to use the kitchen (also a great idea). Her team designed the cabinetry for the kitchen as well. We had a difficult time with the design of the master bathroom/closets. Catherine came up with a workable design using the bathroom sinks and tub that I had already chosen. When I asked her team to look over the plans for any other issues, they suggested moving some doors throughout the house, which we did. The builders broke ground on our lot this week in Stone Creek Ranch. I already have a meeting scheduled with Catherine and will continue to ask for her expertise as the house progresses. I highly recommend Dolen & Associates to anyone needing an interior design team. They are professional, knowledgeable, gracious, and genuinely excited about making your ideas into a reality. Sincerely, Karen Marlin

Cathy is the ultimate professional. We built a new home and she guided me in the selection of paint colors, fabrics, tile layout and accessories. She never pushed her ideas on me, but rather guided me with my own ideas. I appreciated that quality in her design approach very much. When the project was complete, it totally reflected my own taste and input. She used the furniture and accessories I already owned in new ways to make them compatible with a new environment. She was able to help me combine new things with objects which were rather eclectic and it looks wonderful! I appreciated her professional, but warm personality as well. I felt that we were good friends when the project was finished. I would highly recommend her work to anyone.

Professional, patient, sensitive to your likes/dislikes, quick with ideas, suggestions

CDA redesigned our master bath, adding tons of storage, making it open and light and organic at the same time as it is sleek and modern.

Catherine Dolen is incredibly talented and a delight to work with. She creates each home uniquely for your own specific needs and tastes and is able to do a wide range of design styles. She is extremely professional yet friendly.