Schulz Design + Build is there all the way, from design through construction.
Remodeling a home can be both exciting and daunting—especially for homeowners who don’t have an established relationship with a trusted contractor. Designer Melissia Schulz saw this challenge again and again: the moment when a carefully crafted design was handed off to a contractor, and something got lost in translation. Instead of watching her clients’ visions become diluted by a fragmented process, she set out to change the model entirely.
Schulz became a licensed general contractor and founded Schulz Design + Build, a fully integrated firm that unites design and construction under one roof. Her goal was simple but profound: to preserve the integrity of every project by being involved from the first sketch to the final detail.
“We’re the same team from start to finish,” Schulz says. “It helps clients get exactly what they’ve envisioned, because we know their goals from day one. And because of that continuity, the relationship becomes collaborative, not transactional. We form a real connection—and that’s something we truly value.”
With more than 30 years of experience in interior architecture and construction management, Schulz leads a women-owned firm that is both design-led and client-driven. Her team is backed by a carefully selected network of vendors and tradespeople who share her high standards and passion for craftsmanship. Together, they collaborate to protect design intent and uphold quality—never compromising for convenience or cutting corners for cost.
“At Schulz Design + Build, a client’s trust is everything,” Schulz says. “We don’t take that lightly. Every decision is guided by listening first, then leading with honesty and care. It’s about building spaces—and relationships—that last.”
Their motto, Built by Design, is more than branding. It’s a promise. A recent kitchen renovation in Lake Oswego offers a striking example of their philosophy in action. The existing footprint remained, but the transformation was dramatic. At the center of the kitchen is a sculptural island, featuring a 3-inch beveled quartz countertop, dark fluted wood detailing and generous seating for entertaining. Above, chandeliers with ice-like globes create a subtle glow and visual texture, while recessed task lighting ensures functionality throughout.
Custom cabinetry in stained Rift white oak pairs with white-painted uppers in a slim Shaker style, all crowned with a satin-gold inlay that lends understated elegance. A subtle hint of industrial edge is introduced through a glass hutch with slim metal doors and integrated lighting—an eye-catching feature that draws the attention of guests. Beside it, open wrought-iron and wood shelving showcases the homeowners’ love of houseplants. Completing the look, a marble-penny tile backsplash climbs around the kitchen window, adding a soft, timeless layer of texture and charm.
“The whole kitchen strikes a balance,” says Schulz. “It’s sophisticated yet approachable, refined yet inviting—elegant with just the right touch of casual ease.”
By staying involved at every stage, Schulz and her team delivered not just a beautiful kitchen but one that felt personal and complete.
“The process runs much more smoothly this way,” she says. “The thoughtful details that matter most to our clients are not only preserved—they’re brought to life. And through that process, we build a foundation of trust that often turns clients into friends—and into repeat customers. We build trust that lasts well beyond the final walk-through.”
