Catarina was born and raised in Portugal (more specifically the Azores islands) and moved to DC in 2005 after living and working in New York for almost 10 years and obtaining a degree in architecture from the prestigious Syracuse University School of Architecture in 1998. Her unique background starts with a childhood in remote islands where nature and architecture are dramatically juxtaposed at every corner, followed by extensive travel, giving her a global viewpoint. These early formative experiences, combined with a rigorous architectural education and several years practicing in New York and Washington, translate into a serious, fresh and elegant approach to architecture.

Throughout her nearly three decade career, Catarina has successfully executed hundreds of projects of various types and scales. She is licensed in NY, MD, VA and DC, and NCARB accredited.

Unlike the majority architects in the Washington DC area, her work is not limited to the residential or commercial sector but spans across both. As a woman practicing architecture, many expect the focus of her work to be interior design or interiors-focused architecture. In reality, Ms. Ferreira’s work often involves major renovations, additions, building conversions, and ground up construction of various scales. Prior to founding ARCHI-TEXTUAL, Ms. Ferreira worked for several years for world renowned NYC firm Resolution: 4 Architecture, among others, and later as an Associate Principal at Washington’s Group Goetz Architects, Her work included NY penthouses, restaurants, office interiors, hotels, single family, multi-family, adaptive re-use, fitness centers, art galleries, retail, higher education, athletic facilities, etc.

This vast array of project types that Catarina has been involved in over the years ultimately led her to a multi-year leadership role on one of the largest ARRA-funded federal projects in Washington DC: the Renovation of the Herbert C. Hoover Department of Commerce Building, a 2 million sq ft. historic landmark building. The project scope included full systems and utilities replacement, major restoration of various historic spaces and building exterior, new office space throughout, a new day care center, a new cafeteria, the new National Aquarium entrance, the introduction of ADA accessibility and perimeter security, among many other sub-projects. It involved consultation with and securing approvals from various regulatory bodies, managing large teams of consultants, and coordinating between various stakeholders from all angles, in addition to managing a large team or architects and various design and technical requirements over several years.

At ARCHI-TEXTUAL, Catarina is the lead designer and Project Manager of the firm's diverse portfolio. Her prior experience in projects of various types and scales has already allowed the firm to successfully complete numerous residential and commercial projects, ranging from single-family renovations and new construction to 40-unit multi-unit/mixed-use apartment buildings over the past 15 years.