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 Architect Architecture Galveston University of Houston Beach Residential

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.

Architect Architecture Galveston Beach House

Maryza Eguiluz

Associate AIA

Junior Architectural Designer

Born in Peru,  Maryza moved to Michigan at the age of four. In Michigan, she attended Andrews University where she studied architecture and also met her husband. She received her Bachelor of Architecture in 2021 and her Master of Architecture in 2022. While in school, she had the opportunity to work with a local architecture firm specializing in custom lake front houses. She also acted as President and Social Director of her local AIAS (American Institute of Architecture Students) chapter.

Maryza combined her interest in architecture with her love to serve the community by working and volunteering her time with Renaissance Kids for two summers. The mission was based on empowering kids while teaching them basic design elements and safely helping them build different projects with power tools. She also contributed to a book based on the camp’s activities.

In her free time Maryza and her husband enjoy traveling, spending time with their families, drawing, and enjoying nature. 


— We Value —

Site-Specific Design / Creative Solutions

Community Engagement / Client Collaboration

Enthusiasm for Enhancing Our Surroundings with Thoughtful & Appropriate Spaces