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Designed With Heart

Inside the culture of a design-build team that treats every home like their own.

Around Greensboro, Frye Build + Design has gained recognition for its general contracting and design services that breathe new life into old spaces. The team prides itself on preserving the charm and historical character of beloved properties throughout the city—from Irving Park and Sunset Hills to Westerwood and Starmount—while incorporating modern conveniences and eye-catching flair. That unique combination of skill and vision stems from years of experience, long before Pam Frye officially launched the business in 2018.

Years earlier, under the guidance of a mentor, Pam learned the ins and outs of home and property management—from handling repairs and renovations to organizing subcontractors and overseeing rental properties. That hands-on experience led her to earn her general contractor’s license in 2003. Soon, people began asking if she could remodel their kitchens. Without a team of her own, it was just Pam and a group of subcontractors. The work kept coming, and although there was never a formal business plan, the steady exposure to home design and renovation sparked something in her. “I found that I really liked it—I felt secure about it, and I was pretty good at it,” Pam says. “There was always something new to learn, and I was always challenged.”

Much has changed since those early days, but Pam’s passion for the work remains. Today, she leads an impressive team of around 21 full-time employees and maintains a strong network of subcontractors and vendors. Her leadership has cultivated a collaborative, welcoming, and dynamic work environment—one that attracts talented professionals who approach each project with energy and a team-first attitude.

“We have some of the kindest people,” Pam shares, reflecting on the team at Frye Build + Design. “Everybody’s here to bring to the table what they do best and give their all. Everybody’s here for the right reasons.”

Zach Baldwin joined Frye four years ago as an assistant. Although he had little construction experience at the time, he quickly learned the ropes and now plays a key role on the estimating team. Always willing to lend a hand, Zach’s can-do attitude is emblematic of the Frye culture. “We have each other’s backs and do whatever needs to be done to finish a project successfully, satisfy the client, and at the end of the day be proud of what we do,” he says.

The Frye team understands that home remodeling can involve a lot of questions and decisions for clients. “We break things down so it’s not overwhelming,” explains Lauren Welch, lead interior designer. Lauren focuses on creating functional spaces with unique finishes and materials but knows their work goes beyond design. “It’s more than remodeling a home—we’re actively building relationships with the people that we’re working with and with the communities that we’re in,” she says.

One of Lauren’s frequent collaborators is Karen Murdock, who brings more than 20 years of design experience to Frye. Karen specializes in cabinetry—from kitchens and baths to libraries, offices, and built-ins. She works closely with estimators early in the process and oversees installation, but her favorite part is seeing the final result. “Knowing people are waking up and loving their environment is so rewarding.”

These days, the Frye team has a particularly personal project underway—renovating Pam’s own home. “I was looking to move to a smaller home with the primary bedroom on the first floor,” Pam says, explaining her decision to stay in Sunset Hills. That vision led to a full remodel of a charming older property with plans for an open floor plan. It’s been a fun, collaborative experience with her team. Pam has enjoyed the opportunity to experience the process from the client’s perspective. “I certainly feel all the love that the staff gives to clients,” she says.

Whether they’re collaborating on a custom kitchen, guiding a homeowner through a renovation, or even remodeling Pam’s own house, the Frye team brings the same energy, care, and commitment to every project. It’s a culture built on trust, mutual respect, and shared passion—and it extends beyond the job site. From cheering together at a Greensboro Grasshoppers game to grabbing milkshakes at Yum Yum’s, the team genuinely enjoys each other’s company. “We all know we’re in this together,” says Pam—and that spirit is at the heart of everything Frye Build + Design does.

"We have each other’s backs and do whatever needs to be done to finish a project successfully."

"It’s more than remodeling a home—we’re actively building relationships with the people that we’re working with and with the communities that we’re in.”

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