As the founder of CBB Design Firm, Colleen Bute Bennett has built a reputation as an international-level interior designer, and an example for young women aspiring to make in the market. This reputation is not only earned for her many travels, spanning over 60 countries, which have given her an extraordinarily wide range of reference in her projects, but also for her work designing the houses of nation leaders across south and central america. So in order to further inspire future professionals in the field, we are going to explore Colleen’s professional journey and the work she performs through her many companies and studios.
A Worldly Beginning
Bennett’s career in design began shortly after her graduation from Wake Forest University when she became the youngest furniture representative at Drexel Heritage. Since her role demanded that Colleen traveled several times in order to promote Drexel’s line of products, she was exposed to large variety of architectural styles, interior design trends, and cultural aesthetics very early on, an experience that would have a huge influence on her style. This wealth of reference, combined with her talent, would enable her to kickstart her career as an interior designer soon after.
The Launch of Caducus Folium
In 2006, Bennett established her first interior design studio, Caducus Folium, in Costa Rica with the intention of catering to high-profile clients across Central and South America, with the firm quickly expanding to six design centers in Ecuador, Colombia, Mexico, Nicaragua, and Honduras. Bennett would design residences for the presidents and dignitaries of many of these countries, always incorporating regional motifs and materials to create luxurious yet culturally resonant spaces.
Her time in Central America emphasized the importance of storytelling through design. Whether integrating indigenous textiles or using locally sourced wood, Bennett’s work honored the histories and traditions of the communities she served.
The Birth of CBB Design Firm
Returning to North Carolina in 2012, Bennett founded CBB Design Firm which would be aimed at bringing resort-style living and international sophistication to residential and commercial projects in the US. Starting as a small boutique firm, CBB Design quickly gained recognition for the flavor it was able to add to local architectural styles through Bennet’s international portfolio. Her team also became known for their collaborative approach, working closely with clients to ensure every project reflected their unique personalities and needs.
CBB’s first major project in North Carolina was a complete redesign of a historic estate, where Bennet merged contemporary luxury with vintage Southern elements. This set the tone for her brand’s identity: a seamless integration of old and new, familiar and exotic which quickly won over her public. Over the years, CBB Design Firm expanded its portfolio to include custom homes, luxury commercial spaces, and hospitality venues, each project bearing Bennett’s distinctive touch.
Expanding Her Vision
Beyond CBB Design Firm, Bennett has pursued a series of other ventures including Bute Couture, a sustainable luxury handbag line, which she founded in 2020. This initiative, focused on promoting better practices in the fashion industry by having each bag be crafted from upcycled fabric and leather scraps sourced from the furniture industry, all the while supporting ethical practices by ensuring workers are paid living wages and donating 10% of proceeds to women’s charities.
Bennet was also involved in the creation of Morgan Stuart Logistics, a company she co-founded to represent luxury furniture manufacturers and provide logistical services to over 40 countries worldwide.
By looking at the achievements and boundless industriousness, it’s not hard to see how and why Colleen Bennett arrived at the level of success she enjoys today, and it’s even easier to be admired by her constant efforts in creating new projects.
So if you’d like to contact Colleen, either for her design services, or for a project of your own, you can do so by accessing CBB Design’s website.