--- title: "The Jack + Mare | Portland Design & Build — Design-Build Firms | Houzz" canonical_html_url: https://www.houzz.com/professionals/design-build-firms/the-jack-mare-portland-design-and-build-pfvwus-pf~218435885 markdown_url: https://www.houzz.com/md/professionals/pf~218435885.md entity_type: LocalBusiness business_name: "The Jack + Mare | Portland Design & Build" category: ["Design-Build Firms"] image: https://st.hzcdn.com/fimgs/03532687021baaf9_3552-w400-h400-b1-p10--.jpg address: "Terah Beth Varga, Portland, Oregon 97206, United States" latitude: 45.484 longitude: -122.5973 phone: "(503) 765-6639" website: http://www.thejackandmare.com rating: 5 review_count: 15 best_of_houzz_awards: 4 followers: 97 last_updated: 2026-09-07 --- # The Jack + Mare \| Portland Design & Build Original Houzz profile: [The Jack + Mare \| Portland Design & Build](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/design-build-firms/the-jack-mare-portland-design-and-build-pfvwus-pf~218435885) ## Professional summary - **Primary category:** Design-Build Firms - **Location:** Portland, OR - **Serves:** Portland, Lake Oswego, Oregon City, West Linn, Happy Valley, Milwaukie, Lents, Clackamas, Eastmoreland, Foster Powell, Mt. Scott-Arleta, Mt. Tabor, Sellwood, South Tabor, Southeast Portland, Westmoreland, Woodstock - **Houzz rating:** 5.0 out of 5 (15 reviews) - **Best of Houzz:** 4 awards (2016–2026), for Service, Design. ## About ### Houzz Badges - Star Houzzer - Houzz Influencer - Recommended on Houzz - 1,000 Ideabook Saves The Jack + Mare is a husband + wife team specializing in high-quality custom residential design and construction. The J+M is a fully licensed one-stop design-build firm that values high-quality design and craftsmanship in their projects. The Jack + Mare work hand-in-hand with homeowners to provide intuitive and practical results, making efficient use of limited spaces to form beautiful solutions to everyday problems. From consultation to design and construction of your space, The Jack + Mare approach each new design with a sense of adventure and the goal of creating integrated spaces that homeowners LOVE! { CCB\# 204545 - Licensed, Bonded & Insured } Specialties: hi-quality custom kitchen remodels, open concept remodeling, master plans, accessory dwelling units...etc ### Services Provided - Home Remodeling - Custom Homes - New Home Construction - Kitchen Remodeling - Home Additions - Bathroom Remodeling - Kitchen Design - Bathroom Design - Architectural Design - Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) - Building Design - Guesthouse Design & Construction - Outdoor Kitchen Construction - Architectural Drawings - House Plans - 3D Rendering - Project Management - Design Consultation - Home Restoration - Floor Plans - Energy-Efficient Homes - Outdoor Kitchen Design - Custom Home Bars - Laundry Room Design - Green Building - Sustainable Design - Space Planning - Lighting Design - Mudroom Design - Site Planning - Drafting - Tiny House Construction - Structural Engineering - Staircase Design - Demolition - Workshop Design & Construction - Custom Storage - Outdoor Lighting Design - Shed Design & Construction - Custom Cabinets - Custom Home - Custom Kitchens ### Areas Served - Portland - Lake Oswego - Oregon City - West Linn - Happy Valley - Milwaukie - Lents - Clackamas - Eastmoreland - Foster Powell - Mt. Scott-Arleta - Mt. Tabor - Sellwood - South Tabor - Southeast Portland - Westmoreland - Woodstock ### Typical Job Cost $120,000 - 450,000 The Jack + Mare is a full service design & build firm. All of our projects have an in-house-developed architectural and interior design before construction begins. No matter the project size, the project will go through a design phase. No "handy-man" projects. ## Business Details | Field | Value | | --- | --- | | Business Name | The Jack + Mare \| Portland Design & Build | | Address | Terah Beth Varga, Portland, Oregon 97206, United States | | Phone | (503) 765-6639 | | Website | http://www.thejackandmare.com | | License Number | CCB\# 204545 | | Followers on Houzz | 97 | **Social profiles:** - Facebook — https://www.facebook.com/thejackandmare - LinkedIn — https://www.linkedin.com/company/thejackandmare - Blog — https://www.thejackandmare.com ## Contact - **Houzz profile:** [The Jack + Mare \| Portland Design & Build](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/design-build-firms/the-jack-mare-portland-design-and-build-pfvwus-pf~218435885) - **Website:** http://www.thejackandmare.com - **Phone:** (503) 765-6639 ## Credentials **Certifications & Awards** - Bachelor of Architecture, University of Tennessee- Radical Space making Award from Depave - Women Business Enterprise (WBE) Certification\# 8953- Emerging Small Business (ESB) Certification\# 8953- CCB\#: 204545 - **Best of Houzz:** 4 awards (2016–2026), for Service, Design. ## Reviews **Overall rating: 5.0 out of 5 — 15 reviews** *Aspect averages:* - Work Quality: 50.0 - Communication: 50.0 - Value: 50.0 ### Reviews **★★★★★ — Anika Stephen, Sept. 2025** > We had the pleasure of working with The Jack + Mare for a second time in 2024/25 for Phase 2 of our full-house remodel, and it went just as well as the first time! All the design choices Terah Beth made were so thoughtfully considered and skillful, and both her and Justin's attention to detail while bringing it all together during construction were wonderful. > > When they're working on our home, it feels like they're working on their own home, or even going further with that level of commitment and care, if it's possible. The Jack + Mare don't just show up to do a job; they arrive ready to build something special. We're so happy that we get to live in a home that brings us so much joy, and it's all thanks to The Jack + Mare. > > We said it before, and it still rings true -- we can't wait to work with you again! **★★★★★ — christine\_r\_meyer, May 2025** > If you are even contemplating a remodel and don’t know where to start, I fully recommend contacting The Jack + Mare and getting on their waiting list! > > They are creative and pragmatic, details like how the natural light will be blocked or not by certain cabinetry/shelving choices. The spacing of lights and outlets and the fun color they can add truly makes their renovation style amazing. They help you stick to a budget and communicate what a change or upgrade will add. I was delighted that appliance shopping can be fun! They are well connected with vendors and specialty contractors in the community and they work with quality people and products. > > Listen to their ideas, even if you don’t think you want a certain addition, I recommend following their advice. I didn’t think we needed a heated towel rack, but I love getting out of the shower to a slightly warmed towel everyday! Also one of my new favorite household tasks is emptying the dehumidifier under the kitchen sink that is designed to pull moisture from the garbage/recycle/compost/dish-drying cabinet system that keeps everything tidy and out of sight.I can go on and on describing the beautiful built-in bench seating, pocket doors and a myriad of other things that they designed and constructed! > > Ours was a big remodel (converting a garage, updating kitchen, dining, bath, and adding a half-bath), but I am speaking the truth when I say the whole thing was awesome. They make it fun and exciting, it has been a year now since the remodel and I can’t remember any part of the process that was arduous. Everyday we are exceedingly happy how our new space turned out! **★★★★★ — Jeannie Manman, June 2023** > I hired the design/build firm of The Jack and Mare for my kitchen remodel because I fell in love with Terah Beth's design skills, seen, in one instance, on Houzz (the Sellwood house) and, the other, five years earlier, on Zillow (when the Mt. Tabor house was listed for sale). I liked both kitchens so much that I decided to search her out when I was ready to remodel. > Terah Beth's design is both a collaboration with the client and a process where she starts with a lot of ideas and gradually narrows it down as she figures out the best possible design solution for the space, optimizing both the practical and esthetic use of the space. There was an exciting moment when she "nailed it" on my kitchen design and we both knew everything was perfect for my space and work could start. > Her great design skills are attached to the equally great building skills of her husband, Justin. I think I was extremely fortunate to have found the both of them. > Justin is a builder-extraordinaire--a hard-working guy with the highest of standards. He really cares about doing good work and that you are happy with the results. I can also say that he is fun to be around. The few subs they use are well-vetted and communication is good. These are truly good people to work with. > My kitchen is my dream kitchen, a modern, well-designed space with a warm, calming esthetic. I admire it every day and so enjoy working and living in it. I am another very happy client of The Jack and Mare. **★★★★★ — Anika, June 2023** > By the end of our consultation with Terah Beth and Justin of The Jack + Mare, we knew we'd found our team! Both my husband and I were impressed by their creativity, integrity, and the quality of their work as evidenced by previous projects and testimonials. Once our design and renovation process got underway, we were even more sure that we'd made the right decision. Terah Beth's design skills are incredible, and she took our needs and desires into consideration while also providing solutions to situations we hadn't even thought of. Justin's expert craftsmanship and commitment to doing excellent work was apparent at every stage of the project -- demo to finish. And our house was kept so clean! > > The Jack + Mare are great people and even greater professionals. Their communication with each other and with us made this process super smooth. They have such great attention to detail, and they both brought so much care to everything they did for us and our house -- it really blew us away! We can't imagine having gone through this process with anyone else. We put our biggest investment in The Jack + Mare's hands, and not only did they deliver, but they far exceeded our expectations at every turn. Our former fixer-of-a-house is now a home that we absolutely love. Thank you, Terah Beth and Justin! We can't wait to work with you again! **★★★★★ — Brittni Jones, Dec. 2017** > Working with Terah Beth and Justin (The Jack & Mare) was a wonderful experience. We wanted a kitchen remodel, that ended up cascading into living room, hallway, and stairwell/entry. They were very upfront and honest from the beginning about the cost for a project of that scope. Once they had finished their current project, the focus was 100% on us during the duration of our project. As we have two young children and two pets, I appreciated knowing specific details about timeline, and when we had to be out of the house vs when we could be home. Thankfully, Justin's schedule went according to plan and the kitchen was finished at the exact time he had told me from the beginning. The site was always cleaned up at the end of each day, which is important considering small children. Terah Beth and Justin also were great with kids and made an effort to get to know everyone in the family, including pets! > > Terah Beth thinks of all the details so that those are all lined up and ready to go when the time comes, such as material choices for counters, appliances, hardware, backsplash, etc. The team is very organized and are skilled at making your vision a reality. They do not compromise on quality, so all items that Terah Beth and Justin suggest are going to be backed by their confidence, and this goes for their subcontractors as well. When we had an issue with a couple of dings left by some subcontractors, TB and Justin made sure those were resolved. > > Terah Beth was very considerate, and treated us like friends, in how she got a microwave thrown in with our appliance package to surprise us, coordinated a phenomenal slab of maple as our island countertop instead of the quartz, and left us a kitchen-warming gift at the end. Justin went above and beyond when we had to be out of the house and he checked on and fed our dog. We are now loving our bright, open kitchen, with so much more storage and function! Terah Beth and Justin are good people who are solution-focused and were great to work with! **Comment from The Jack + Mare \| Portland Design & Build:** > Thanks so much for taking the time to write this review Brittni! We really enjoyed getting to know you and the whole family! It was a real pleasure. We're very thankful and happy you trusted us to transform your space. **★★★★★ — Crissy Shaffer, Sept. 2017** > We spend so much more time in our new space, we love it. It’s never easy living without a kitchen but The Jack and Mare helped make the experience much easier. Despite the fact that the first day of physical work was also the first day of snowpocalypse 2017, The Jack and Mare started and ended on the day they projected! Despite changes, minor problems, upgrades, items being out of stock and my indecisiveness we had a brand new kitchen and dining room in 2.5 months. The first question most people asked us was, “When do they say its going to be done?” followed by, “Well, you’re gonna need to double that. They never finish when they say they’re going to.” Nope! Terah Beth and Justin are on on top of it. Justin was there nearly every day and all the subcontractors were kind and respectful. Terah Beth is a great designer, she and I worked really well together. We could have as much or as little input we wanted. I believe we got a great value for our money. We ended up going over budget but it was for work we added to the project. We were quite under budget for the original proposed work. **Comment from The Jack + Mare \| Portland Design & Build:** > Thanks Crissy... It was a lot of fun working with you! I LOVE the new space! > > Here's a picture of us together for picture day :) > You're awesome. **★★★★★ — Marissa Maier, Aug. 2017** > Working with TerahBeth and Justin was a great experience. TerahBeth has a lovely design sense in addition to developing smart architectural space solutions. They didn't pressure us to move beyond our budget, and also helped us decide on opportunities to make the space our own (like a walnut countertop from a local artisan.) > They scheduled sub-contractors like clockwork, and used our planned vacation for dirty jobs like refinishing the floor. We have kids, and tools were always safely put away at the end of the day and the work area was left clean. Would work with them again in a heartbeat. **Comment from The Jack + Mare \| Portland Design & Build:** > Thanks for the lovely review Marissa! It was such a pleasure working with y'all! **★★★★★ — Brannon Riceci, June 2017** > We hired Jack and Mare to remodel a small bathroom for our 1945 home just off of Ainsworth in NE Portland. We had some very specific needs (the bathroom is very narrow, and we have two kids that we are still bathing together at least three times per week. My wife and I were constantly stepping over each other at bath time!) and TB's help with the design was invaluable. We went through a lot of revisions and changes, and both Justin and TB kept their cool better than I would have in their shoes. > > Once the job started, everything went exactly the way we were told that it would. Justin was great general contractor and caprenter, the subs were great, and everybody stayed on time and on budget. My wife and I couldn't be happier with the end result. Bath time went from being fairly unpleasant to actually being fun! **Comment from The Jack + Mare \| Portland Design & Build:** > Thanks Brannon! It was a fun project and y'all were wonderful to work with. Hi to the family! **★★★★★ — Nate From Pdx, Jan. 2017** > Justin and Terah Beth did a kitchen remodel for us that became an entire downstairs transformation. The kitchen was taken down to the studs and we got rid of one and half walls. Changed the layout and got all new everything. From beginning to end, they were amazing to work with. Great design ideas, great at working within our budget and being realistic about costs. They were on time and very efficient, the whole thing went remarkably smoothly. Can't say enough good things about the Jack and Mare. Hope to use them for our next project. **Comment from The Jack + Mare \| Portland Design & Build:** > Thanks for the awesome review Nate! Y'all were great clients! **★★★★★ — paul6318, Dec. 2015** > Remodeling options abound in the metro area, so why choose the Jack + Mare design and build team? Start with quality work using quality materials while completing the project on time and on budget. Then consider the design and build process. As an efficient husband and wife team, Terah Beth and Jason are constantly exploring design ideas and plans together, often in consultation with the homeowner. That means Jason can address construction questions as design plans are being drawn up, saving time and money. > > Terah Beth’s fee schedule is more than competitive, and I was equally impressed by her approach to design consultation. Have you ever dealt with designers who seemed more interested in their ideas than your own? Terah Beth views designing as a cooperative effort, from the first walk through to the finished project. A friend who recommended the Jack + Mare said that if I would just let Terah Beth wander around my kitchen she would see possibilities that I had not thought of for transforming the space. That she did, while carefully incorporating my wishes. > > Two personal touches I especiallly enjoyed were the cabinet maker’s design which reflects many period details found in the doors, built-ins, and moulding of my century old house and Terah Beth’s response to an unusual request. Before retiring as an elementary teacher, I often created thematic visual displays for showcases, window boxes, and bulletin boards. With my new glass door cabinets and lots more counter space, the only thing missing was the bulletin board. Terah Beth was horrified at the prospect of some institutional-looking school or office supply unit, so she scratch-built an alternative which preserved the kitchen aesthetic. > > By choosing Terah Beth and Jason, you can expect frequent, if not daily, communication, complete transparency in billing, and, if you desire, on site help selecting materials and appliances. The construction phase is marked by courteous, friendly crews and Jason’s thorough clean up at the end of each day. > > “Love your space” is the slogan used by The Jack + Mare design and build team. You will, indeed, love your space, and you will also love the people who make your space lovely. **★★★★★ — User, Dec. 2015** > We are a small cabinet shop and just started working with Justin and Terah Beth. Terah Beth has a masterful eye for design and makes the most out of every inch available in her designs. Her designs are unique and innovative. Justin is marvelous at bringing Terah Beth's designs to life. They are a fabulous design/build team and by far one of the best contacting teams we have had the pleasure to work with. Their jobs are organized and they do a great job of project management. On top of all this talent, they are two of the most down to earth and nicest people you will ever meet. We look forward to doing more work for them in the future. **★★★★★ — sylviabaltzer, Dec. 2015** > We hired The Terah Beth and Justin to remodel our Mt Tabor kitchen this summer. Overall it was a great experience. Terah Beth gave us many thoughtful design solutions and always kept our budget in mind. The scheduling on the job was superb, with something happening every day to keep the job moving forward. All the subs were top notch and everyone was respectful of our home and time. Justin kept the job site clean and organized, and made sure that all details were done well. Our project was done on time and under budget. > Terah Beth and Justin are wonderful and pleasant to work with and we would highly recommend them to anyone! **Comment from The Jack + Mare \| Portland Design & Build:** > Thanks so much Sylvia! We really appreciate the kind words :) > \- Terah Beth and Justin ## Selected projects - [Mt. Tabor Kitchen and Living Remodel](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/mt-tabor-kitchen-and-living-remodel-pj-vj~1423552) - Location: Portland, OR - Photos: 34 - Description: The Jack + Mare worked with the homeowners of this cool mid-century inspired kitchen from schematic design all the way through construction. The existing kitchen was demolished (including asbestos abatement) all the way to studs, sub-floor and ceiling joists and completely rebuilt with custom cabinets, solid oak flooring, task and ambient lighting, new electrical/plumbing, counter-to-ceiling wall tile, new beam (took down wall between living/kitchen), new window and colorful barn door. The final… - [Sellwood Remodel](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/sellwood-remodel-pj-vj~2566532) - Location: Portland, OR - Photos: 44 - Description: - Designer + Contractor: The Jack + Mare \| design & build 1.) Demo, design and rebuild kitchen and dining room. 2.) New Paint, new flooring and/or refinish for the entire 1st floor. The Jack + Mare designed and built this custom kitchen and dining remodel for a family in Portland's Sellwood Westmoreland Neighborhood. The wall between the kitchen and dining room was removed to create an inviting and flowing space with custom details in all directions. The custom maple dining table was locally mil… - [Rocky Butte Remodel (Portland Oregon)](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/rocky-butte-remodel-portland-oregon-pj-vj~2779043) - Location: Portland, OR - Photos: 28 - Description: Split Level 1970 home of a young and active family of four. The main public spaces in this home were remodeled to create a fresh, open, light-filled hub for family and friends. The Jack + Mare demo'd the kitchen and dining room down to studs and removed the wall between the kitchen/dining and living room to create a clean and fresh open-concept space. Now the family can all be together and enjoy one another's company even if mom or dad is busy in the kitchen prepping the next meal. The custom wh… - [Boulevard Remodel](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/boulevard-remodel-pj-vj~2298367) - Location: Portland, OR - Photos: 33 - Description: When the homeowners first contacted us about their 1926 home, they stated "We want to make better use of the space and open it up a little. This seems right up your alley." That's right...we live on that alley, we love that alley! Terah Beth designed a few schemes ranging from leaving all walls in place to removing all walls that separated the dining, living, and the back nook from the kitchen. The clients decided to go big and knock 'em all down... they went big and stayed home! Beating the sys… - [Brooklyn Neighborhood Kitchen Remodel](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/brooklyn-neighborhood-kitchen-remodel-pj-vj~984958) - Location: Portland, OR - Photos: 27 - Description: The Jack + Mare designed and built this Kitchen Remodel in Portland's Brooklyn Neighborhood. The home was originally built in 1912, but the kitchen had gone through many changes over the years, losing the original spirit of the house. The kitchen is roughly 235 Square Feet. The Jack + Mare completely re-designed the configuration of the kitchen to maximize storage, receive more natural light, ease conversation (being social while you are in the kitchen) and maximize counter space. The kitchen wa… - [Woodstock Remodel \| Southeast Portland](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/woodstock-remodel-southeast-portland-pj-vj~397318) - Location: Portland, OR - Photos: 9 - Description: 1-story 1952 Ranch Home Remodel on a very modest budget (782 square feet) Key Features: - Restructured the roof and ceilings from 8'-0" flat ceilings into vaulted ceilings with exposed beams. - Custom Storage (hall closet, bedroom closet, record collection storage and more) - Wood stove and exposed pipe - Artwork by Terah Beth Baltzer Varga and TIm Janchar [See all 6 projects](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/design-build-firms/the-jack-mare-portland-design-and-build-pfvwus-pf~218435885) ## Ideabooks - [Wish List](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/171497565/list/wish-list) — 1 idea - [My Kitchen Plan](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/134071205/list/my-kitchen-plan) — 1 idea - [green roofs](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/52878156/list/green-roofs) — 3 ideas [See all 3 ideabooks](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/users/thejackandmare) ## Community Q&A **Q: Is it cheating to ask about this paint color?** *(in Photo Questions)* I am in love with this paint!! Can anyone tell me what color it is, or is that cheating? Thank you so much in advance! A: Thanks Erin! **Q: shaker cabinets** *(in Photo Questions)* what is the color? A: It was a custom color match. **Q: what color is the blue island?** *(in Photo Questions)* I would love to know the paint color for the blue island. Thanks! A: Thanks! The Island cabinet paint is Moscow Midnight, Sherwin-Williams . For more info: https://www.houzz.com/magazine/kitchen-of-the-week-white-wood-and-navy-updates-in-oregon-stsetivw-vs~99229957 **Q: What quartz countertop is that?** *(in Photo Questions)* What quartz countertop is that? A: https://www.msisurfaces.com/quartz-countertops/cashmere-carrara-quartz/ **Q: ENERGY! Such great choice of materials!** *(in Photo Questions)* I just love this home. Lucky family, lucky friends who get to hang out in this kitchen! A: @Cathy James, Thanks for the compliments! **Q: Where can I get these bar stools?** *(in Photo Questions)* I am shopping for bar stools and absolutely love these. Where can I find them? Thank you - this is a dreamy kitchen, I love it. A: Thanks! The client actually got those bar stools at Ikea! --- *Source: Houzz professional profile. Reflects the profile as of 2026-09-07.*