Celebrating 10 Years Of Concetti – Inside Rachel Nelson’s Journey Of Human-Centric Design

In celebration of Concetti’s 10th anniversary, we sat down with CEO and Principal Designer, Rachel Nelson, to reflect on the journey that has shaped the studio’s success and unique design philosophy. From its humble beginnings to becoming a leading force in the Detroit interior design scene, Rachel has always believed in the power of authentic, human-centric design.

In this exclusive Q&A, she shares insights into the core values that drive Concetti, the innovative approaches that set them apart, and her personal inspirations behind a decade of bold, transformative design. Whether you’re a client, a fellow designer, or simply someone passionate about great design, Rachel’s perspective offers a glimpse into what makes Concetti a standout in the industry.

Rachel Nelson

Rachel, could you share with us what first inspired your passion for interior design and how that led you to create Concetti Studio?

From a young age, I loved the idea of transforming spaces. My artistic nature was nurtured by my maternal grandparents, who encouraged my creativity from the start. I loved decorating for the holidays as a kid—so much that I even tried to convince my mom to let me paint the walls for Christmas! By 16, I knew interior design was my calling.

Later, while studying abroad in Italy during college, I had a professor who helped me uncover my specialty in 'concepts,' or 'concetti' in Italian. That revelation inspired Concetti Studio’s core mission: to create designs that go beyond aesthetics to evoke a true feeling within a space. I wanted to approach design differently, honoring individuality and creating spaces that genuinely reflect each client’s identity.

How does your design philosophy align with the values and goals of Concetti Studio? What unique perspective do you bring to the team?

My design philosophy is deeply rooted in the belief that exceptional spaces should be as unique as the people in them. Growing up as a third-generation Detroit business owner, I was inspired by the grit, hustle, and creativity of this city, which continues to shape the values we uphold at Concetti. Detroit has taught me resilience and adaptability, and that ethos lives in every corner of our studio. It’s the spirit behind our commitment to create spaces that reflect people authentically and meet them where they are in life or business.

At Concetti, we design differently—we focus on human connection, authenticity, and functionality above all else. Over the years, I’ve developed an innovative, three-phase process that ensures we’re not just meeting design standards but also tailoring our approach to the unique needs, dreams, and realities of each client. This method allows us to offer something for everyone, from DIYers seeking a clear vision to businesses needing an efficient, well-executed space, and it ensures inclusivity across a wide range of budgets and project types.

What sets us apart is our commitment to holding space for our clients, our team, and our community. I believe that when people live and work in spaces that truly reflect their identities, it

fosters a positive energy that benefits everyone around them. For me, this is more than a profession—it’s a chance to help people show up fully as themselves, every day. That’s what motivates me to push the boundaries of traditional design and redefine what it means to create spaces that are ‘True to You.’ This vision not only drives my team forward but also, I hope, helps create a more equitable, meaningful experience for our clients and community

What role does collaboration play in your design process, both within the Concetti Studio team and with clients?

Collaboration is at the heart of everything we do at Concetti. We view our clients as co-creators in the design process, working hand-in-hand to bring their vision to life. This participatory approach means we’re not just here to guess what they want; we’re here to understand, ideate, and create together—whether it’s a personal residence or a commercial space that embodies a company’s mission.

Our journey mapping practice is another key part of our human-centric approach. By visually mapping out a user’s experience, we can anticipate needs, ensuring every space we design is as intuitive as it is inspiring.

Internally, our small team thrives on daily interaction and brainstorming. Working in an open office fosters a dynamic environment where ideas flow freely, and our culture emphasizes mental well-being through quarterly breaks, access to a wellness coach, and reflective retreats. Ultimately, we believe that collaboration isn’t just an approach; it’s the key to designing spaces that truly resonate with and uplift everyone involved.

How do you ensure that your designs not only meet aesthetic goals but also functionally enhance the spaces for your clients?

We ensure our designs meet both aesthetic and functional goals through our three-phase, human-centric approach, built on collaboration and quality assurance. First, we take the time to truly understand our clients and their unique needs, so every design decision is a genuine reflection of who they are. We focus on their specific season of life or business, tailoring each project with clarity and purpose.

In the second phase, we carefully select furniture, fabrics, and finishes that will make their vision a reality, while keeping clear documentation to ensure builders and partners are aligned. Finally, in the last phase, we advocate for our clients’ vision from start to finish, bridging communication between them and the project team. This allows us to create spaces that don’t just look beautiful but are built to improve daily life, making the design journey enjoyable and stress-free.

In your experience, what trends or innovations in interior design are you most excited about right now, and how do you incorporate them into your work?

At Concetti, we see trends as an exciting tool to inspire authenticity, rather than a ‘must-have’ look. Instead of focusing on specific colors or materials that might feel trendy now, we use trends as a way to help clients connect with their unique vibe and discover what feels true to them. For instance, blending popular styles—like modern minimalism with vintage touches—can create a look that’s both fresh and personal.

The goal is always to create spaces that reflect our clients’ individuality, ensuring each design feels like a timeless extension of who they are. I’m most excited about innovations that prioritize this personalization, allowing us to design with materials, textures, and layouts that feel both inspired and genuinely authentic to each client. Trends give us the freedom to explore new ideas, but they always take a backseat to creating spaces that truly reflect the people who live and work in them.

What is your approach to staying inspired and continuously growing as a designer?

My approach to staying inspired is all about staying true to my curiosity and passion for authenticity. I’m constantly inspired by people who live boldly in their own truth and pursue their dreams, and I bring that energy into my design work. I believe in keeping a curious eye—whether it's absorbing ideas from beautiful spaces at a restaurant or exploring what other designers are doing on social media. Every project we take on at Concetti is a chance to learn our clients’ unique stories and transform that into a personal, authentic space.

Additionally, fostering relationships with vendors is key, and getting back to trade shows has been a great way to deepen those connections in person. To keep our creativity thriving, we also prioritize mental well-being within our team, with quarterly paid mental health breaks that prevent burnout and allow us to approach every project with fresh perspective and high energy.