((L-R) Chad Terry, Owner/Designer; Heather Terry, Office Manager; Ashtin Gillespie, Journeyman Carpenter; and helsea Gillespie – Associate | Photos courtesy of Designer Baths & Kitchens, LLC)
Chad Terry, owner and designer of Designer Baths & Kitchens (DBK), boasts an impressive 30 years of professional kitchen and bath design/remodeling experience, entering the industry back in 1996. His parents originally founded DBK in 1976, allowing Terry to grow up learning the tools of the trade, following in their footsteps.
“My parents were not only pioneers in the kitchen and bath remodeling industry, but their passion and dedication made them true leaders and influencers,” Terry said. “They understood — a half century ago — that true excellence comes from focus and commitment. Rather than trying to satisfy the masses and be everything for everyone, they poured their hearts into perfecting what mattered most to them: kitchen and bath design and renovation. By dedicating themselves to these fundamental spaces, they built a legacy rooted in quality, care and a deep appreciation for the rooms that truly make a house a home.”
Terry said that, growing up immersed in the family business, he came to truly appreciate the special role that kitchens and bathrooms play as the heart of the home.
“Kitchens are more than just spaces for preparing meals — they are places where families gather, where traditions are lovingly passed down, and where every shared meal is enriched by laughter and connection,” he said. “Bathrooms are personal sanctuaries, offering a much-needed retreat from the stresses of daily life. The greatest gift I’ve inherited is the ability to help others experience the comfort, joy and sense of belonging that these spaces can bring — continuing my family’s legacy of transforming kitchens and baths into cherished centers of home life.”
Terry mentioned that the eventual move to Bend in 2017 was spurred by a love of the natural beauty that fills the region. For years, his family’s vacations here felt like cherished escapes, and the idea of living where they vacation began to take root. “After four decades dedicated to delivering exceptional kitchen and bath renovations in Memphis, Tennessee, we felt drawn to begin a new chapter surrounded by this inspiring natural landscape and vibrant community,” he said. “Relocating 2,000 miles from everything familiar was no small feat, and the challenges of uprooting our lives were very real. Yet, from the moment we arrived, we were embraced by the warmth and generosity of the Bend community.” Since the move, Terry has happily helped nearly 100 of his new neighbors turn their dream kitchens, bathrooms and closets into reality.
In a market like Bend, there are many options for home remodeling. However, Terry says that his company stands out as unique due to their commitment to their niche — kitchen and bath design and renovation. “While many general contractors may be licensed to tackle these spaces, genuine expertise is essential for transforming them into places of comfort, beauty and lasting memories,” he said. “We understand our strengths and focus exclusively on what matters most to us and our clients, rather than being a ‘jack of all trades’ and venturing into areas like home theater installation, roofing replacement or building exterior decks, even though we are licensed to do so.
“Instead, our goal is to continually raise the standard for kitchen and bathroom remodeling in Bend, serving discerning homeowners who seek more than just a contractor, but rather a dedicated and experienced kitchen and bath professional who brings deep industry knowledge, expertise and creativity to every project.”
Looking back at his 30-year career, Terry is grateful for the people he’s met, the work he has accomplished, and he’s constantly inspired by the ever-changing trends, styles and unique needs of every homeowner. “Every project brings a sense of excitement and possibility, reminding me of how far Designer Baths & Kitchens has come from its humble roots,” he said. “While those years were filled with pride and accomplishment, the current chapter of DBK is crafted with intentionality and care. Today, we are purposefully smaller and more personal, dedicated to serving discerning homeowners who value true expertise and the reassurance that comes from knowing their project is entrusted to passionate professionals.”
Looking to the future of his business here in Central Oregon, Terry said, “Our passionate team is committed to earning recognition throughout the region for our unwavering professionalism and inspired creativity — all while keeping remodeling accessible and affordable for our neighbors by avoiding burdensome overhead costs often passed onto homeowners to bear, and is a common practice with larger remodeling firms.”
Happy with his newly planted roots in Bend, the talented team he’s assembled, and the welcoming community, Terry plans on continuing to grow client relationships and his reputation as a specialized kitchen and bath remodeler who turns houses into beloved homes.
