Alison Needelman

After helping her mom with a kitchen remodel and completing several of her own home projects, Alison had a lightbulb moment: she wanted to turn her passion into a career. With her kids grown and her husband traveling for work, she took a leap of faith into design school and hasn’t looked back.

“Reinventing yourself in your 50s is possible,” she says. “While I don’t have decades of experience, I am eager to learn and grow, and my clients reap the reward of that focus and desire.”

Alison describes herself as a kind, conscientious, focused problem solver. Her previous roles prepared her well for the detail-driven nature of home remodeling. As Sales and Event Director at Abernethy Center and Langdon Farms Golf Club, she planned weddings and events and quickly learned that even the best-laid plans need flexibility. “There are always unforeseen hiccups. It’s how you handle them that matters.”

She also thrived in a collaborative environment as Purchasing Manager for Glow Gifts, Portland’s original artisan gift service. “I loved projecting inventory needs during changing seasons—and feeling like one of Santa’s workshop elves during the holiday rush.”

Alison knew she belonged at Mountainwood Homes the first time she visited on a design school field trip. “I was transfixed listening to the presentations of the amazing group of women who are now my design peers. I went home and emailed the owners immediately.”

What’s the best part of her job? “Working with an awesome team! There is so much knowledge in this company. Experience and answers are everywhere.”

Outside of work, Alison enjoys spending time with her husband, son, and daughter, and staying active outdoors. She’s an avid hiker who loves exploring Columbia River Gorge trails like Angel’s Rest and Dog Mountain with friends and her two Bull Boxer rescues. When she’s not on the trails, you’ll find her gardening, reading, or planning her next adventure to Bend, Oregon, where she dreams of one day building a home with views of the Three Sisters mountains.