For trusted remodeling professionals and associates in the Puget Sound, the Remodelers Council at the Master Builders Association of King and Snohomish Counties (MBAKS) has become a real community. Here, members can swap industry knowledge, build thriving business partnerships, or lend a helping hand. For current council chair Teri McDermott, this spirit of camaraderie is what makes the group so special.
“There’s a genuine openness and willingness to help one another that you don’t often see, even among competitors,” she says. “We all share a commitment to supporting each other and elevating our industry with high standards, and that’s something I truly value.”
Teri is the CEO and owner of CRD Design Build, where she has been guiding Seattle-area homeowners through thoughtful remodeling projects for over three decades. She credits her start in the business to her late husband, who passed away in 2024. “I’m an accountant by degree and by nature, and I actually fell into construction through my husband, whom I’d been married to for more than 30 years. He started a company and needed support on the administrative and financial side, which is where I stepped in,” she says. “Over time, that path led us to purchasing CRD, and the rest is history.”
Serving the local community is at the core of Teri’s work. At CRD Design Build, she ensures each client is educated about the remodeling process so they can make informed decisions with confidence. “I have a strong passion for learning and education, and that carries into how we serve our clients.” Teri and her team are also regular Rampathon participants, serving neighbors in need year after year. “Volunteering our time to build ramps and improve accessibility for those in need is truly priceless and a powerful reminder of the difference we can make in our community.”
It's no surprise, then, that when asked what she'd do if she hadn't ended up in homebuilding, Teri's answer still centers on bringing people together. “I love planning parties!” she says. “If I didn’t own CRD, I’d likely be running a party planning business. I enjoy creating fun, memorable experiences for people of all ages.”
It’s this same enthusiasm that Teri brings to the Remodelers Council when sharing her vision for the year ahead. “My vision is to bring members together through education and collaboration. By building strong relationships and partnerships, we can continue to elevate our industry and support one another in meaningful ways,” she says. “There’s so much value in learning from each other, and that’s what excites me most.”
Learn more about the Remodelers Council and how you can get involved.