Explore how Mike Riddle Construction redefines Oregon’s homebuilding landscape with unique concepts 

Established in 2002, Mike Riddle Construction (MRC) started as a one-man operation. Today, its team includes 14 employees plus many design, trade, and service partners who collectively strive to make the homebuilding experience personal, transparent, and fun for homeowners. MRC has been built around the central values of integrity, hard work, creativity, high standards, and contributing to the community. We learn more about the company’s journey through Owner Mike Riddle, who recounts his early days in homebuilding.  

“My journey in the homebuilding industry began before I went to college, when I would spend my summers and holiday breaks working for a custom homebuilder. By doing so, I gained significant hands-on experience in foundations, framing, demolition, trim carpentry, and more. While I enjoyed the practical tasks, I knew that my body likely could not sustain the physical rigor for the rest of my life. This realization led me to pursue a sports medicine, teaching and coaching career and take a hiatus from homebuilding,” he opens.

“I then went onto found the company 22 years ago, but it was not known as MRC until 2011, when we underwent a rebrand and name change. My return into the construction industry was mainly driven by the need to provide extra income for my family. At that time, my wife and I were both schoolteachers, and she desired to stay at home when we started having children. Consequently, I took on a few home remodeling projects every year to bridge the financial gap and sustain our family. Balancing teaching during the day and construction work at night, I developed a passion for new construction. Eventually, I purchased a lot, built a house, and sold it. I repeated this successful process with two more lots, before I finally decided to transition to construction full time in 2005. From doing remodels and speculative homes, we became a luxury custom home building company that also undertakes remodels and additions. Our current focus is on serving two markets in Oregon: the Willamette Valley, where my home and offices are located, and the central Oregon coast, where we engage in many custom homes and remodels,” he continues. 

Though its operational footprint is limited to the state of Oregon, MRC’s services vary based on the project’s location, showcasing distinct stylistic differences between the valley and coastal regions. “Our homebuilding approach varies between the two markets I mentioned earlier, influenced partly by their environments which necessitate the use of different materials and construction methods. Additionally, architectural styles will also differ, with coastal design not typically suited for the valley, much like a lodge home would feel out of place in central London. Another factor shaping our design choices is the stylistic requirements in certain neighborhoods where we build. For example, certain areas mandate the use of cedar shingles for siding and limit trim color to white only. While homes within these neighborhoods may share similar color palettes and textures, their architectural designs remain unique. Ultimately, the style of the homes we construct is dictated by the client’s preferences and the specific location of the project. When working on coastal properties with stunning ocean views, the architecture and style are carefully crafted to capture the ocean, shaping the overall look and ambiance of the home in a manner distinct from valley projects, where panoramic views may not be a focal point,” he explains.  

Blended styles 

Illustrating MRC’s approach with a concrete example, Mike presents an overview of an oceanfront Nantucket style home the company is currently working on. “This 10,000 square foot estate is located ocean front on multiple acres. In line with the client’s preferred style, the interior of the home harmoniously blends modern and antique traditional elements. Indeed, it will boast a vast array of antiques sourced from around the globe, some dating back to the 16th, 17th, or 18th centuries. Additionally, unique features like door handles and light fixtures originating primarily from the 19th and 20th centuries may be incorporated, alongside vintage furniture pieces repurposed into fireplace surrounds or hidden doors. Despite its old-fashioned touches, the home will be equipped with modern comforts and finishes. The juxtaposition of traditional antique and modern elements will create a stylish effect of new that still feels a little bit old, thereby connecting those two time periods in a charming way,” he describes.  

Business vision 

In a long line of stunningly creative projects, two other homes particularly stand out to Mike, who is eager to discuss them with us. “We recently completed a home on the ocean that graced the front cover of Portrait Magazine. This unique residence is divided horizontally, with the lower half firmly grounded on land while the upper half (or second story) is cantilevered outwards. As a result, the upper floor extends beyond the edge, seemingly suspended over the cliff, which I find particularly spectacular. For this reason, we named this project the Floating House.  

“I would also like to highlight another oceanfront project currently under construction that is just as unique, albeit for different reasons. Situated in a secluded area devoid of neighboring homes, the estate is surrounded by wildlife wetlands on all sides, with the ocean lying just beyond. Because the estate offers such clear views of the ocean, the architect designed the entire roof system to mimic the form of its waves. Each section of the roof is designed to look like a separate wave going in a different direction, giving the impression that the roof itself is in motion, which was quite challenging to execute,” he adds. 

Looking to the future, Mike outlines his vision for the business in about ten years’ time. “Part of this plan will include training my successor, who has been working with me for approximately six years, to eventually assume my role, ensuring a smooth transition and continuity of service in the future,” Mike reveals. “As it stands today, I am considering becoming an owner’s representative. This role would allow me to continue what I do now but on a more national or even global scale. Clients who want to build a home in a specific location would rely on my experience and relationship-building skills, establishing trust in my expertise. Subsequently, I would travel to these locations to assemble a team to include an architect, custom home builder and interior design firm. In other words, I would be the intermediary between the owner and the various involved parties, which eliminates the hassle of managing this time-consuming process for busy homeowners. 

“In the nearer future, we are planning to launch a new home maintenance company tied with MRC yet operating under its own brand. Most of our current clients come to us to build their second or third homes where they can go to relax. These clients prefer not to bother with tasks like changing air filters, washing windows, or mowing lawns – instead, they look for trusted professionals to maintain their home, which is what our new company will do. Our luxury concierge-style home maintenance services will encompass everything from changing smoke detector batteries and stocking fridges to ensuring the hot tub is properly heated and arranging lawn furniture. Further down the line, if I decide to expand this company to different parts of the state or the country, we will have the systems to do so,” he concludes. 

As a premier custom homebuilder in Oregon, MRC expertly combines traditional craftsmanship with contemporary innovation to create exceptional homes that reflect the distinctive vision of every client.   

www.mikeriddleconstruction.com