As we celebrate our 10th anniversary at Concetti, I find myself reflecting on a journey filled with memories, lessons, and incredible people. It’s hard to believe how far we’ve come, transforming an idea into a studio where spaces truly reflect the lives of those who inhabit them.
From day one, our mission has been to create spaces that become a genuine extension of our clients. Achieving this has required resilience, bold choices, and a commitment to design with intention. I’m endlessly grateful to our clients, community, and our remarkable team, who have all played a role in shaping Concetti into what it is today. Here are 10 lessons I’ve learned along the way.
Year 1: “One True Superpower”
In our first year, we uncovered our “superpower”— designing with intention – which set the stage for what Concetti would become. As a designer, my mind always gravitated toward conceptual design—the kind that goes beyond surface aesthetics and digs into what truly resonates with each client. I wanted to create something different, an approach where every concept would check all the boxes, blending functionality, personality, and meaning.
The name Concetti, meaning “concepts” in Italian, reflects our commitment to creating spaces that resonate on a deeper level. Right from the start, we knew our strength was bringing unique, personalized ideas to life in ways that transform each space into an extension of the person or business it serves.
The lesson? Know your own superpower, embrace it, and let it guide you. Finding that unique strength and standing by it—unwaveringly—is what creates spaces and relationships that last.
Year 2: “Two Feet Forward”
Our second year was about embracing growth with both feet in. We’d started finding our footing as a design strategy studio, and with early clients like Elise and Mike Bruderly, we began pushing boundaries and discovering new ways to create spaces that went beyond aesthetics to truly fit their lives.
The Bruderly’s came to us initially with a design dilemma—a piano that needed a home and a living room that needed reimagining. This project opened the door to a long-standing relationship that would see us collaborating on everything from bedrooms to a full-home renovation nearly a decade later.
This year taught us the value of committing fully to every opportunity and trusting in the process. With each step forward, we learned that confidence paves the way for transformation and that, when we truly invest in our clients, the results speak volumes.
Year 3: “Good Things Come in Threes”
In year three, we truly embraced the philosophy that good things come in threes. As a third-generation business owner, I couldn’t help but reflect on how my roots in Detroit have shaped not only my identity but also the identity of Concetti. With “313” as our area code and a badge of pride, I often say there’s no other city in the world where I’d want to build my business.
This year, we solidified our “3-Phase Approach” to design, which reflects our commitment to our clients, our heritage and our community. Each phase of the process—understanding, developing, and implementing—allows us to create tailored solutions that resonate deeply with our clients’ needs and desires.
This process emphasizes our connection to the community, blending our heritage with our creative vision. By combining these “threes,” we weave together our past, our community, and our creative vision into a distinct identity. Each project we undertake is infused with a sense of heritage, creativity, and collaboration, reminding us that our roots give us strength.
Year 4: “Four Our Clients”
Year four we truly embodied the mantra “for our clients.” This year was all about deepening our commitment to building genuine relationships and putting our clients’ visions at the center of everything we do.
Listening, adapting, and collaborating became our guiding principles. We learned that the most impactful designs stem from truly understanding our clients’ needs, preferences, and lifestyles. We pride ourselves on learning about each client individually, crafting spaces that are boldly and uniquely theirs. This approach not only strengthens our relationships but also allows us to create designs that resonate deeply and stand the test of time. “For our clients” is at the heart of everything Concetti does.
Year 5: “Give Yourself a High-Five”
As we entered year five, we recognized the importance of celebrating every win, big and small! This year taught us the invaluable lesson of recognizing our accomplishments and milestones, reinforcing team pride and motivation. In a world where nearly 45% of businesses don’t make it past the five-year mark, reaching this milestone was a significant achievement for Concetti. Yet, amidst the hustle and bustle of daily life, I realized I hadn’t paused to appreciate just how far we’d come.
This reflection spurred a shift in our culture. By celebrating our successes, we cultivated a culture of encouragement, where each team member felt valued and motivated to contribute their best. As we cheered for each other, we reinforced our belief that every achievement, no matter how small, plays a crucial role in our journey.
Year 6: “Sixth Sense of Teamwork”
Year six was a pivotal moment for Concetti, marking our official expansion as we welcomed new team members. As we navigated the challenges of building a supportive, collaborative environment, we realized that every member plays a crucial role in our success.
Bringing people on as full-time employees during a pandemic was no small feat. In the Spring 2023 Issue of Business of Home, I had the opportunity to share my approach to preventing burnout while maintaining the hustle and grit that define Concetti as an award-winning Detroit Interior Design Strategist firm.
By fostering an environment where everyone felt safe to express their ideas and contribute their unique strengths, we built a solid foundation for collaboration. Each team member became a guiding force, empowering us to create designs that truly reflect our clients’ visions while reinforcing our own commitment to excellence.
Year 7: “Seven Layers of Style”
In year seven, Concetti experienced a transformative rebrand that added incredible depth to our identity, refining our bold, authentic style. This gave us a chance to pause, reflect, and prepare for the new level of business we are celebrating today. From our updated logo to our vibrant color palette, every element was crafted to embody the spirit of Concetti, celebrating our journey and commitment to authenticity. Just as we believe in layering design to create dynamic spaces for our clients, we recognize that our branding must reflect the same principles. It must evolve to encapsulate our growth and aspirations, ensuring we remain in tune with the needs of our clients and the community we serve.
Year 8: “Eight Partners Make It Great”
In year eight, we embraced a powerful lesson: the value of relationships with our partners and collaborators. From marketing partners and HR support to financial guidance, I know I’m an expert in design, but I wanted a team of specialists to fortify our vision and capabilities.
This year underscored the importance of cultivating relationships with suppliers, artisans, and contractors who help breathe life into our projects. Each collaboration is a vital thread in the fabric of our creative process, contributing to our clients’ satisfaction and the uniqueness of our designs.
As we reflect on our journey, we want to express our heartfelt appreciation for our “extended team.” Each partner plays an integral role in shaping Concetti's vision, and their expertise fuels our creativity and ambition.
Year 9: “Nine Lives of Resilience”
This year we were reminded that resilience is the backbone of growth. Like Detroit, Concetti has been shaped by grit and gratitude, overcoming challenges with renewed purpose and strength. As we celebrated nine years, we realized how deeply we resonated with the angel number “999”, which symbolizes wisdom, experience and new beginnings, but also acted as a tribute to our journey and everything Detroit represents: determination, reinvention, and a fierce commitment to growth.
Our journey mirrors Detroit’s spirit, full of grit, passion, and a love for creating something meaningful against all odds. And while growth has brought new layers, our roots remain firmly in the values we started with a commitment to authentic design, uplifting our community, and embracing the lessons learned along the way.
Year 10: “Cheers to Ten Years!”
Hitting our ten-year mark is an incredible milestone, and we’re raising a glass to a decade filled with bold design, heartfelt connections, and remarkable growth. This year isn’t just a celebration of the work we’ve done; it’s a testament to the dreams that started it all and the relentless spirit that has driven us forward. We’re proud to honor the major awards, recognitions, and milestones we’ve achieved together. Each one stands as a tribute to the trust our clients have placed in us and the hard work our team has poured into every project, big or small.
As we celebrate a decade of bold design, we also look forward to the future. Every challenge, every collaboration, and every small win along the way has paved the road toward what lies ahead. We’re excited to keep pushing boundaries, creating spaces that champion our clients' dreams and bring Detroit’s vibrant spirit to life. The best is yet to come, and we’re so grateful for everyone who has been part of this journey.
Thank You for a Decade of Design
To our clients, collaborators, and the city of Detroit—thank you. Your trust and passion have been the foundation of our journey and we’re proud to have you with us. I can’t wait to share where the next ten years will take us.
Here's to the next chapter—and to the city that will always inspire us.