Your Trusted Home Remodeling Contractor
At Marvista Design + Build, we believe remodeling should feel collaborative, not chaotic.
That’s why we’ve built a team that brings design, construction, and project management under one roof—so you get clear communication, thoughtful planning, and experienced execution from start to finish. We’re not a firm that relies on flash or fluff. We listen first, then help you make smart decisions that fit your lifestyle and your home—not someone else’s idea of what looks good. With in-house designers, carpenters, and long-term trade partners, we know how to guide a remodel so that it runs smoothly and ends with a space you actually love to live in.
Whether it’s your kitchen, your whole first floor, or your entire house—we treat your project like it’s our own. We show up when we say we will. We answer the phone. And we don’t consider the job finished until you’re settled and happy in your space.
Our Core Values
We operate with honesty and integrity in all our interactions with clients, teammates, and the community. We prioritize doing what is right.
We believe in effective communication and attentive listening. We adhere to the principle that if it's not documented, it's not reliable; and if it's not reliable, it's not factual.
We are committed to consistently delivering work and services of the highest standards. Quality begins in the design phase, extends to the field, and remains consistent throughout our client's time living in their new space.
We are dedicated to ongoing improvement in all aspects of our operations and personal growth and are receptive to constructive feedback.
Be supportive and optimistic, and approach situations with a solution mindset.
We are a team driven by a shared commitment to the success of our clients’ projects.
Meet Our Owners
Michael Jacobs is the owner and president of Marvista Design + Build. In addition to bringing his clients’ remodeling dreams to life, Michael also runs Marvista Rentals, LLC and Marvista Construction, LLC. He actively builds, manages, and renovates homes and apartment buildings in the Squirrel Hill neighborhood of Pittsburgh.
Before moving to Pennsylvania, Michael spent 25 years in Hollywood as the owner and president of Marvista Entertainment, a leading independent producer and distributor of feature films and family entertainment programming. He has more than 100 executive producer credits for feature films and TV movies made for 21st Century Fox, Walt Disney, Warner Brothers, NBC, Lifetime, and others.
Once he moved to Pittsburgh and started his home building and renovation businesses, Michael realized that Hollywood and real estate have more in common than he first expected. His unique background gives him creative vision and an eye for trends that allow for refreshingly practical yet distinct designs.
With a background as a CPA and years in corporate finance, Leah handles financial operations and back-end systems at Marvista. She’s also a process optimizer at heart—constantly refining the way we work so our team can focus on what matters: design, quality, and client care. Leah ensures that things run smoothly behind the scenes, from estimating to billing to business development.
Get to know the amazing people
at Marvista Design + Build
Rori, a Pittsburgh native, found her way to Marvista Design + Build after working for many years as an interior designer in Redondo Beach, California. Creative collaboration and communication with clients is the keystone to her design practice. She has an innate ability to create an atmosphere that feels fresh, but authentic to the architecture of the home.
The majority of Rori’s 14-year career has been built on new home construction, and her experience designing homes from the ground up has helped her hone her love of architectural details and space planning. She loves the entire collaboration process, from listening to the client’s needs to creating the space on paper with the architect to getting in the field to work things out in real time. Rori is also experienced in reimagining individual spaces and enjoys transforming homes with history in the Pittsburgh area.
Rori received her training from the Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising in Los Angeles and also holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Musical Theatre from Point Park University. Rori is an avid theater lover who loves being on the stage and taking her daughter to shows. She is married with two children, Frankie and Ronin.
As the Construction Manager/Estimator, Paul brings a wealth of construction knowledge and experience to the team. He oversees the estimating and construction process, and the skilled team of project managers at Marvista. Over the past 25 years, Paul has built more than 120 new homes and has completed numerous additions and home renovations. He has intimate knowledge of how homes are constructed along with how to rearrange layouts in order to give each client the space and floor plan of their dreams. Paul enjoys seeing the projects begin as a concept or idea and helping them grow into a beautiful completion
Working in the design-build world is about more than just construction—it’s about transforming spaces into places people love to call home. By collaborating with a team that shares the same values and passion, Marvista creates a foundation for meaningful, and successful projects that leave a lasting impact.
As the Production Manager at Marvista Design + Build, Zach oversees the entire production staff, our trade partners and supports all aspects of projects from beginning to end. With over 15 years of experience in carpentry and in the remodeling industry, he is committed to providing a dedicated team that consistently delivers exceptional results that everyone can be proud of. Since 2019, Zach has been a part of NARI (National Association of the Remodeling Industry) and has been certified as a Lead Carpenter and a Certified Remodeler through that organization.
Lindsay brings over 10 years of interior design experience to the Marvista Design + Build Team. As a designer at Marvista Design + Build, Lindsay’s approach to residential design incorporates forward thinking trends. She provides thoughtful solutions for maintaining the architectural integrity of existing spaces while improving the overall lifestyle of her clients through their newly designed dwellings. She has the technical ability to layer lighting layouts and detailed renderings. Her clients appreciate her well-crafted vision. She received her Masters of Interior Architecture from Chatham University in 2009 and has developed a unique set of skills which are reflective of her design style and understanding of details.
Verica joined the Marvista Design + Build team as a project manager in March of 2022. She has a bachelor’s degree in interior design and a combined 10 years of experience as a project manager and designer. Verica manages daily site visits with carpenters and trade partners to review technical details, along with clients and designers to review project details. She provides constant communication with clients outlining progress and design updates and makes sure the schedule for project completion remains on track. Verica enjoys seeing each project come to life and keeping the client included throughout the process. The final walk-through is one of her favorite moments. Outside of work, Verica’s favorite moments are spent playing pickleball, spending time in nature or with her two fur babies, Thor and Pepper.
Mike grew up working on his father’s construction sites, where he developed a strong foundation in the building trades at an early age. He refined his carpentry skills on multimillion-dollar homes throughout Sewickley and Peters Township, gaining experience with high-end craftsmanship and complex project demands. When his family’s business relocated, Mike moved north and soon found a lasting home with Marvista Design + Build. As a project manager, he brings extensive field experience, clear communication, and a steady leadership style to every job. His commitment to quality and client satisfaction continues to guide his work each day.
As a designer at Marvista Design + Build, Sara takes great satisfaction in developing innovative design solutions that keep the client’s style and budget in mind. Sara started at Marvista Design + Build as a design assistant and assistant project manager. She has since grown into a designer position. Sara has a great vision for the design build process and exceeding clients’ expectations. Sara’s creative and detail-oriented personality led her to the career path of Interior Design. Her studies included commercial and residential design. She received her Bachelor of Science in Interior Design in 2018 from Indiana University of Pennsylvania. Her passion for residential design brought her into the kitchen and bath industry.
As a designer at Marvista, Chloe loves helping to bring each client’s unique vision to life in beautiful, personal, and functional ways. Beginning with early discussions of the client’s vision, jumping into the design details, and watching ideas turn into a reality is one of the many joys of her job. Chloe began as a design assistant at Marvista Design + Build, but has since grown into a junior designer position. She loves puzzling together floor plans and is always up for a challenge. Chloe’s love of art and design drew her to interior design at an early age as a way to combine her passions into a career. She received her Bachelor of Science in Interior Design in 2023 from the Indiana University of Pennsylvania. Being a designer allows her to exercise her creativity everyday.
Scott brings over 20 years of hands-on experience in general contracting, with a strong background in carpentry and a passion for building with precision. After spending two decades honing his skills in San Diego, he recently returned to his hometown of Pittsburgh to continue his craft. Married with two young children, Scott values the balance between family life and the work he loves. He and his family recently settled into a new home, marking an exciting new chapter. At Marvista, he applies his depth of field experience and steady workmanship to every project he takes on.
Jay is a skilled carpenter with 15 years of experience in the trade, beginning his career in trim work before expanding into all phases of kitchen and bath remodeling. Over the years, he has developed expertise in cabinetry, tile installation, and custom trim, bringing a high level of craftsmanship to every project. His versatility and attention to detail make him a strong asset on any job site. Outside of work, Jay is an active musician who has performed with numerous bands throughout the region. He also enjoys writing and recording music in his home studio.
Matt brings more than 15 years of experience across nearly every aspect of home construction and remodeling, from breaking ground and running utilities to delivering high-end finish work. Over the course of his career, he has developed strong expertise in stone veneer, detailed finish carpentry, tile installation, and a wide range of repair work. His versatility allows him to step confidently into any phase of a project and contribute with precision. Matt is known for his craftsmanship, problem-solving skills, and commitment to getting the details right. He takes pride in creating durable, well-crafted results that stand the test of time.
Jake is a dedicated carpenter with five years of experience, bringing a strong focus on quality craftsmanship to every project he takes on. He enjoys all aspects of the trade, but especially excels in fine detailed work where precision truly matters. Jake’s steady growth in the field reflects his commitment to learning and continually sharpening his skills. Outside of work, he stays active through rock climbing and values time spent with his family. His passion for both his craft and his community shows in everything he does.
Josh is an experienced Maintenance Manager with more than fifteen years of hands-on work maintaining and improving a wide range of properties. With a broad range of multidisciplinary skills—from electrical and plumbing work to carpentry and general repairs, he’s known for tackling challenges with steady expertise and practical problem-solving. He takes pride in doing things right the first time and ensuring every space is well cared for.
Joel is a skilled carpenter with five years of experience specializing in residential projects, including kitchens, bathrooms, and detailed finish work. He also brings valuable commercial experience, allowing him to adapt his craftsmanship to a wide range of spaces and styles. Known for his precision and steady work ethic, RC takes pride in creating high-quality results that stand the test of time. Outside of work, he enjoys spending time with his fiancée and staying active with hands-on projects.
Lucas is our Logistics Coordinator, bringing energy and organization to every project. He keeps the team running smoothly by making sure tools, materials, and inventory are always where they need to be. His careful attention to detail and proactive problem-solving help prevent delays and keep work moving efficiently. Lucas’s reliability and dedication quickly make him a valued member of the team.
Evelyn graduated from West Virginia University and began with Marvista Design + Build as a part-time administrative assistant. She quickly discovered how much she enjoyed the team and work environment, leading her to transition into a full-time role. Today, she manages a rental portfolio and oversees daily office operations. Evelyn takes pride in supporting both the office and field teams, bringing organization, positivity, and a genuine commitment to helping others while building connections with everyone she works with.
Gerard leads Marvista Architectural Services, an exclusive subsidiary of Marvista Design + Build overseeing all of our architectural projects and is an integral part of our design process working closely with our designers. A licensed architect in PA, Gerard has over 25 years of experience working at two of Pittsburgh's top architectural firms designing and managing small and large scale residential projects. This experience also included extensive construction oversight of all his projects where he feels design doesn't stop at the drafting table. Gerard started his career at a residential design/build firm in Washington DC and has always thought in-house collaboration between architecture, interior design, and construction provides efficient and thoughtfully executed projects for clients. He is excited to extend his career full circle back to design/build.
Gerard has both architecture and structural engineering degrees from The Catholic University of America located in Washington, DC. He is originally from the Finger Lakes region of upstate New York, is married to Beth, and has two children, Wyatt and Cailyn.
Leslie, a Pittsburgh native, brings over 30 years of accounting experience, including financial analysis, auditing, and leadership roles as CFO and Controller in the manufacturing sector. She holds Bachelor of Science degrees in Management and Accounting from Indiana University of Pennsylvania and the University of Pittsburgh. Known for her sharp analytical skills and ability to streamline processes, Leslie is eager to apply her expertise to a new industry and make a meaningful impact.
RC is a skilled carpenter with a passion for creating quality work in every project he takes on. With a steady hand and an eye for detail, he brings both precision and care to his craft. Always ready to tackle new challenges, RC is committed to delivering results that last. His dedication and craftsmanship make him a valued member of the Marvista team.
Why Work With Marvista Design + Build?
That’s exactly why we do things differently. At Marvista, we combine design and construction under one roof, which means you’re not stuck managing a bunch of vendors or chasing down updates. You’ll have one dedicated team from start to finish—designers, project managers, in-house carpenters, and trade partners—all working together to make sure your project runs smoothly.
With Marvista, you’re not juggling an architect, a GC, and ten vendors. Our in-house design-build team handles it all—layouts, selections, construction, and everything in between. From your first consultation to the final walkthrough, we keep things organized, documented, and clear.
We don’t deal in “allowances” or vague estimates. You’ll know exactly what you’re choosing and what it costs—no surprises. We help you understand your options (“good,” “better,” “best”) so you can make informed decisions that work for your priorities.
We break design into manageable steps: layout, scope, then budget. That way, we can focus on the big decisions first (like floor plan and function) before getting into materials and finishes. Everything’s built around your timeline and investment range. We think ahead, plan carefully, and finish strong
Our Squirrel Hill showroom is here for more than just browsing. You can see and touch the materials you’ll be selecting—lighting, tile, cabinetry, flooring—and we source everything at wholesale, which means better pricing and fewer delays. You don’t have to run all over town picking things out.
We’re not here to sell you a dream and figure it out later. We look for surprises before demo—like venting, ductwork, plumbing—so we can plan around them. We pre-order materials, inspect deliveries at our warehouse, and schedule installs in advance, so your project stays on track.
Most companies are done once the final check clears. We’re still here. We’re currently rolling out a 5-year warranty because we want clients to feel supported long after the work is done. Whether it’s a kitchen we did last year or seven years ago, we’ll pick up the phone.