A woman with glasses and shoulder-length hair, smiling and wearing a collared shirt, standing in front of a geometric-patterned wall.

Caitlin McShera

MANAGING PRINCIPAL

BA, Art History and Architectural Studies, Trinity College

Caitlin oversees Client Experience and Business Operations at Red Barn and is a seasoned project manager. Growing up in a historic home under constant renovation, she developed an early appreciation for craftsmanship, antiques, and design. Caitlin studied architecture, decorative arts, and interiors in college, where she presented a thesis on Shingle Style architecture. Her career path has included roles in museums, auction houses, and historic properties, building expertise in project management and client relationships. At Red Barn, she blends this background with a focus on creating thoughtful, collaborative client experiences. In the community, she serves as Vice President of the Friends of Essex Elementary.

LINKEDIN
See Our Work
A woman with shoulder-length light brown hair and glasses, wearing a denim shirt, sitting at a wooden table with a laptop, smiling while looking at the screen. There are two mugs, notebooks, and some papers on the table. A framed quote on the wall says, 'Be nice to people.'

What part of the design process lights you up the most?
Concept Design is always exciting. At this stage, we’ve begun to understand our clients’ goals and how they want their spaces to make them feel. Sharing hand sketches and mood boards is often the first moment clients glimpse the home we’re creating together.


Can you share a favorite moment in a project?
The entry sequence at our Hearthside Haven project stands out. Designed for entertaining, it features an oversized arched door and barrel-vaulted covered approach into a welcoming vestibule. The result is both dramatic and warm—setting the tone for the home and the evening to come.

Think of a project you’ve worked on that captures Red Barn’s “Come Home to Happy.”
Our Salt and Cedar project reimagined a beloved family home overlooking the Essex River. We introduced a double-height family room to frame the marsh views, anchored the first floor with a welcoming kitchen, and added thoughtful touches—like lofted nooks, an oversized mudroom, and a walk-in pantry. With a deep connection to both the house and its setting, the family wanted a home that better supported how they lived. By reorganizing the interior and creating a small addition, we gave new life to a place already rich with meaning.

Where do you usually turn for creative inspiration?
I feel fortunate to live in such an architecturally rich area, where there’s always something new to see and learn. Growing up in a historic home—and later owning two with Ryan—instilled in me a lasting appreciation for craftsmanship and character.

Outside of work, what makes you HAPPY?
Salt air, live music, beach walks, and cozy time at home with family.