A Spartanburg, South Carolina native and two-time Clemson Graduate, Catherine spent over seven years in New Orleans, Louisiana working with Waggonner & Ball Architects. There her work experience was focused on educational, commercial, and institutional projects, several of which won American Institute of Architects awards. Post–Katrina, she managed a three-year-long design/build repair and alteration project on the 1880s-era National Historic Monument US Custom House. In October 2009, Catherine returned home to be closer to family and to open her own residential architectural practice.

Today, Catherine is practicing her craft locally in Greenville through research and projects focused on addressing homelessness in Greenville County. She practiced most recently as the firm of Catherine Smith Architect, LLC which was recognized with AIA awards. The firm focused on creating residential architecture specific to the individual client with a style that can be described as crafted, simple, and honest. Perhaps the work CSA is most proud of was with Allen Temple Community Economic Development Corporation which provides Energy Star homes for low-income families.  Follow this link for a story that the Greenville County School District did about this work.

Catherine was recently recognized as one of Greenville County School District's Top Ten Teachers of the Year. She is the Architecture Department Chair, holds a Doctorate of Education in Professional Leadership, serves on both the Metropolitan Arts Council and Fine Arts Center Partners Boards, and is living with her husband, two boys, two pups, and a bearded dragon.