Kate started her career designing landscapes and became one of the most sought-after vacation rental designers in Vermont. Fifteen years across landscape horticulture, interior design, and the resort and restaurant industries gives her a perspective that most STR designers just don't have: she thinks about a property the way a guest actually moves through it, from the driveway to the daybed.

Her studio, Wild Birch Design, specializes in turning short-term rentals into places people want to come back to, with every detail grounded in the local landscape. She's worked on everything from condo refreshes to full outdoor wellness retreats, and her clients tend to describe working with her the same way: no ego, full collaboration, and results that hold up.

How long have you been a designer, and how did you get started?

I've been a designer for over 15 years, beginning in landscape design with a degree in landscape horticulture. My journey evolved as I expanded into interior design during the rise of the indoor plant movement, seamlessly integrating natural elements into curated spaces. With a deep background in the resort and restaurant industries, I naturally transitioned into vacation rental and hospitality design. Today, I specialize in creating immersive, branded experiences that elevate guest stays, enhance property value, and drive higher ROI for hosts. My approach blends aesthetics, functionality, and storytelling to transform short-term rentals into unforgettable destinations.

What do you enjoy most about designing vacation properties?

I love designing bespoke, experiential destinations where guests can create lasting memories. My passion lies in crafting spaces that feel both intentional and immersive, allowing travelers to fully experience a place rather than just stay in it. I focus on accessibility and inclusivity, ensuring every guest feels seen, supported, and nourished—so they can relax, recharge, and explore with ease. Thoughtful design has the power to elevate a vacation rental beyond a place to sleep, turning it into a destination in itself.

How do you approach a new project? (Do you start with the space's functionality, the property's unique features, or the guest experience in mind?)

We kick off every project by getting to know our clients' vision and goals. Will they be using the My approach begins with functionality, safety, and a deep understanding of the ideal guest experience. A space must not only be beautiful but also highly functional, easy to maintain, and designed with the guest in mind. I start by identifying the property’s unique features and opportunities to enhance its story, ensuring it feels authentic, inviting, and purposefully designed.

A key part of my process is curiosity, immersing myself in the local environment, culture, and community. I draw inspiration from the landscape, local materials, and regional craftsmanship to create a sense of place that guests can truly connect with. Whether it’s incorporating handmade pieces from local artisans, celebrating regional history through design, or weaving in elements of the natural surroundings, I ensure each space feels rooted in its location.

Through my proven design framework, I focus on elements that drive ROI—like first impressions, standout listing photos, durability, and local authenticity. I create spaces that are not only visually compelling but also guest-friendly, highly functional, and easy to maintain. By blending these principles with a strong connection to the local area, I help transform vacation rentals into immersive destinations that guests rave about and return to.

How do you create unique and memorable experiences for guests?

I create unique and memorable guest experiences by designing spaces that go beyond aesthetics—they tell a story, evoke emotion, and encourage connection. Every detail is intentional, from the flow of the space and the tactile materials used to the way light shifts throughout the day. I focus on designing moments that spark curiosity, comfort, and delight—whether it’s a perfectly framed view, a cozy fireside nook, or a locally curated welcome station that invites guests to engage with their surroundings.

By understanding the target guest and how they interact with a space, I can create a stay that feels effortless yet unforgettable. I lean into the local environment, culture, and heritage, incorporating elements that make the experience authentic and rooted in place. Thoughtful touches like handmade pottery from a local artisan, an outdoor lounge designed for stargazing, or a well-curated bar setup that invites guests to craft their own cocktails elevate a rental from just a place to stay into a destination worth returning to.

Ultimately, my goal is to design spaces that enhance guest enjoyment while increasing the property’s desirability and value. A well-designed vacation rental isn’t just beautiful—it’s an experience guests want to share, rebook, and rave about.

What is your favorite project you have done and why do you love it?

It’s hard to choose a favorite, but two projects stand out for different reasons.

The condo transformation we’re currently working on is a perfect example of how a thoughtful, strategic redesign can completely shift the guest experience. Condos often feel outdated and generic, but we’re turning this one into a truly Vermont-inspired retreat—from the curated color selections to the use of natural materials that ground guests in the landscape. Beyond aesthetics, we’ve dramatically improved functionality and safety, bringing the space up to fire code and optimizing every inch for a seamless, comfortable stay. The transformation is powerful because it proves that even a small space can deliver an incredible experience when designed with intention.

On the other hand, The Nest’s outdoor spa and retreat is one of my all-time favorite designs because of the way it fully immerses guests in the natural beauty of Vermont. We created an outdoor wellness experience with a sauna, hot tub, fire pit, and an edible fence, all set on a patio overlooking breathtaking mountain views. This space invites couples to **slow down, connect with nature, and truly unwind—**whether they’re soaking in the hot tub under the stars or enjoying the crisp morning air by the fire.

Both projects highlight what I love most about design—transforming spaces into experiences that feel both deeply personal and unforgettable.

Can you share a story/feedback from a client or guest that made all the hard work worth it?

The Nest has been an incredibly special project—one that embodies the healing power of nature and intentional design. Over the past three years, we’ve worked closely with Christine and her husband, both healthcare professionals, to reclaim overgrown gardens, enhance pollinator habitats, improve drainage, and craft seasonal outdoor rooms that nourish the senses. The result is a breathtaking outdoor spa retreat that offers both guests and owners a space to truly unwind and reconnect with nature.

Beyond the landscape, we also helped uplevel the interior of their cozy loft, making light upgrades to enhance function and flow in a small space. By refining key elements of the layout and design, we ensured the interior complements the tranquility of the outdoor retreat, creating a seamless guest experience from the moment they arrive.

Christine, the owner of The Nest, shared:

"When we moved onto our property, there was much potential. Still, we needed a cohesive design, plan, and support to implement our vision for the renovated 1800s farmhouse and barn housing an Airbnb unit, a yoga studio, and a massage space. Kate carefully listened to us, ensuring she understood how we wanted the rooms to FEEL to our guests and us.

Kate's sustainable horticulture and interior design background, education, and focus on sourcing locally helped us establish a more intentional yet natural feel supporting our vision of combining a healthy wildlife habitat with a peaceful, healing environment. The entrance to the property is a vibrant, welcoming guide to the Airbnb and yoga studio every season.

Kate has a great sense of humor and a supportive approach that complements her depth and breadth of plant and interior design knowledge. There is no ego, unlike other designers I've worked with. She co-creates a vision and plans with you based on solid design principles, sustainable practices, and your business. Working with Kate is a nourishing experience!"

Partnering with Savu, experts in sauna design, we also created an immersive wellness experience for the property with the sauna, hot tub, fire pit, and living apple fence—all designed to invite relaxation and rejuvenation.

Hearing guests and owners alike express how deeply the space impacts their well-being makes all the hard work worth it. The Nest isn’t just a vacation rental—it’s a retreat that truly allows people to pause, breathe, and reconnect.

What's one "pro-tip" you'd be willing to pass on to the community?

My pro-tip would be to never underestimate the power of a guest’s first impression—both inside and outside the space. The first few moments a guest experiences can completely set the tone for their stay, so creating a visually engaging and functional entry is key.

Start by ensuring that the first photos of your listing showcase the best aspects of your property and tell a story that invites guests to feel at home right away. Highlight functional spaces like the entryway or outdoor areas that are important for both comfort and flow. And don’t forget about the seasonality of the space—a welcoming entrance that shifts with the seasons or a thoughtfully designed outdoor area can create an atmosphere that feels special year-round.

Consider the "Instagrammable" factor, too. Creating a space that has those wow moments—a unique focal point, bold design choices, or a memorable backdrop—encourages guests to share their experiences. Not only does it elevate their experience, but it helps market your space organically when guests showcase their stay online, enhancing your property’s appeal and reach.

Creating a strong first impression helps guests feel welcomed, relaxed, and excited to experience what’s next, setting the stage for a memorable stay.

What's the most recent item that you can remember that you've ordered from HostGPO?

The most recent items I’ve ordered from HostGPO include some of our favorite dishes from the Leanne Ford range set at Crate and Barrel—they’re a perfect blend of style and functionality, adding a beautiful yet practical touch to any dining experience. I also love to order high-quality bedding for my vacation rental projects, ensuring that guests enjoy comfort and luxury during their stay. HostGPO makes it easy to source premium products at a great value, which is crucial for staying on budget while elevating the overall guest experience.