Olive Tree Design Build - From small remodels to building your dream home!

I'm so excited today to get to introduce Alissa and the team of Olive Tree Design Build on the blog. I've had the pleasure of knowing Alissa and working with her in so many arenas over the past few years. She's joined us at The Envision Retreat every year so she's become a part of our Envision community so Marie, Krista and I are always cheering her on and let me tell you she's nailing going after her goals and vision.


You've actually already gotten a peek inside her own beautiful bedroom design in the color drenching article of City Lifestyle Magazine. This relaxing color design executed by Columbia's own AI Painting Plus. And when you take a look at her blog and portfolio you'll see you have already seen her designs in town too (check out the GORGEOUS transformation to bring Love Coffee into Columbia Orthopedic Group).

Columbia MO brand photography studio workspace portrait
Branding photography planning in Columbia MO studio by Sarah Jane Photography
Columbia MO branding photography studio detail by Sarah Jane Photography
Columbia MO branding photography studio detail image
Studio 165 Columbia MO photography studio seating area
Columbia MO photography studio interior bedroom at Studio 165
Columbia MO photography studio bedroom interior at Studio 165
Columbia MO photography studio bedroom detail at Studio 165
Studio 165 Columbia MO photography studio plant decor detail
Columbia MO photography studio wall art display at Studio 165
Studio 165 Columbia MO photography studio plant and wall detail
Studio 165 Columbia MO photography studio interior detail

Get to know alissa & olive tree

A few things I can tell you about Alissa from our work together is that her energy is infectious! She's a fellow perfectionist (#guiltyhere) with an eye for every detail (pretty sweet combination for a designer). I can't think of anyone who would care more about a design, building your dreams and transforming your spaces than she would. A fun fact that came up in conversation during her recent branding session was that as a designer (versus an architect) she includes furniture in her plans. As someone who's gone through the entire build process once (and the entire design process a second time), this is a helpful detail for the customer because it means she designs the space as you intend to use it! It can be hard for non-designers/architects to accurately 'see' a space without the grounding elements of placing that king bed and night stands into the design before it's finalized (and well before the walls are up and it's move in time).


When prepping for this post I reached out to Alissa so we could get to know her and her business a bit more:


Who are you and what do you do?

I’m Alissa Welschmeyer, owner of Olive Tree Design Build, a luxury interior design and remodeling firm based in Columbia, Missouri. We specialize in new construction, high-end remodels, and full-scope furnishing projects. Our approach blends intentional design with practical construction expertise—our goal is always to create spaces that are both beautiful and livable.

What’s an item or other local business you use in your work that you just love and couldn’t live without?

I’m a huge fan of sourcing local artisan pieces and one-of-a-kind finds. I also love partnering with small boutiques and local makers for layered, collected styling elements that make a house feel like home.

What’s the coolest part of your job?

The coolest part of my job is the transformation—watching a vision take shape from sketches and selections to a finished, fully lived-in space. I’ve worked on everything from remodels to new builds, and what sticks with me most are the personal touches we bring into each one—like incorporating heirlooms into modern design or making a mudroom function perfectly for a busy family.

Tell us about you personally… what drew you to this industry? What are you passionate about outside your business? What’s your PERFECT day?

I’ve always had a passion for storytelling through space. Growing up, I loved rearranging rooms and doing everything creative I could get my hands on. That passion evolved into a career where I get to merge creativity with structure every single day. Outside of work, I’m a mom of two, and I love traveling, working out, and hosting friends in a beautiful, welcoming space. My perfect day starts with an early walk and workout, a productive morning designing, an afternoon checking on jobs, and ends with dinner outside with my family or friends.

Columbia MO branding photographer studio portrait session
Columbia MO branding photographers in studio portrait session
Columbia MO branding photography studio session by Sarah Jane Photography
Columbia MO headshot photographer studio portrait by Sarah Jane Photography
Branding photography session in Columbia MO studio by Sarah Jane Photography
Branding photography detail in Columbia MO studio by Sarah Jane Photography
Black and white branding photo session in Columbia MO studio
Black and white branding photography session in Columbia MO
Black and white studio photography detail in Columbia MO
Black and white studio portrait detail in Columbia MO by Sarah Jane Photography
Black and white studio portrait in Columbia MO by Sarah Jane Photography