Our Process
A structured, transparent design-build process that eliminates surprises and delivers exceptional results.
Explore Our Design Build Work
Listening First: Understanding Your Project Goals
To get a great project, you need a solid plan. Here at Black Cat, we start by listening to you, to gain a thorough understanding of what you want to achieve in your design build remodeling project. Once we understand the goals of the project, we utilize our expertise and talents to design your project, and create a detailed plan. Then, we follow through with skilled carpenters and quality-minded subcontractors to build out your project just the way we planned it.
Detailed Planning, Specifications, and Construction Documents
We create detailed construction documents for every project, including plans and written specifications. We review this with our clients and get buy-in before starting construction. This way, all materials can be ordered and secured in a timely manner and the project flows without waiting on undecided details. We schedule the work with enough time to do tasks correctly, but without unnecessary downtime. This not only minimizes wasted time and disruption, it reduces costs.
Clear Communication and Hands-On Oversight
Chris oversees all work on the projects personally, and we have regular and frequent communication with our clients to keep them updated on all pertinent details.
Creative
Caring
Collaborative
Our Remodeling and Design Build Services
Currently serving Clark County (Vancouver, Camas, Washougal, Battle Ground, Ridgefield, Felida)
Design/Build Renovations
The benefit of using a design/build approach for your renovation is efficiency. With every renovation project, constraints like available space, budget, timing, zoning, and the existing structure all factor into the design. Because renovations require different cost structures and careful coordination, it’s crucial to involve the construction team early.
We have a strong record of successful design/build projects with creative outcomes that conventional builders would not have developed. And because we are design/build, projects move faster with fewer false starts—both in budget and practicality. Our team ensures every renovation is planned and built with precision.
Kitchens
Kitchens are the heart of the home and must support a variety of functions. We ensure your kitchen is functional, efficient, and inviting—combining modern appliances, smart layout, styling, storage, lighting, and technology. With hundreds of kitchens completed, we help you create a space that truly works.
Baths
Bathroom upgrades remain one of the most popular remodeling projects. Whether you need an update in function or want a spa-like retreat, we’ve created beautiful bathroom remodels throughout Vancouver, Felida, and Clark County.
Remodeling
Even without layout changes, a project can benefit from careful planning, clear specs, quality craftsmanship, and good communication. At Black Cat, every project—large or small—gets the same attention to detail, clarity, and follow-through.
Additions
We believe the best additions should feel seamless—so well integrated that you can’t tell where the original home ends and the new space begins. This requires careful listening, clear design intent, and construction planning that minimizes disruption and protects your home.
What People Are Saying
Chis Miller, Blackcat Design Build, was the general contractor on a large 6 month, full house remodel of our home. From then beginning we found Chris easy to work with as he took the time to discuss our needs and ‘wants’ to ensure the final design would result in a successful remodel. As homeowners, we were able to interact with Chris on site during all phases of construction and found him to be an ingenious craftsman! His experience in the Design Build field was evident as he helped us with the myriad of decisions that needed to be made that ultimately resulted in a beautiful living space. Chris is fair, honest and congenial. I would not hesitate to recommend him for any remodel job, large or small.
It is a great experience working with Chris Miller. He is exceptionally observant. He listened well and presented ideas and concepts to help us determine ways to modernize our small kitchen. Although we elected to postpone the project, we will not hesitate to contact Black Cat when we are ready to proceed.
Back in August we had 3 renovation contractors come to our house. Chris Miller was one. Immediately we were impressed. He had details of the house history, did his research and came prepared. He gave us the best estimate and his personality was organized and competent. The scheduling was very close to his time estimate. Everyone that he brought in to work on the house was equally competent. Overall we are extremely pleased and plan on utilizing his services again. We highly recommend "Black Cat Design Build LLC"
Working with Chris was like working with a good friend. He added a third bath to my home and did so on time, on budget and left me with a great looking bathroom. I enjoy being in the space he created. He has a great sense of design and offers it up with integrity. thanks
Chris Miller is fantastic to work with. His experience and eye for design coupled with his contractor skills made for the perfect combination we were looking for when choosing someone to spearhead our primary bathroom/closet addition and rear covered patio. He walked us easily through the process from the beginning and followed the entire project with communication and professionalism. His sub contractors were also very good to work with. Chris was present and ensured his subs were providing the ...
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.
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.
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.
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!
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 primary 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!
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.
How We Work
Our design-build process is built on transparency, communication, and meticulous planning. Every step is designed to protect your investment and deliver results that exceed expectations.
01
Consultation
We start with a conversation about your vision, goals, and budget. Chris Miller personally evaluates your space and provides honest, expert guidance on what’s possible.
02
Design
Using NCIDQ-certified design expertise, we create detailed plans, material selections, and construction documents — so you know exactly what you’re getting before work begins.
03
Build
We start with a conversation about your vision, goals, and budget. Chris Miller personally evaluates your space and provides honest, expert guidance on what’s possible.
04
Completion
We walk through every detail together, ensuring everything meets our standards and your expectations. Your project is delivered on time, on budget, and built to last.
What Sets Our Process Apart
Single Point of Contact
Chris Miller is your designer, project manager, and primary contact throughout the entire project.
Detailed Documentation
Complete construction documents and material specifications before any work begins.
Transparent Pricing
Line-item budgets with no hidden costs. You know exactly what you're paying for.
Regular Communication
Weekly progress updates covering completed work, upcoming tasks, and any decisions needed.
Quality Trade Partners
Skilled, vetted tradespeople who share our commitment to craftsmanship and professionalism.
Final Walkthrough
A thorough review of every detail to ensure everything meets our standards and your expectations.
Ready to Start Your Project?
Schedule a free consultation to discuss your vision, timeline, and budget with Our Team.