3 Reasons to Hire a Design Strategist for your New Construction Project

Apr 20, 2022 | New Construction, Residential

We have an important message for anyone thinking about building a new construction project… building from scratch DOES NOT have to be overwhelming. In fact, the journey can be (and should be!) downright fun when you have the right strategic design partners by your side.

Ditch the stress and start to get excited about your new build by partnering with a strategic design team that has the expertise, partnerships, and collaborative know-how to turn your dream home into a reality. Learn three reasons why you should add “Talk to a Design Strategist” to the top of your new construction to-do list.

1. We’ll Create a Holistic Vision, Together

When starting your new construction, it’s often the detailed design decisions that become the biggest weight for homeowners. From the style of the roof to the placements of door frames to tiles on the bathroom floor, every decision is yours to make… yikes!

Okay, now breathe. We get it– new construction requires a lot of decisions, which can quickly add up, and is a recipe for overwhelm. In order to mitigate against this, our Design Strategists always begin our work by walking clients through a discovery phase to build out a holistic vision for their home. When we’re able to build a big-picture understanding of how you’ll use your home, what design you love, what designs you hate, it begins to form a critical foundation for the rest of our project.

This holistic vision helps us to create the floor plans, material selections, and renderings that will help you visualize your day-to-day life in your future home. We deliver all of this information in bite-sized, digestible nuggets so that you can find comfort and confidence in each decision moving forward.

2. We’ll Source Furnishings Unique to YOU

Let’s just say… “we’ve got a guy”. Okay, kidding, but when you partner with us, that means you’re also getting exclusive access to our showrooms and to-the-trade vendors for unique pieces you’d never find at a retail store. These partnerships will be key to transforming your new build into your own customized space that expresses your individuality and personality throughout every room.

One of our favorite partners is Michigan Design Center, a design center and showroom with access to over 1,000 manufacturers, representing the finest names in tile, fabric, home furnishings, lighting, kitchens, floor coverings, and accessories. With so many genuine, unique options, we’re certain we can craft a space completely customized to you.

3. We Act as Your Biggest Advocate Through Every Step of the Process

New construction requires a lot of different players, from the architects to the builders to the furnishers and beyond. Juggling communication and expectations between every single party can be an exhausting process as a one-man show. But, with a Design Strategist on your side, you get a shoulder to lean on every step of the way.

“I’m a firm believer that we’re stronger together. The collaboration between the client, builder, and our firm has made for a really solid team,” said Rachel. “When we can be solution-oriented together, it’s clear that everyone is on the same team working to make an amazing new home that the client will cherish forever.” – Rachel

With our comprehensive knowledge of your vision, timeline, and budget, we will act as a champion for your new build through all stages of the project.

Ready to Work with the Best?

If you’re intrigued by the thought of taking on a new construction project and actually enjoying the process, we’re here to help!

Let's Talk New Construction!

What does “dopamine décor” mean to you?

Rachel: It’s the pieces that make you happy when you see them. An instant smile or giggle. For me, it’s unexpected whimsy and humor. In my house, I’ve got a brass fox head wearing sunglasses and a monkey-head planter with a gold tooth. They never get old. It’s about surrounding yourself shamelessly with things that make you happy. I can’t wait to bring pieces like this into my new home, Divinely Detroit, the historic church located in Indian Village.

How did you land on the name Moxie?

Rachel: At Concetti, our brand persona is “genuine moxie” which means kind, calm, loving, but bold in who you are. We’re always building our clients up to take that bold, courageous step. Moxie is the bold part. The “I don’t need permission” part. When you choose dopamine décor, you’re choosing to surround yourself with pieces others might not understand, but you love.

Who is Moxie for?

Rachel: It’s for anyone who’s been told they’re too much, too loud, too bold. It’s for the person who wants that little empowering piece in their day whether that’s a trucker hat, a beautiful candle, or funky lamp. It’s for people who want to surround themselves with pieces lovingly crafted and curated to give you a little dose of empowerment.

How do you stay creatively energized when building something from scratch?

Rachel: I’ve never subscribed to the idea that your life should follow a certain timeline. Since I was 16, I knew I wanted to be an interior designer. That’s 23 years of being dedicated to one decision, and it still feels good and in alignment.
When I create something new, it’s like a spark goes off. I listen to that inner knowing. I tell my team, “One step in front of the other.” It might be clumsy, but you’ve got to start moving.

What design rule do you love to break?

Rachel: Any of them. If I want to turn my dining room into a recording studio or a kids’ playroom, then I will, and you should feel empowered to, as well. The only rules worth following are the ones that make you feel good in your own space.

What advice would you give to creatives who feel “too much” for the design world?

Rachel: There’s no such thing. What you’ve been told is “too much” is your superpower. That’s what makes you different and magnetic. Stand in your power. Make decisions from alignment, not shame or guilt. Be unapologetically you because that’s when you really shine.

Favorite dopamine décor brands or artists?

Rachel: Regina Andrew (Detroit-based and stunning), Seletti (monkeys holding lightbulbs, peacock lamps), Noir (the hand chair!), Bold Monkey, Zoe Bios (customizable art), and Eric & Eloise (quirky brass animal heads). I make them weird with purple lights in my basement because it makes me laugh every time.

What do you hope people feel when they bring home a Moxie piece?

Rachel: I want them to feel excited and happy. I want unboxing to be an experience that exceeds expectations whether it’s something you wear and feel empowered in or something in your home or business that gives you that hit of joy every time you pass it.

What does success look like for Moxie?

Rachel: Moxie is more than numbers, it’s a movement. It’s about inclusivity, empowerment, and telling people they’re perfect exactly as they are.

One mindset shift that changed everything for you as a founder?

Rachel: Realizing that everything I need is already within me. I can surround myself with mentors and partners, but at the end of the day, I’m the only one living my truth.

Advice for creatives carving their own path?

Rachel: Persistence wins. Your journey is your own. Do the things that light you up and keep going. Pause to reflect on what’s working, what’s draining you, and what you can add back in to make you excited again. There’s no one else like you so own it.

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