Welcome to Black Cat design build
Black Cat is a design/build home remodeling and renovation company based in Vancouver, Washington. We do projects ranging from kitchen and bathroom remodels, to additions and whole-house renovations.
Our focus starts with understanding the needs of the project, then designing a solution that brings all the project requirements together with style and functionality. We coordinate the details, manage the construction and keep a strong line of communication with the client all the way through the entire process.
What separates Black Cat from other designers, builders and remodelers is our unique combination of the following:
- We understand design, and we know how to solve problems
- We know home construction, specifically remodeling, and we have years of experience with it
- We know you are busy, too - so we have a clear process and we follow through
- We sincerely care about the outcome of our projects, and we have the happy clients to prove it
Owner Chris Miller is an accomplished, award-winning designer with over 20 years experience. There aren't very many people in this marketplace who are certified professional interior designers (NCIDQ #13849) AND have extensive in-depth construction expertise, but Chris does. He loves designing things, and loves getting them built.
If you want to work with someone you can trust, someone who is creative and who can deliver a high quality detailed project, then you are in the right place. Black Cat design build does exactly that, and we are ready to talk with you about your project.
Please, take some time to familiarize yourself with our website, see some of our projects, watch some of our Blog Videos, and read what other people are saying about Black Cat design build. Then give us a call, and let us help you make it happen.
Projects
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Addition With Seamless Integration
- Vancouver, WA
When we design an addition, we work hard to make sure it doesn't look like an add-on. Instead, we make sure it flows, and we make sure the finished project has a balanced cohesive look, both inside and out.
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Fresh + Functional Kitchen
- Camas, WA
Careful planning went into this kitchen remodel to make sure that it functions as great as it looks. This kitchen has space for multiple cooks to move around, and versatile storage with easy access.
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New Build With Character
- Washougal, WA
This home was designed from a blank sheet, and built for a Parade of Homes show. It has a lot of creative details throughout, and might very well be the only home in Clark County to pack 88 windows …
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Mid-Century Ranch Renovation
- Vancouver, WA
You wouldn't believe this was the same space if you had seen the 'before'. We opened an interior wall, and reconfigured the kitchen space to maximize both cooking function and family gathering.
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Contemporary Makeover
- Portland, OR
This whole-house renovation touched every part of this small contemporary home. Originally built in the '70's on a steeply sloped hillside, we uncovered structural deficiencies that had to be resolved before the …
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Modern Luxury Shower
- Camas, WA
This remodeled shower space has modern contemporary looks, minimal maintenance and a nearly invisible drain. We used large format 18" x 18" porcelain tile on the walls and floor - including all the way …
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Hall Bath Upgrade
- Vancouver, WA
A nice tub just makes bath time more enjoyable. This client wanted to update the their hall bathroom and make it better suited to bathing their young children. We installed a new tub - deep enough for an adult …
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Traditional Warm Tones
- West Linn, OR
The basics bones of this kitchen were good, but it was time to lose the outdated desk area, add detail to the island, and integrate the new appliances. White painted cabinets suited this home perfectly, but …
View ProjectServices
Currently serving Clark County (Vancouver, Camas, Washougal, Battle Ground, Ridgefield, Felida)
- Design/Build Renovations
- Kitchens
- Baths
- Remodeling
- Additions
The benefit of using a design/build approach for your renovation is efficiency. With every renovation project, there are some constraints (available space, budget, timing, zoning compliance, etc…), and there is also the consideration of the existing structure. Because the impact to the existing structure needs to be considered, and because home renovations have a different basis for establishing costs (compared to new homes), it’s crucial to have the input from the construction team during the design phase.
We have a strong record of successful design/build projects, often with great outcomes from our creative thinking that a conventional builder would not have come up with. And, because we are design/build, the project development moves faster with much fewer false starts (both budget and practicality) than what you might experience with a design-only service.
Kitchens are the heart of the home, and most modern kitchens need to serve a multitude of functions. Besides being a place to cook, kitchens are frequently the central gathering spot for the home. We have the expertise to make sure your kitchen is functional, has efficient storage, and is also a comfortable, stylish place to gather with family and friends.
We understand all the aspects of crafting the optimal kitchen, from integrating the latest cooking appliances, to navigating through the huge spectrum of materials and finish options, to lighting and technology integration, and more. With the experience of creating literally hundreds of kitchens, we can help you with your kitchen, too.
Bathroom renovations and upgrades are very popular. Whether you just need to freshen up your fixtures and finishes, or you want to create an all-out spa experience at home, we can help.
Improved storage, more luxurious showers and more relaxing tubs are some of the most common things that our clients ask us about. We have designed and built creative solutions for bathrooms of all shapes and sizes.
Even if your project does not require changes to the layout, it can still benefit from being well organized, closely managed and precisely constructed with quality materials. At Black Cat, we do this with every single project, regardless of size or complexity. Thorough specifications and written schedules before construction gets underway help everyone be clear about expectations. Frequent communication and quality work support trust. Doing what we say we are going to do and tending to the details bring the projects to a successful conclusion (more happy clients!).
It is our opinion that the best additions are integrated so well that you really can’t tell what was added or where the addition starts. The key to achieving this kind of result is great design and careful planning….and, all of that starts with really listening to you, our client, and understanding what you need.
While adding on to your home can mean several months of construction, we plan the work carefully and we have built many additions through to a weather-tight shell before cutting into the walls of the existing home. This helps minimize disruption, mess, noise and exposure to weather.
What People are saying (hover over paragraph to pause the scrolling)
Chris and his team were very professional. I had the concept and they had the plan. After explaining what I had in mind he sent me to the right places to look pick out items for the bathroom remodel. His subs were very experienced and I had confidence in their craftsmanship. He kept the project on schedule and upon completion we were left with a very slick and updated bathroom.
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Jared Perez
Client Review
We have worked on many projects with Chris as the electrical contractor and are always very pleased with his attention to detail and the quality and craftsmanship of his crews work. We also like that he respects a schedule and sticks to it the best that he can. He is great at communicating and following up which makes it nice for all parties involved.
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Kitchen Electric
Colleague Testimonial
Chris Miller is Black Cat Designs. He designed our 1900s kitchen to bring it updated but kept it with the period of the house. He did the same with our upstairs bathroom. He also designed and is advising me how to direct contractors for a quilting studio that is nicely blending with our 100-year old home. I will always work with Chris. I trust his judgment as he is clear why something would or may not work. I trust his integrity and work ethic. Excellent work.
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pollyanna66
Client Review
I have had the opportunity to work with Chris on two projects over the last year. The first project was an extensive remodel on the exterior and interior of my house. The job could not have gone better. The work was done in a timely manor and top quality installation. The second job was for my businesses show room remodel. Chris had great ideas and designs that set the place off. We have received several comments on how good it looks from customers. I would highly recommend Chris on your next project!
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ESP Supply Inc
Client Review
Chris Miller has been our design-build choice for over 12 years now. He has added a covered veranda to our home, remodeled our kitchen and just upgraded our master bath with a custom tile shower room and more. We chose him initially because he was the only designer we interviewed who really listened to us and designed what we asked for. Through all our projects over the years, he has consistently performed: communications are frequent, work is done on time and in budget, subs are excellent, work is top quality. We have complete trust in his design sense and planning skills, and he has never disappointed us. We wouldn't do a house project without Chris. With him, we always get exactly what we want. Plus, he is fun to work with!
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dadkin
Client Review
Over the years, Chris Miller has designed many areas of our home--our incredible kitchen, our glorious bathroom as well as my quilting studio from start-to-finish. I trust his taste and choices, his integrity, and his work ethic. Chris Miller is da bomb.
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Doris Werkman
Client Review
Blog
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Basics of Kitchen Lighting
Designer Chris Miller explains some of the finer points of laying out your kitchen lighting plan.
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Expanding a Kitchen
Designer Chris Miller explains the process of designing an expanded kitchen, to accommodate multiple cooks, that can be more functional and versatile than the original.
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Alternative Kitchen Counter Top
Designer Chris Miller explains how a honed granite counter top can bring a unique quality to the look of your kitchen and how a sleek edge profile can enhance it further.
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A Furniture-like Kitchen Island
Designer Chris Miller shows how a simple kitchen island can be more fully integrated into a space by incorporating outlets, light switches, and a furniture-like design that echoes other pieces.
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Kitchen Triangle Basics
Designer Chris Miller explains what the kitchen triangle is and how it can be improved upon to better suit a larger more dynamic kitchen.