Empowerment lies at the heart of our mission at Concetti. Whether it’s a residential or commercial project, our goal is to empower clients to be their boldest, most authentic selves through strategically designed spaces. We believe that when individuals and teams are given the space to express their true selves, it creates a ripple effect of positivity. Not only do they inspire others to do the same, but they also contribute to a more empowered, authentic community.
This ethos was born from our CEO + Principal Designer, Rachel Nelson’s desire to work in an environment where every voice mattered. At Concetti, she cultivated a team that is confident, autonomous, and motivated to make a difference. Over the years, our collaboration with various small businesses has shown us how design strategy can do more than just beautify spaces—it can empower teams, elevate customer experiences, and even drive community impact.
Here are three ways design strategy can empower your small business, inspired by our work with fellow local enterprises:
Take the example of Good Cakes and Bakes. Their mission goes beyond creating organic, high-quality baked goods—they also provide employment opportunities for individuals returning from incarceration. As their business grew, they sought to expand their positive impact, which led them to collaborate with us.
Having the shared belief that the spaces we work in profoundly impact our well-being, we worked together to transform their bakery into a space that prioritizes the customer experience and activates previously unused areas to allow for more employee functionality and efficiency.
It was exhilarating to collaborate and achieve their goal. More than that, we know their employees and customers are in a better position to put forth more positivity in the Detroit community each and every day.
Coriander Kitchen and Farm, the only farm-to-table restaurant in Detroit, exemplifies the importance of aligning mission and atmosphere. Their commitment to nutritious, locally-sourced food is unparalleled, but they knew that a strong mission alone wouldn’t be enough to attract new customers—they needed a space that embodied their values.
Our design solution was to create a space that blended Detroit’s industrial vibe with the warm, quirky charm of a farmhouse. The result was an eclectic environment that perfectly mirrored Coriander’s mission, values, and menu. In a world where it’s easy to compromise, Coriander stood firm in their authenticity, offering patrons a unique experience that reconnects them with the food they consume.
In a fast-paced world where it’s tempting to take shortcuts and compromise, Coriander carved their unlikely niche in our city by living their truth, staying authentic, and reconnecting their patrons with the food they’re eating and enjoying.
We can’t help but wrap things up with the small business that gives back to Detroit creatives and embodies our city’s past, present, and future.
Before the Color Bloc existed, this space was solely the Banner Sign Co., which has been operating from the same location since 1924. Even more interesting than its nearly 100-year history is how the Banner Sign Co. has stayed in the hands of small business owners who have managed to adapt and meet the needs of a growing design professional and art community.
Fast-forward to 2021, the new owners of the Banner Sign Co, Digital Print Specialties (DPS), brought in Detroit’s first Benjamin Moore to offer a multi-service hub for artists, business owners, home improvement enthusiasts, and many more.
In addition to recruiting our design strategy expertise to transform the space, DPS also encouraged us to use our rolodex of local partners to bring the multi-faceted design to fruition. The result? An award-winning project that wouldn’t have been possible without generations of Detroit small business owners.
At Concetti, we’ve seen firsthand how strategic design can empower businesses to make a lasting impact on their teams, customers, and communities. If you’re looking to elevate your small business through thoughtful interior design, we’d love to partner with you. Reach out to us today, and let’s create a space that empowers you to be your best self.
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