About Shop Dog Studios
Shop Dog Studios is a construction company in Buffalo, NY focused on custom homes. Applying backgrounds in fine arts, we provide home remodeling and custom cabinetry in Western New York with unmatched results. Customization is at the core of everything we do and our priority is providing a stress-free experience from start to finish. We pride ourselves on using the best materials available and being attuned to the finest details to deliver breathtaking results. Our team of talented craftsmen and women are professional, courteous, and dedicated to making your dream home a reality.


Meet the Pack

Kyle Fricke
Kyle is the founder, owner and President of Shop Dog Studios. His passion for design and building started when completing his Fine Arts Degree from Alfred University. Originally from Long Island, Kyle relocated to Western New York after college, where he opened Shop Dog Studios. What began as a custom furniture company, quickly evolved into a high-end interior renovation team, complete with a custom cabinetry shop. Over the past four years, Kyle has formed an elite team with the creativity and craftsmanship required to bring any custom project a client can imagine to life. During the few hours a week that Kyle isn’t drawing up designs or crafting custom cabinets, he enjoys spending time with his dog Maggie.

Chelsea is co-owner and General Manager of Shop Dog Studios. Born and raised in Buffalo, NY, Chelsea graduated from Canisius College. After college, she took on a woodworking apprenticeship under a local Buffalo furniture maker. There, she honed her skills before deciding to make the jump into the field as a carpenter for a home renovation company. Over the next two years, Chelsea learned the basics of construction but realized woodworking was her still main passion. That brought her to Shop Dog Studios, where she enjoys working in the cabinet shop and on site to bring clients’ custom projects to life. On the weekends, Chelsea enjoys long walks with her wife, daughter, and Cooper, their German Shepard.
Chelsea Hilliard

Jake Emler
Jake is a Project Manager at Shop Dog Studios. Born in Rochester, NY, Jake moved to Buffalo in 2006. After spending some time at Buffalo State College pursuing an engineering degree, he left to start a home remodeling business. Quickly realizing transforming people’s homes was much more enjoyable than the day-to-day aspects of running a business, Jake made the switch and joined Shop Dog Studios. Here, he works alongside the team to oversee renovation projects from the design phase through to the final touchups. Jake loves convincing his coworkers to go out to lunch, his wife, his children, and dogs.

Teddy Bryant
Teddy is the newest carpenter at Shop Dog Studios. After a career of over 10 years as the Head Chef at lloyd, Teddy decided a change was needed. Spurred by a love for home renovation that started when he began renovating his own home, he threw himself head first into a career change and is now working in the field on jobs big and small. Teddy is a fast learner and is quickly learning the ropes with regards to carpentry, framing, plumbing, electrical, tile, and everything in between. When not at work, Teddy enjoys working out, renovating his own home, and cooking delicious meals for his wife and daughter.

Jeremy Vriesen
Jeremy is the Lead Carpenter at Shop Dog Studios. With over 10 years in the industry, after working for himself for a while, he decided that some company would be nice so he joined the pack! Now, Jeremy oversees the day to day operations in the shop. From building cabinets and built-ins, to furniture, vanities, floating shelves, and trim, he does it all! When not working hard in the shop, you can find Jeremy relaxing at home with his wife and son.

Matt Ellsworth
Matt is the painter at Shop Dog Studios. After working for several years providing property management and maintenance services to local college, he jumped head first into the painter role with us. Matt provides top-notch painting services both in the shop using the sprayer, and on-site. When the team wraps up the carpentry, Matt is the next one on site putting on the final touches that take the job the next level! While not at work, Matt enjoys relaxing with his friends and hanging out with his dog.

Maggie
Maggie is the resident "shop dog" at Shop Dog Studios. When she's not chasing tennis balls or chewing on sticks around the shop, she can be found helping Kyle with designs in the office, or checking in during site visits.
Join the Pack!
If you are interested in joining our team of skilled craftsmen and women, feel free to contact us at shopdogstudioswny@gmail.com or submit an application online!
Our Process
How We Make Your Dream Home a Reality
Pre-Construction
We will meet and get to know you. We will discuss your goals, lifestyle, schedule, and budget. If we both feel like we're a good fit, we will continue working together to finalize design choices and come up with an estimate.
Build
Communication is at the center of everything we do. We maintain constant communication throughout the build process to ensure that you always know what is going on and have the opportunity to provide input . And, we treat your home respectfully, ensuring that we clean up after ourselves every day.
Post-Construction
We craft projects that we are proud to put our name on and we stand by our work. All of our projects come with a 2 year warranty on all craftsmanship.