Cathy Dong

Bright. Diligent. Helpful.

Cathy holds a master of advanced architectural design from Columbia University and a bachelor of architecture with a minor in media design from Carnegie Mellon University. Her work focuses on how design can support mental health, education, and community life. She has a particular interest in how environments shape everyday experiences and how architecture can become a framework for dignity, care, and belonging.

Cathy’s recent research has centered on complex mental health conditions, with a focus on supportive spaces for young adults experiencing the first onset of schizophrenia and their caregivers. This work looks at how architecture can respond to moments of instability by offering stability, transition, and connection without stigma. In addition, she has explored how radical care can inform the design of educational environments, rethinking schools not only as places of instruction but as spaces rooted in empathy, agency, and well-being.

In practice, Cathy has contributed to housing and school projects at Caddis, where she values working collaboratively with thoughtful colleagues on community-driven design. Her work draws on her background in both architecture and media design, bringing together spatial thinking with participatory and sensory approaches to create environments that support diverse needs and encourage connection.

Outside of work, Cathy enjoys traveling, hiking, and spending time with her two kitties, who like to think of themselves as her design assistants.