Kate Beath facts for kids

Katherine Christian (Kate) Beath (born December 20, 1882 – died June 29, 1979) was likely the very first female architect in New Zealand. She was also known by her married name, McDougall.

Her Early Life and Family

Kate Beath was born in Christchurch, New Zealand, in 1882. Her parents were Marie Malcolm and George Low Beath. Her father started a large shop in Christchurch called Beath and Co. This kind of shop, which sells many different things, is called a department store.

Kate Beath had some famous relatives. Her aunt was Kate Sheppard, a very important woman who worked for women's rights. Kate Sheppard helped New Zealand become the first country where women could vote. Kate Beath was also the great-aunt of another architect named Peter Beaven.

Becoming an Architect

Kate Beath studied art at the Canterbury College School of Art in Christchurch. She finished her studies in 1904. After that, she decided to become an architect.

From 1904 to 1908, she trained with a well-known architect named Samuel Hurst Seager. This training helped her learn how to design buildings. She married Colin Barclay McDougall in 1915.