I’m a design and construction project professional with experience across both commercial and residential environments, particularly in the redevelopment and rebranding of hospitality spaces — including bars, hotels, and restaurants. I’ve run my own design business while operating in a construction design and project management capacity, which has given me a practical understanding of both client priorities and on-site realities.My work combines creative and technical thinking: from space planning, colour strategy and design management through to detailed drawing production using AutoCAD and the Adobe Suite. I hold a BA (Hons) from the Dublin Institute of Design and come from a fine art background in photography and sculpture, which continues to inform how I approach materiality and atmosphere in projects. I have now returned to a fully focused construction project management role, coordinating and delivering medium to large fit-out projects using project management software. My goal is to bridge the gap between design intent and buildability, enabling projects to move efficiently from concept to completion.

Kate Hartley

I’m a design and construction project professional with experience across both commercial and residential environments, particularly in the redevelopment and rebranding of hospitality spaces — including bars, hotels, and restaurants. I’ve run my own design business while operating in a construction design and project management capacity, which has given me a practical understanding of both client priorities and on-site realities.My work combines creative and technical thinking: from space planning, colour strategy and design management through to detailed drawing production using AutoCAD and the Adobe Suite. I hold a BA (Hons) from the Dublin Institute of Design and come from a fine art background in photography and sculpture, which continues to inform how I approach materiality and atmosphere in projects. I have now returned to a fully focused construction project management role, coordinating and delivering medium to large fit-out projects using project management software. My goal is to bridge the gap between design intent and buildability, enabling projects to move efficiently from concept to completion.

Available to hire

I’m a design and construction project professional with experience across both commercial and residential environments, particularly in the redevelopment and rebranding of hospitality spaces — including bars, hotels, and restaurants. I’ve run my own design business while operating in a construction design and project management capacity, which has given me a practical understanding of both client priorities and on-site realities.My work combines creative and technical thinking: from space planning, colour strategy and design management through to detailed drawing production using AutoCAD and the Adobe Suite. I hold a BA (Hons) from the Dublin Institute of Design and come from a fine art background in photography and sculpture, which continues to inform how I approach materiality and atmosphere in projects.

I have now returned to a fully focused construction project management role, coordinating and delivering medium to large fit-out projects using project management software. My goal is to bridge the gap between design intent and buildability, enabling projects to move efficiently from concept to completion.

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Work Experience

Construction Project Manager at Hot Box Sauna / Ashcoin / A.P. Tobin / P.J. Hegarty
January 1, 2003 - January 1, 2008
In the early stage of my career I assumed various roles in construction project delivery, establishing a solid technical foundation for subsequent design-led endeavours. Responsibilities included coordinating with contractors, consultants and stakeholders to deliver projects on time and to specification, developing site documentation, coordinating FF&E procurement, and managing associated risks to ensure quality outcomes.
Senior Interior Designer at NineYards Dublin
January 1, 2016 - January 1, 2020
Delivered brand-focused commercial interiors for clients including DAA, Jameson, and Absolut Vodka. Created spatial identities reflecting brand essence through materials and bespoke finishes. Collaborated with clients and stakeholders from briefing to handover, aligned design with brand values, led contract meetings, managed deadlines and approvals, and developed concept designs, technical drawings, and FF&E specifications.
Founder / Creative Director at Kate Hartley Design
March 1, 2020 - August 1, 2025
Founder and leader of a boutique design and build studio delivering hospitality, food & beverage, retail, and luxury residential projects across Ireland and Europe. Managed end-to-end design and build processes, developed comprehensive technical drawing packs and visualizations, oversaw budgets and timelines, and built a multidisciplinary team while integrating art, photography and narrative into design thinking.
Construction Project Manager at Hot Box Sauna
August 1, 2025 - January 1, 2026
Recent engagement in construction project management for high-profile hospitality and interior projects, coordinating with contractors and suppliers to deliver on-site builds, ensuring quality, safety and schedule alignment in a design-led context.

Education

MA in Professional Practice (In Progress) at Technological University Dublin (formerly Dublin Institute of Technology)
January 11, 2030 - January 1, 2027
BA Honours in Interior Architecture at Dublin Institute of Design
January 11, 2030 - January 1, 2013
Diploma – Project Management at Dublin Business School / CMI
January 11, 2030 - January 1, 2011
Diploma – Project Management at Dublin Business School / CMI
January 11, 2030 - January 1, 2005
Diploma – Interior Design at Griffith College
January 11, 2030 - January 1, 2010

Qualifications

Diploma – Project Management
January 11, 2030 - January 1, 2011
Diploma – Project Management
January 11, 2030 - January 1, 2005
Diploma – Interior Design
January 11, 2030 - January 1, 2010

Industry Experience

Real Estate & Construction, Travel & Hospitality, Retail, Professional Services, Media & Entertainment