Proud to be a woman-owned, Oregon-based business. Serving communities throughout the Portland Metro Area.
Meet our #GIRLBOSS
Laurel Winkel founded SheBuildsKitchens in 2016 to help homeowners rediscover the beauty and function of their kitchens. Laurel wears many hats - a construction pro and design specialist balancing aesthetics with function, a busy parent, a disruptor and a thriving business owner in an otherwise male-dominated industry. She is proud to bring the unique perspective of a woman’s eye to every kitchen design and remodeling project.
As a licensed general contractor, Laurel knows how to transform an existing space safely and creatively. Her keen sense of function drives planning for placement, access, storage, everyday needs and evolving lifestyles. Leveraging her construction and design expertise, Laurel creates a kitchen every homeowner will enjoy and be proud to share with friends and family. In her own words, Laurel designs a kitchen that feed its family’s soul.
Expertise and Experience
Founder, #GIRLBOSS, General Contractor
Company Founder and Licensed General Contractor, Laurel brings 26 years of business management expertise to your project. SheBuilds combines her 4 loves: Design, Construction and Business plus her husband Bryan! Wink! She brings a positive attitude known for a resounding: “Everything is figureoutable!” Laurel studied abroad in Israel and Egypt and was a Ramblin Rod “Smile” winner. When you meet her you’ll see why! Her mission is to create spaces her clients love so much they can’t believe they get to live there.
Co-Founder & Lead Carpenter
Bryan is the team’s comedian! An experienced Carpenter, motorcycle man and mechanic with his Class A CDL, Bryan is married to the SheBuilds’ founder! He loves seeing the massive change and improvement to the heart of each home we remodel.
Executive Assistant/Client Support
Bio = Coming!
Marketing Director
Laura brings over 30 years of experience to the SheBuilds’ team. She earned her MBA in Management and BA in Communication Studies. Laura traveled the country as a Corporate Trainer, lived overseas in Spain and Morocco and is Founder of The Social Media MTC, LLC. She’s an avid writer and photographer. Laura has grit and believes there is always something to be grateful for!
Lead Designer
Who will you talk to/meet with when you start your SheBuilds’ journey? Ally is your gal! She earned her BA in Architecture, Landscapes and Interiors. She has impeccable taste and considers herself a “design nerd.” She’s loved design since she was 4 years old! A true artist who loves to cook with her kids, paint and garden. Her goal? For you to be “beyond happy.” We are thrilled she has chosen the SheBuilds’ team! You will be too!
Design Assistant
Jessica specializes in kitchen design and renderings. She’s been on the SheBuilds’ team since the early days and finds the growth so inspiring. Jessica loves to cook. She is a culinary artist with sourdough breads who thrives on creating her own recipes. Jessica brings that same zest to each kitchen. Her designs focus not only on aesthetics but thoughtful function for the way families really live. Have lots of “must haves” on your list? You’re in luck! Jessica is a puzzle master! She can jigsaw all your pieces into place!
Design Assistant
An avid reader, gardener and chicken mom, Teresa is also a master cabinet installer! She’s been working with the SheBuilds team for 5 years and loves that Laurel treats the team like family! It’s an extra bonus she gets to work with her husband! They are our tag-team of tremendous installers! The dynamic duo!
Project Manager
An industry veteran, Rod brings 28 years of general and finish carpentry experience to the team. He has additional specialties in concrete and comic relief. At many jobs you can feel like a number. Rod appreciates it’s not that way at SheBuilds. He’s well rounded in all phases of the construction process and exudes warmth that makes him easy to talk to. Rod is also a motorcycle enthusiast who enjoys a good long weekend ride through the countryside.
Master Carpenter
A quintessential professional, Aaron brings 30 years of Carpentry experience to SheBuilds with specialties in tile installation, finish carpentry, paint and drywall. With remodels usually come unforeseen challenges. Aaron’s motto, “I can fix that!” means you won’t need to worry about a thing! His favorite part of the work we do is making something beautiful out of nothing.
Carpenter
David is new to the SheBuilds team! He brings 20+ years of experience and specialties including doors, windows, trim, structural remediation and modification. He chose to work with us because we are woman-owned and operated and chose to be a Carpenter because of the variety of projects and the fitness that is a natural benefit of the work. He’s a girl dad and loves spending time with his daughter and their dog. Ever been to the Bellagio hotel in Las Vegas? Then you’ll recognize the glass artist Dale Chilhuly! David once planned and installed a Chihuly piece in the skylight of a project he worked on! Are you a fan of the “Street of Dreams?” Then David is your man! Welcome to the team!
Cabinet Installer
An avid reader, gardener and chicken mom, Teresa is also a master cabinet installer! She’s been working with the SheBuilds team for 6 years and loves that Laurel treats the team like family! It’s an extra bonus she gets to work with her husband! They are our tag-team of tremendous installers! The dynamic duo!
Cabinet Installer
Duke is one half of our dynamic cabinet install duo. You’ll also see him as part of our demolition crew. He’s our go-to guy anytime we need an extra set of hands. When he isn’t demolishing a kitchen or rebuilding one, you can find him under the hood of an old Chevy truck. He owns an automotive restoration company specializing in 60’s and 70’s Chevy’s! Duke got his nickname as a child when he was obsessed with The Dukes of Hazzard. It stuck!
From first ideas to a finished space you love — here’s how we make DIY remodeling doable
The first step to building your dream kitchen is to schedule a consultation with one of our experienced designers. At the consultation we will talk about the hopes and dreams you have for your kitchen or bathroom space and discuss the feasibility of your project. We will go over possible layout options, different finishes that are available and project timelines. Our designer will take detailed measurements of your space, so that we can start working on your design right away if you decide you’d like to move forward.
During this phase our design team will begin to bring your ideas to life. We will develop plans for your space including a floor plan and an itemized list of finishes. We will present the initial plans to you at our design studio in Wilsonville, where you will be able to see cabinetry, countertop and other options in person. Then we will revise the plan to your liking until it’s absolutely perfect! At this point, we will sign the construction agreement and prepare for construction!
This is where the rubber meets the road. We will have a preconstruction meeting at your home with your designer and the production team to go over all the details. You’ll receive a login for our management system so you can see the construction schedule each week. Once we start, the production team will work hard to bring your dreams into reality. We’ll wrap up by doing a walk through with you to make sure we’ve caught every detail. This is the longest phase of the project of course, but when we are done you will have the kitchen you’ve always dreamed of!
How we work
Share your goals & ideas
Get expert eyes on your plan
Avoid common remodel pitfalls
Custom renderings & layouts
Budget + timeline you can trust
Tools to stay on track
Hands-on guidance when you need it
Proven process for success
Confidence to DIY your remodel
Stay up to date on events, trends and tools to beautify your space.
