Talk Shop: Catherine Tracy Sloan // Catherine Tracy Sloan, Architect
ABOUT CATHERINE
Catherine Sloan started Catherine Tracy Sloan, Architect in 2008. After having studied architecture at the University of Tennessee, she worked in her hometown of Memphis for 4 years before moving to Nashville and starting her own practice. Catherine is a member of the Institute of Classical Architecture and Art. She lives in Nashville with her husband and three young children. We are huge fans of her work, which re-interprets the classics with a pared down, fresh take (and a well-edited eye.) We loved sitting down with this talent to talk all things design, and hope you enjoy!
Describe your style in three words or less:
Inspired by classicism
What have been the three biggest influences on your aesthetic in your life:
My parents - my father is a kitchen designer, and I grew up watching him draw. My mother is an avid traveller and lover of art, language, and cuisine.
My godparents - they lived in Rome and visiting them as a child was very inspirational. My godfather was a historian and had access to old churches and ruins that he took me to explore.
Growing up in Memphis. Memphis has old houses and neighborhoods with soul as unique as the city.
How did you start your company, and what is your favorite thing about what you do:
I started my company not long after I got married and moved to Nashville. I was in my late twenties then, and have learned so much since. What I have learned, and enjoy the most, is the importance of collaboration. There are so many talents in Nashville in interior design, landscape architecture, and building. They bring their own touches to every project and have become dear friends.
Do you have a mentor in your career, and if so, how have they helped to shape your trajectory:
James Dunn, owner of Vintage Millworks. He is a self-taught, historical expert and millworker extraordinaire. He has cheered me on for years and has given me advice and design guidance that are invaluable.
What does your home say about you:
That I love old houses. We live in a 110-year-old cottage with true divided lite windows with antique glass, creaky wood floors, and lots of character.
Where do you find inspiration:
From my children. They remind me daily that I am not just designing houses. I am creating homes where families will make memories.
Who are your style icons:
Architecture - Donald Southgate; Interiors - Ben Pentreath; Fashion - The Duchess of Cambridge
What are your key ingredients for entertaining:
In my dream life, having Ina Garten there. In reality, I like a mix of laid-back and formal. We are usually on our casual screened porch, but eating off of Herend china.
Do you collect anything:
My mother collects antique silver and I have inherited that gene :).
Favorite Instagram accounts to follow for inspiration:
@newclassicalarchitecture, @vintagemillworksinc, @pagedukeland, @cbrandoningram, @ritakonig, @cheekwood, @classicist_org, @privatenewport.
What design “rule” do you always follow, and which is made to be broken:
I always aim to stay authentic - when it comes to both design and materials. Colleagues tease me for being a purist, and I try to live up to that.
I don’t worry too much about each house fitting into a specific historical style category. As long as it is done correctly, I think houses can have elements from different styles and time periods.
What are you working on right now:
The restoration of and addition to a historical gem on Belle Meade Boulevard in Nashville, a beach house in Rosemary Beach, trying to find a better life/work balance, and a bread recipe that I have been trying to master.
Wardrobe staples:
Jobsite shoes are kept in my car so I won’t get caught on-site in heels.
Best architectural advice you ever received:
Study, study, study classical design; somebody already figured this out years ago.
Best career advice you ever received:
Don’t let it stress you out.
Types of home purchases you invest in, and save on:
I invest in English antiques and save on electronics.
Your greatest extravagance:
A weekend at Blackberry Farm.
Favorite places to shop for home:
The Belle Meade Shoppes and local gift stores in Nantucket and Maine.
Most prized possession and why:
Family photos, because I know they’ll remind me of all of the things that I never want to forget.
Your life motto:
It always seems impossible until it’s done. You can do it.
Take Ten: My Favorite…
Food: Whatever Ina would bring to my imaginary dinner party
Drink: Pimm's Cup
Film: The Sound of Music
Hotel: Black Point Inn in Prouts Neck, Maine and Le Sirenuse in Positano, Italy
City: Lauterbrunnen, Switzerland
Bedding: Crisp, ironed sheets are an indulgence
Tea or Coffee (and how do you take it): Coffee, preferably taken sitting down with no children around
Playlist: Paul Simon’s Graceland album and my favorite NPR podcasts: How I Built This and The Splendid Table
Weekend Activity: Cocktails with my husband on the terrace of our favorite restaurant
Design Book: Garden Houses and Privies by Peter J. Harrison