Experienced in designing and building dream homes
Family owned and operated for 30 years, we take the greatest satisfaction from the relationships we develop with our clients. Nothing is more important to us than serving those who have entrusted us with the responsibility of delivering to them the environment they will choose to live the happiest moments of their lives in.
Our passion is to help you add timeless beauty, comfort and everyday enjoyment to your living space. Rich Design & Build provides professional design resources & services that will bring comfort, and joy in addition to added value to your home whether you are looking for a new custom dream home, a major remodel or simply minor alterations to improve livability, Rich Design & Build has the desire, resources, and ability to make your dreams come true inside and out. We will also help you find the perfect contractor for your project.
Meet the team
Rich Melchior
FounderRich Melchior
The founder of our business, Rich has worked in the field for 30 years, providing world class design, proven insight, and building strong and lasting client relationships. Rich first picked up a hammer and started working when he was 13, from foundation to ridge, Rich has the knowledge and experience to bring your project to fruition. A Certified Professional Building Designer with NCBDC, Rich continues to study Architectural design across the world to bring innovative and unique designs to his clients.
Gloria Melchior
Interior Design Specialist/Project ManagerGloria Melchior
Our interior selection & design specialist, Gloria has over 15 years of design and project management experience, allowing her to translate your visions in to reality, on time, on budget and most importantly on point to your design concept. Being a graduate of the Design Professional Academy, and the GRCC Construction & Interior Design Program, Gloria continues to study and discover new contemporary and traditional design techniques to better serve her clients.
Anthony Melchior
Lead Contractor/Project ManagerAnthony Melchior
Principal on construction and design, Anthony has led all designs through the building process for the last 10 years. Experienced in home design, permitting and all phases of the construction possess, he manages and oversees all aspects of project management to ensure construction is completed on time, within budget, and built with integrity. His communication, training, and experience is essential in preserving and maintaining the connection between our clients, our designers, and our staff in the field and guaranteeing your project is a success.
Mike DuPree - July 1981
President & Owner, Modern Kitchens and Baths
Michael A. DuPree is the founding-owner of the Modern Kitchens and Baths, West Showroom. He is an Executive Kitchen and Bath Designer/Salesperson, plus Showroom Project Manager. The newly updated West Showroom is a must-see - with each beautiful vignette designed by Michael and his staff. Michael has been lovingly and carefully trained under the watchful and diligent eye of two generations of Duprees. He has dedicated the greater part of his 40-plus years of adult life to the home improvement, general contracting, and kitchen and bath industry. His specialties in design, cabinetry components, and furnishings afford Michael a unique anthology of experience and technical knowledge. His vast store of knowledge, experience, and professional affiliations provides our customers with unsurpassed access to architects, skilled craftsmen, and specialty tradesmen. All this is yours with a handshake from Michael or one of his highly skilled staff. This extra advantage places your home improvement project in the very best of hands, regardless of your individual needs. Functionality, aesthetic desires, and project budget restraints are all serious concerns as you begin to plan your home improvement. Michael has literally worked with thousands of homeowners, business owners, and special interest groups to bring their dreams and needs to live through the design process. The final phase - execution of the plan - is where you will find Michael’s expertise invaluable. Michael has the pulse of the industry in his sight when it comes to providing top-of-the-line products for very cost-effective prices. Being a lifetime businessman and family-oriented person, he understands how to stretch a dollar without sacrificing quality. He likes to joke that he provides diamonds at the price of coal. Stop by and let Michael make your own diamond-in-the-rough into a perfectly cut sparkling diamond. Now meet with the rest of the hand-picked staff Michael has assembled and takes such pride in:
Dave DuPree - January 1976
Co-President & Owner at Modern Kitchens and Baths
As an owner of Modern Kitchens and Baths, David has more than 35 years in the kitchen and bath industry. His number one priority is customer satisfaction. With the family name on the line in every kitchen and bath, he naturally employs rigorous standards in every phase of your remodeling project. David's product knowledge is unsurpassed because he literally grew up with designers and decorators. Customers appreciate his no-nonsense approach to product selection, design features, and cost-saving ideas. Always patriotic and civic-minded, David participates in the Partners in Education program through the Rockwood School District, where his wife serves as an assistant principal. He also sponsors a soccer league and stars as a goalie on one of its teams. David's other interests include Harley-Davidson motorcycles, World Cup soccer, chocolate, and his daughter - affectionately known as "Peanut."
Dan DuPree - December 2019
Warehouse Manager at Modern Kitchens and Baths
Being the fourth generation of the DuPree family to have a hand in the day to day operations of Modern, Dan has literally grown up in this business spending many hours in the showrooms from childhood on. Currently as our warehouse manager, he sees to it that all deliveries run smoothly and that your products are well cared for from the second we receive them to when they are brought to your home.
Angie Machelett - September 2004
Mike’s Right Arm at Modern Kitchens and Baths
As our office manager, Angie is responsible for ensuring that all of the behind the scenes operations are running. Her almost 20 years with the company has given her an understanding of the industry.
Robert Sutter - August 2017
Designer at Modern Kitchens and Baths
Robert has designed thousands of kitchens, bars, offices, and bathrooms currently in use in the St. Louis metropolitan area. With more than thirty years of design experience, he combines your definitive style with unmatched practicality, always at a superb value. As a former geometry teacher, Robert incorporates several levels of symmetry into his designs for a functional arrangement with a classical look and a comfortable feel. You will appreciate his attention to each home owner’s individual needs and preferences.
Erin Hamilton - February 2020
Designer Assistant at Modern Kitchens and Baths
In her over 15-year design career, Erin has seen every phase of the design build process. As Mike’s design assistant, she participates in all phases of his projects. Her understanding of design, style and color allow her to ensure that your product selections will flow seamlessly with your personal style.
Allysse Batchelor - April 2021
Designer Assistant at Modern Kitchens and Baths
In her over 10 years of design experience, Allysse has assisted in all aspects of the design and selling process. Currently, as one of Dave’s assistants, she works behind the scenes to help make sure that he can confidently assist all of his clients to the standard that everyone has come to expect from Modern Kitchens and Baths.
David Gerdt - October 2023
Designer at Modern Kitchens and Baths
David previously spent 20+ years as a Family and Emergency Physician. When he retired from medicine he put his passion for helping people into designing new baths and kitchens since 2013 for his clients. His new passion is consulting and guiding his clients through their remodel projects to get the new kitchen and bath of their dreams.
Nate Fraz - May 2021
Warehouse Employee at Modern Kitchens and Baths
Nate is one of our warehouse employees. In assisting with everything from deliveries to job tear-outs to daily upkeep of the showroom he helps to ensure that our day-to-day operations are as easy as possible.
In Special Memory of
Vernon Durpee & Robert Barr
Vernon C. DuPree - June 1950
Former President & Owner, Modern Kitchens and Baths
Vern was born and raised in St. Louis and graduated from Kirkwood High School. He went on to college, graduating from Washington University with a BSBA degree in business. He added to his education and self-improvement by graduating from Fort Benjamin Harrison Officers Finance School and serving two years as Finance Officer at the 5th Army Headquarters. Vern's wife Judy is a registered nurse with the Rockwood School District. He considers his greatest accomplishments to be his children, grandchildren, and his business - Modern Kitchens and Baths where all our associates feel like family. We have two locations – one in St. Louis and the other in Manchester. The success of the company is due to the wonderful support that St. Louis city and county give to this family-owned business. Our company is in its fourth generation of business and we are proud to have had customers for that long. Our business is one of the oldest kitchen and bath companies in the United States. Before there were home centers, Modern Kitchens and Baths was selling kitchen cabinetry to customers at low discounted prices. St. Louis, we thank you for your loyalty.
Robert Barr - July 1989
Designer at Modern Kitchens and Baths
Modern Kitchens and Baths is very fortunate to have acquired one as talented and experienced as Bob Barr. He joined our company in 1988 with 13 years of design experience in high-end, custom kitchens. Bob's finesse and experience will make your kitchen and bath whatever you want it to be.