News & Events Archives - Schroeder Design/Build, Inc.

Schroeder Design Build Hires Jim Baker Bringing a New Design Ethos and Inexhaustible Energy to the Local Design-Build Remodeling Firm

February 13, 2023/in News & Events/by Schroeder Design Build

FAIRFAX, VA, February 13, 2023 – Schroeder Design Build, a second-generation family-owned design-build firm and leading provider of home remodeling services, has hired Jim Baker, the former National Director of Workforce Development for Associated Builders and Contractors and previous co-owner of McNeill Baker Design Associates, as its Director of Design to help nurture and advance the depth and vision of its design services.

Jim brings more than 25 years of architectural design and construction experience to the new role. He is most recognized for his design ethos working as a Director of Operations at Morris-Day Design Build. Jim, along with principal architect, Dwight McNeill, created a portfolio of highly coveted custom homes that valued context, community and craftsmanship. After a tragedy that dissolved the Morris-Day Design Build firm, Jim and Dwight partnered together to form McNeill Baker Design Associates, continuing to fuel demand for the nostalgic brand of architecture.

Most recently, as President of McNeill Baker Design Associates, Jim used his multi-faceted expertise to create homes and communities with a timeless sense of place. As a past executive and realtor with a keen understanding of construction materials and building codes, Jim has effectively learned how to guide clients through the complexity of building their homes while remaining true to traditional forms of architecture.

“We welcome Jim, with his passion for his work and his deep experience in the residential remodeling industry, said Mark Gill, General Manager and co-owner of Schroeder Design Build. “Jim brings clients, architects and contractors together to deliver a comprehensive and integrated approach to residential design. He fits beautifully with our culture and has fully adopted our processes as his own.”

“I was drawn to Schroeder by the family-owned, people-centered culture,” admits Jim Baker. “The company invests in its people who are given career paths with the company. Everyone is caring, compassionate, collaborative, and client- and solutions-focused. This results in the entire team caring deeply about each other, our role in contributing to the clients’ satisfaction, and the company’s overall success.”

“There is no limit to the depth of our opportunities to innovate at Schroeder Design Build,” Jim adds. “I couldn’t be happier being part of a company that consistently strives to deliver exceptional value when it comes to end-to-end customer service, process efficiency, and quality construction.”

About Schroeder Design Build

Schroeder Design Build is a second-generation family-owned design-build firm founded in 1986 and headquartered in Fairfax, VA that is dedicated to providing quality design and construction services at an extreme value. Its people-centered company employs a diverse team of skilled professionals who not only care deeply about their role in elevating a client’s home remodeling experience, but are also empowered to grow personally and professionally, each highly trained with a license or certification, or working towards one. The award-winning design-build firm specializes in kitchen and bathroom remodels, room additions, whole house remodels, and outdoor living spaces.

Schroeder Design/Build Inc Receives 2022 Best of Fairfax Award

December 16, 2022/in News & Events/by Schroeder Design Build

Fairfax Award Program Honors the Achievement

FAIRFAX December 5, 2022 — Schroeder Design/Build Inc has been selected for the 2022 Best of Fairfax Award in the Remodeling Services category by the Fairfax Award Program.

Each year, the Fairfax Award Program identifies companies that we believe have achieved exceptional marketing success in their local community and business category. These are local companies that enhance the positive image of small business through service to their customers and our community. These exceptional companies help make the Fairfax area a great place to live, work and play.

Various sources of information were gathered and analyzed to choose the winners in each category. The 2022 Fairfax Award Program focuses on quality, not quantity. Winners are determined based on the information gathered both internally by the Fairfax Award Program and data provided by third parties.

About Fairfax Award Program

The Fairfax Award Program is an annual awards program honoring the achievements and accomplishments of local businesses throughout the Fairfax area. Recognition is given to those companies that have shown the ability to use their best practices and implemented programs to generate competitive advantages and long-term value.

The Fairfax Award Program was established to recognize the best of local businesses in our community. Our organization works exclusively with local business owners, trade groups, professional associations and other business advertising and marketing groups. Our mission is to recognize the small business community’s contributions to the U.S. economy.

Mark Gill, General Manager of Schroeder Design Build, Flies High

July 13, 2022/in News & Events/by Schroeder Design Build

Mark Gill, General Manager of Schroeder Design Build, Flies High You might know Mark from his active area networking, and as a two-time past president of a local BNI chapter. You might also have worked closely with him on your home renovation project, because he takes tremendous pride in delivering quality work by helping define your vision of a dream home, and ensuring your dreams come true.

“When I joined Schroeder Design/Build back in 2013,” beams Mark, “I quickly understood what it takes to run a successful remodeling business: individual empowerment. Systems-based and growth-minded, Schroeder encourages personal and professional growth and development for its employees, and shares that enthusiasm with its loyal clients.”

Starting as a sales and design manager, Mark’s expertise propelled him to General Manager, and official co-ownership this year. His biggest accomplishment was improving business processes to help reduce the company’s reliance on its owners. “We value our people the most,” continues Mark. “Great results stem from empowering our teams and optimizing our systems.”

Mark partnered with Andrew the CEO to reinvent how SBD does business. “We adopted new training programs and became even more collaborative,” smiles Mark. “Owners’ duties were shifted to staff, and communications were streamlined with the implementation of new technology. We thrive on sharing accolades, and encouraging each other to grow and succeed!”

Mark’s enthusiasm flows into every aspect of his life, including an obsession with “all things airplanes”. The hobby was triggered a few decades ago when a friend of his parents gave him flying lessons after his father’s death – and he’s been in love with flight ever since. “There’s nothing more exhilarating than flying, and nothing cooler than planes.”

A Sentimental Journey

It’s a sunny day in Manassas Virginia. The blue sky holds a few puffy white clouds and a few WWII era fighters and bombers. Schroeder Design Build co-owner and GM, Mark Gill and his wife Lisa, stroll around the airport inspecting the planes and talking to the crews.

Mark struck up a conversation with a crew member of a restored B-17 bomber from WWII, named Sentimental Journey. They encouraged him to become part of the Commemorative Air Force’s mission to honor those that had served on those planes so many decades ago and to inspire current and future generations to do great things. Now, several times a tour season, you will find Mark flying as part of the crew on a vintage B-29 Superfortress named FIFI.

When I asked Mark about his obsession with flying on WWII era planes, his eyes light up.

“I can remember the exact isle in the grocery store where they kept the model airplanes. I think I was 8 or so years old. My mom would leave me there to look at the planes, while she and my sisters grocery shopped (You could do that in our small town).“

“I had been staring at a particular model plane for three weeks when Mom finally let me buy it. After that all my savings went to buying and building those model airplanes. My love of planes, and respect for those who did what had to be done to create a better world, grew from there. Reading about the crews and their leaders, I saw that ‘belief in the cause’ led to ownership of the outcome and then, ultimately to success.”

“When I joined Schroeder Design/Build back in 2013,” Mark relays with the same twinkle in his eye. “I quickly understood for a remodeling business to be successful it’s team members must believe in the service our company delivers, own their mission and the success of each remodeling project. Schroeder encourages personal and professional development for our team and shares that enthusiasm with our loyal clients.” Leadership doesn’t need to shine, the craft of our teams and their pride in workmanship does.

Mark sees his biggest accomplishment as improving processes and systems. “We value our people the most,” continues Mark. “Great results stem from encouraging others to realize their potential and giving them the tools to succeed.

We thrive on doing it well, doing it right”. I want our clients to not just see the work behind their remodel, but the excellence we put into everything we do for their home.”

Whatever you do in life, do it with joy and purpose,” encourages Mark. “I feel the same joy and sense of purpose with my Schroeder team as I do in the air, learning and experiencing life to the fullest. When you help others to realize their full potential, great things happen. Whether you’re creating a dream home or living your dreams, the sky’s the limit!”

Enjoy these incredible photos from his recent trip to August, GA May 25-28, 2022. Visit our Team Page to learn more about the interesting and celebrated lives at Schroeder Design Build.

Andrew Schroeder (left) with Coach Pete McDowell (right) from Action Coaching

Andrew Schroeder Named Biz X Entrepreneur of the Year

April 22, 2022/in News & Events, Press Releases/by Schroeder Design Build

Andrew Schroeder, CEO of Fairfax-based Schroeder Design/Build, recognized for outstanding performance by ActionCOACH^® Biz X Awards.

Andrew Schroeder (left) with Coach Pete McDowell (right) from ActionCOACH

Fairfax, VA, April 15, 2022 – Andrew Schroeder, CEO of Schroeder Design/Build, Inc. of Fairfax, VA, was named Entrepreneur of the Year at the Biz X Awards presented by ActionCOACH® on April 3, 2022 at Planet Hollywood in Las Vegas, NV. The award reflects outstanding performance and stands Schroeder amongst the best in business nationwide. This year’s Biz X Awards had more than 400 nominees in 30 categories, with more than 150 finalists from throughout North America represented.

“I am pleased and honored to receive the award for Entrepreneur of the Year, yet I recognize that it is a team effort. I give thanks to my ActionCOACH coach, Peg Buehrle, and my dedicated and hard-working team at Schroeder Design/Build who help me navigate a tough year and grow and flourish both professionally and personally,” said Andrew Schroeder. “Our team’s continued focus on our proven and heartfelt values is why our business has grown and my leadership has been recognized by the innovators at Biz X.”

Andrew Schroeder was the winner of another national honor given by the National Association of the Remodeling Industry (NARI) in 2020: The John Quaregna Award recognizing NARI’s young remodeling professionals for their efforts and achievements in the remodeling industry. He is also one of the youngest to ever receive the prestigious Master Certified Remodeler (MCR) designation. Schroeder Design/Build was awarded the Community Service award in 2022 by the Professional Remodeling Organization (PRO).

About Schroeder Design/Build, Inc.

Schroeder Design/Build is a family owned and operated remodeling firm located in Fairfax, Virginia. Since 1986, it has been providing residential and commercial clients throughout Northern Virginia with comprehensive design and construction services for remodeling, tear down and rebuilds, and new home construction. In 2021, Schroeder celebrated its 1000^th client and its 35^th anniversary. More information can be found on the Schroeder website at SchroederDesignBuild.com.

About Biz X

The Biz X Conference and Awards is an annual event, held since 2011 and powered by ActionCOACH, that attracts business-minded professionals from North America to hear some of the most impactful thought leaders present new ideas and strategies for success. This year’s conference featured speakers Donald Miller, Molly Bloom, Ken Schmidt, Dr. Michelle Rozen, Dr. Tony Alessandra, Terri Broussard Williams and Brad Sugars.

“The Biz X Awards recognize excellence and the work, results and growth our coaches and their clients have achieved. As the lifeblood of any local community, we recognize the power and contributions small businesses make every day,” said Brad Sugars, CEO and Founder of ActionCOACH.

About ActionCOACH

ActionCOACH is the world’s largest business coaching franchise in the world, with coaches in 70 countries. It was established and founded in Brisbane, Australia by Brad Sugars in 1993 when the concept of business coaching was still in its infancy. Since franchising in 1997, ActionCOACH has helped business coaching become mainstream, and the company has nearly 1,000 coaches working weekly with approximately 18,000 businesses. ActionCOACH specializes in coaching small to medium-sized businesses, as well as executives and their teams. Visit actioncoach.com for more information.

Why Referrals are Important to Remodeling

November 23, 2021/in Community, News & Events, Remodeling, Uncategorized/by Schroeder Design Build

A huge portion of our business as a Northern Virginia design/build remodeling company comes from referrals. They are the lifeblood of our business and an invaluable source for new clients. But why are they so necessary? It’s all based on trust. Let’s look at why referrals are important to remodeling.

What is a Referral?

A referral occurs when a client, partner, vendor, team member or friend tells a home or business owner to give us a call to talk about remodeling their property. Or when one of these same people contacts us directly to offer the contact information for someone they know who use remodeling, and asks us to reach out.

Why is a Referral Important to Remodeling?

When we receive a referral, the connection is much easier. The person who is referred to us has already heard something about our company, and likely, about one or more of our clients’ experiences remodeling with us. They already trust that we can do the job and offer a great customer journey, so they are half sold already! All they really need to do is discover whether we are a good fit for each other.

During our initial consultation, we also evaluating the referral. When our capabilities match with their vision, we an ensure a successful project.

Where do Referrals Come From?

Our best referrals come from our happy clients. They have had a great experience during the remodeling process and are thrilled with the results. They are proud to show off their project to their friends, family and neighbors, who inevitably ask, “Who did you use for your remodeling?” That offers them a perfect opportunity to refer the inquirer to our company for a free initial consultation. Very often, the same clients refer numerous people to our company.

Other referrals come from the people we work with, like our vendors and suppliers. They are familiar with our work and trust our company, and by referring to a company they believe in, they put their reputation on the line as well. Our partners know that referrals are important to remodeling and are glad to refer their customers, clients and neighbors to us.

Our team members are also a source of referrals. They are proud of the work we do and don’t hesitate to ask someone to consider us when they’re thinking about remodeling their home or business.

What is a Good Referral?

What we refer to as a “good referral” is a project that fits both us and our potential client. At Schroeder Design/Build, we specialize in larger remodeling projects like whole house remodels, additions, kitchens, and master suites. We’ll even build a new home from the ground up. If a job is too small, we can refer the job to one of our trusted remodeler associates…and they likewise refer a job that is too big to us.

We Reward Referrals

We like to let those who refer a potential client to us know that we appreciate them, and offer a referral program that includes items like a thank you note, gift cards, and referral-based appreciation events. Their best reward, of course, is when the person they referred comes back after their remodeling project and says, “Thank you for referring us to that company. We love our new project.” Win-Win!

It’s Easy to Refer to Schroeder Design/Build

We try to make the referral process easy. Just give us a call to tell us about someone you know who’s looking for a top remodeling firm or have them contact us—and make sure they tell us that you referred them. We’ll take it from there.

Schroeder Design/Build is a family owned and operated, award-winning remodeling firm bringing dreams to life throughout Northern Virginia. We’d certainly appreciate your referrals.

Results from the 2021 Houzz Bathroom Trends Study

October 13, 2021/in Bathrooms, News & Events, Remodeling, Uncategorized/by Schroeder Design Build

The two most important rooms in your home would probably be the kitchen and the bathroom. Am I right? We read a lot about what’s important in a kitchen remodel, but not a lot about the bathrooms, so we pulled the latest takeaways from the 2021 U.S. Houzz Bathroom Trends Study to pass along to you.

Bathroom Pet Peeves

One of the biggest reasons people choose to remodel their bathrooms is frustration with its current style or function. They “can’t stand the old bathroom,” the Bathroom Trends Study reports. Most annoying was an old and outdated space, followed by insufficient storage.

Addressing Special Needs

Aging in place is a big issue when remodeling a bathroom, and homeowners are looking to make those changes now for their future. More than 25% of homeowners claim this as a big reason to remodel.

Color Preferences

Remember the harvest gold or baby blue bathroom trends of years gone past? Those color choices have been replaced by homeowners choosing a white palette for their bathroom remodels. White was the top color choice for vanities, countertops, shower walls and non-shower walls due to its sense of cleanliness. It also enhances light, giving the bathroom an airy feel–especially important when the bathroom is small.

Making Major Bathroom Remodeling Changes

Bathroom trends show that the majority of homeowners chose to keep the same basic footprint when remodeling their bathroom (77%) since enlarging a bathroom would add significant cost or wasn’t really feasible within the home’s layout. Commonly, most bathrooms are smaller than 100 square feet, with an additional 36% coming in at 100-199 square feet. Only 21% of homeowners have a bathroom sized 200 or more square feet.

The most common changes are reconfiguring the layout (42%), including relocating the shower and modifying existing walls.

Bathroom Tub Trends

Surprisingly, 1 in 4 homeowners are removing the bathtub during their bathroom remodel, although the majority choose to keep the existing tub or upgrade to a newer model. The most popular bathtub style are the freestanding acrylic soaking tubs, followed by alcove tubs, like the common shower/tub combination, which are rising in popularity–up from 22% in 2020 to 26% in 2021.

About the 2021 U.S. Houzz Bathroom Trends Study

This study gathered information from just under 3,000 Houzz users who were homeowners ages 18 or older who had completed a master bathroom remodel or addition in the past 12 months, were currently working on one, or were planning the remodel in the next three months. The survey took place between July 21 and July 27, 2021. Read the original study here.

View our Bathrooms Portfolio for inspiration on remodeling your master bathroom!

Choose Schroeder Design/Build for Northern Virginia Remodeling

Whether you want to follow the latest bathroom trends or choose your own style, Schroeder Design/Build can help. We have a team of architects and designers to help you bring your dream bathroom to reality. Contact us at info@SchroederDesignBuild.com, or give us a call at 703-449-1700. We’ll be glad to discuss your project and answer any questions you may have on remodeling your master or hall bathrooms, or any remodeling project. We work with homeowners in the Northern Virginia region.

5 Remodeling Project Trends Expected in 2022

August 23, 2021/in Additions, Bathrooms, Design/Build, Kitchens, Lifestyle, News & Events, Remodeling, Uncategorized/by Schroeder Design Build

People are always curious about what’s coming next. And in remodeling, we like to look at what consumers are asking for. What the industry is seeing are five remodeling project trends expected to boom in 2022.

Remodeling Project Trends for 2022

Trend 1: Better mudroom functionality

Families are well familiar with the frantic searches for keys, backpacks, gloves, hats, and other essentials, especially during the morning rush to get out the door. Remodelers can help alleviate the confusion with a mudroom constructed to a family’s individual needs.

Those designing a mudroom, or an “all-purpose drop zone,” can build from scratch or convert an underutilized space such as an area in or near the garage or laundry room. Other areas that function well include drop-off areas for package and grocery deliveries; pet washing stations with an oversized sink or shower pan; specified storage for each family member; laundry equipment area with shelving, a folding counter and a sink; a central charging station; and even something fun like a boot dryer. A waterproof, easy-to-clean luxury vinyl tile floor helps.

Trend 2: Specialized Outdoor Rooms

Homeowners are asking remodelers to build spaces to suit their favorite interests. Landscape architect Ryan Kettelkamp of the Chicago-based Kettelkamp & Kettelkamp found that “more clients wanted an outdoor kitchen this past season.” This included a grill, water source and a pizza oven!

Remodeling project trends indicated that other families may want a firepit or outdoor fireplace; a lawn or terrace area where a large screen can be put up to watch movies; an edible garden; and raised wood planters and trellises.

Trend 3: Larger Windows

Homeowners want to feel like they’re connecting with the outdoors even when they’re stuck inside and are changing out windows and doors to fit larger glass options. Windows installed higher, as in a clerestory; garage-style glass doors that roll up; and smaller framework for a thinner window profile are being requested. Durability and energy efficiency remain at the top of the list.

Trend 4: Flexible Home Offices

Having a place to work or study from home became a need during the pandemic. According to the 2021 Houzz Emerging Home Design Trends Report, searches for home offices were up 108%. Designing a room or area with privacy, light and quiet was important.

Connecticut-based designer Sharon McCormick suggests asking yourself these questions:

Do you need a door?
Do you want natural light?
Do you need or want to share space?
Do you have an extra room or space, like a large walk-in closet, landing, attic or basement?
What furnishings and accessories do you need?

Trend 5: Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs)

Those with space on their property may opt for the remodeling project trend of building an accessory dwelling unit, or ADU. Similar to a tiny house, these structures are “generally detached from the main house and range in size between 500 and 800 square feet, but as large as 1,200 square feet,” said Caitlin Bigelow, an ADU advocate who runs Maxable, an educational resource on ADUs.

Increased approval from planning and building departments has boosted the popularity of ADUs, which can be used as a housing solution for returning grown children, renters, or older parents (granny flat).

Bigelow recommends installing doorways that accommodate a wheelchair, and removing thresholds between areas when designing your ADU, and including natural light, insulation, key appliances and universal design features overall.

Related: Did you miss our July 2021 design seminar on ADUS? Watch it here!

For Expert Remodeling, Contact Schroeder Design/Build

You too, can add function, value and joy to your home, both inside and out with these remodeling project trends. Contact Schroeder Design/Build to talk about your remodeling dreams in Northern Virginia.

–Excerpted from “5 Remodeling Projects Expected to Boom in 2022” by Barbara Ballinger, published in Pro Remodeler, September 20, 2021.

The New Concerns About Remodeling During the Pandemic

December 9, 2020/in News & Events, Remodeling/by Schroeder Design Build

Like most of us, in March and April 2020, our clients and potential clients were frightened and highly concerned about the impact of the novel virus COVID-19. We didn’t know what it was or what impact it would have on our health and our livelihoods. The biggest concerns about remodeling during the pandemic at that time were safety and sanitation.

Kitchen Remodeling Trends From 2020

September 28, 2020/in Design/Build, Kitchens, News & Events, Remodeling/by Schroeder Design Build

When Houzz interviewed 2,598 U.S. homeowners about their upcoming or recent kitchen renovations, the survey results indicated a number of trends. Here are some of the popular kitchen remodeling trends from 2020.

Why is Our Being a PRO or NARI Member Important to You?

August 21, 2020/in Lifestyle, News & Events, Remodeling, Uncategorized/by Schroeder Design Build

2021 UPDATE: The local NARI chapter has been restructured and is now called PRO Mid-Atlantic, the Professional Remodeling Organization.

Schroeder Design/Build is a long-standing member of the National Association of the Remodeling Industry (NARI) and a member of the newly-formed Professional Remodeling Organization (PRO). In fact, joining the Washington D.C. Metro Region chapter of NARI was one of the first things we did when we started our company 35 years ago. This being said, you might wonder, “Why is a PRO or NARI membership important?” Let’s explore the many reasons why our being an association member is important to you.