Our Firm
Renovation Design Group is an architecture firm based in Salt Lake City, Utah specializing in home renovations that create “a new design for a better life.” Our 20+ years of experience includes additions, basement excavations, kitchen remodels, and more that are tailored to the lifestyle of each client. Learn about our history, team, awards, and more below.
Founded in
2003
5
Employees
1,500+
Completed Projects
Licensed in
6
States
History
In 2003, founders Annie and Ann became friends while working at a Salt Lake City architecture firm. It was the ability to enhance people’s lives that drew them both to architecture, and they both felt disconnected from the end users on the high school, business office, and resort projects they were currently working on. Ann had started to reflect on the vast experience she gained working on a wide variety of projects but began to see the value of narrowing her practice.
Ann and Annie knew that many homeowners seeking design help with remodels were being turned away by traditional architectural firms that typically handled multi-million-dollar projects. This gap in the market presented an opportunity for Annie and Ann to start their own firm where they could build personal connections with clients and narrow their focus to residential architecture. The problem was that neither of them had a business background.
As Annie was brainstorming, she shared her idea with her sister Lori. Jared, Lori’s husband, was actually taking a business class at the University of Utah where he was assigned to write a business plan. Lori thought maybe Annie and Jared could help each other out to see if a home renovation architecture firm was even possible.
The three began to casually meet to discuss the idea. Jared suggested they enter their plan in a statewide business contest – “The Entrepreneurial Challenge” – which provided the winner with $40K of funding to start a business. They spent a combined 1,000 hours on the project which included designing a few remodels for friends.
When their proposal was one of 30 entries to make it into the semi-final round, they started to get excited that their business idea might actually be possible. In the end, their business plan did not win the contest, but they decided they wanted to keep going. A few months later, in the summer of 2003, Jared, Annie, and Ann resigned from their full-time jobs to focus fully on what is now known as Renovation Design Group.
Jared left the firm in 2013 after helping establish the firm as a business. Ann was able to find her focus as a home renovation architect and after helping 100s of clients remodel their homes, she retired at the end of 2023. Annie is the current owner of Renovation Design Group managing the growing team, business, and of course home renovation projects.
Team
Annie Schwemmer
Owner & Principal Architect
Annie is one of the founders and the current owner of Renovation Design Group. She became a licensed architect in 2004 after graduating from the University of Utah with a Bachelor’s and Master’s of Architecture. What Annie enjoys most about the home renovation process is building relationships with her clients and helping them find solutions that improve their lives. When not designing houses, Annie enjoys spending time with her husband and two kids, fly fishing, mountain biking, and traveling to explore nearby ghost towns.
Annie is an active member of AIA and is a licensed architect in Utah, Colorado, Montana, Idaho, Wyoming, and Nevada.
Leezanna Hill
Architect
Leezanna started at Renovation Design Group as a drafter in 2015 and has since worked on 100s of projects. Through the support of RDG, she graduated from the University of Utah with a Master of Architecture and became a licensed architect. Her attitude toward design is approachable, thoughtful, and tailored to each client. In her free time, Leezanna enjoys spending time with her husband and friends, doing home improvements, gardening, and high adventure activities.
Liz McMullin
Drafter
Liz has been at Renovation Design Group for 10+ years. She received her bachelor’s degree in education and an associate’s degree in Architectural Technology. With each project, Liz provides a detailed measure to ensure that each space is accounted for. She enjoys spending time with her husband, four kids, and adorable dog, Daisy. In the winter, Liz can be found skiing with her family and come summer in her garden growing flowers and fresh vegetables.
Melissa Serrano
Office Manager
Melissa joined Renovation Design Group in early 2026. She has over 15 years of experience in the corporate field, most recently serving in a leadership role as VP of operations. Melissa brings a strong foundation of organization, efficiency, and team support. She is excited to work in a creative environment and provide dependable support to an established team. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with her husband and two daughters, gardening, camping, and hiking with her dogs.
Kenzie Steward
Marketing Coordinator
Kenzie graduated from the University of Utah with a Bachelor’s degree in Marketing. She completed minors in architecture in addition to environmental and sustainability studies. One of her favorite parts of the job is hearing from clients how much a remodel changed their lives. In her free time, she enjoys spending time and hiking with her dog, running, biking, doing yoga, and traveling with friends.
Awards
Reviews
