26 | Oregon Home EMODELING 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 R
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