Community Highlights: Meet Molly Machmer-Wessels and Fritz Machmer-Wessels of Woodland Design Company

Today we’d like to introduce you to  Molly Machmer-Wessels and Fritz Machmer-Wessels.

Hi Molly and Fritz, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
Our story begins with a love of old homes and a passion for design. We both grew up in Cleveland Heights a suburb of Cleveland. Much like Shaker Heights, where we live now, it’s filled with beautiful historic homes that are chock full of detail and charm. We purchased our first home together and renovated it ourselves as a passion project. That proved to be equally rewarding and exciting. We then found a house in Shaker Heights that was a sad vacant mess, but it had gobs of potential and we spent a year debating whether to take on the project. We landed on doing it and renovated and lived in that home for 10 years. We took a leap, and Woodland Design Company was born. The idea was a long time coming and unfolded naturally with inquiries from neighbors and friends. Fritz left his job and we decided to give the idea a real go. We have had amazing support from our community. It’s continually growing and amazing us!

I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey have been a fairly smooth road?
Smooth road? Do those exist when you own your own company? And your partner is your spouse! The answer is heck no! But….so so worth it. Starting and running your own business is insanity. We work all the time, late hours and weekends, we take it all really personal, and the lines for work, family and life are all blurred into one crazy mess. I truly wouldn’t have it any other way. We are so passionate about our company and love it all! We have an amazing team and without them, we would drown! Working with your spouse has its tough spots but the highs are super high and we get to share them all. It’s pretty awesome.

We’ve been impressed with Woodland Design Company, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Woodland Design Company is a boutique design+build firm. We pride ourselves on extremely thoughtful and functional design. We have high attention to detail in both design/construction. Since we are all “in house” we have a specialized team of craftsmen and artisans that bring a level of talent and skill that truly makes us unique.

We love surprises, fun facts and unexpected stories. Is there something you can share that might surprise us?
Most people don’t know that Fritz and I met when we were 8!

Contact Info:

• Website: www.woodlanddesign.co
• Instagram: WoodlandDesignCompany

Image Credits
Kayla Coleman