We recently connected with Rachel Nelson and have shared our conversation below.
Rachel, thrilled to have you on the platform as I think our readers can really benefit from your insights and experiences. In particular, we’d love to hear about how you think about burnout, avoiding or overcoming burnout, etc.
I knew I needed to make a change in my life after attending a panel discussion on nervous systems and self-care. It hit me that I had been neglecting that part of myself for too long. That’s when I connected with Samantha Schmuck, a holistic life coach, who initially worked with me personally and then became an integral part of the Concetti team.
In the interior design world, like many high-energy professions, burnout can creep up on you fast. It became clear that something needed to shift when one of my team members described our work as running a marathon forever. I realized we couldn’t keep going at that pace, so I decided to implement paid quarterly mental health breaks.
In the first and third quarters of each year, our team gets Thursday and Friday off, and Wednesday is a VIP day with our Holistic Life Coach, Sam. The team votes on a nurturing activity—anything from candle-making to a tarot card reading—to set the tone for a relaxing four-day weekend. In the second and fourth quarters, everyone gets a full paid week off, in addition to that VIP day.
We also have a system where new team members work one-on-one with Sam to help them adjust their workflow and schedule. Sam provides stress management and emotional support because starting a new job is exciting, but it’s also a big change.
These mental health breaks, along with clear boundaries and access to wellness coaching, have transformed our team’s morale. For the first time, people feel they can truly unplug—no checking emails after hours or trying to stay caught up on vacation. Now, we give ourselves permission to slow down and enjoy our time off without guilt, and we come back refreshed, ready to be our best selves for our clients.
Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?
My name is Rachel Nelson, and I’m the CEO and Principal Designer of Concetti, a Detroit-founded interior design strategy studio. My journey into interior design began when I was 16 years old, and ever since, I’ve been driven by a deep passion for creating spaces that are both beautiful and functional. I come from a long line of Detroit business owners, so entrepreneurship and a love for this city are in my blood. Concetti was born out of my desire to approach design differently—both in residential and commercial spaces.
The name Concetti is inspired by my time studying abroad in Italy, where a professor helped me realize that my design specialty was in concepts, or “concetti” in Italian. This experience shaped the core mission of our studio: to deliver customized conceptual designs that evoke both a look and a feeling within a space. We’re all about making spaces that not only meet our clients’ needs but also reflect who they are at their core.
What makes Concetti special is our three-phase, human-centric approach to design, which is rooted in my extensive experience and market research. We see our clients as co-creators in the process, working together to discover, personalize, and advocate for spaces that allow them to be boldly themselves. Whether it’s a home or a commercial project, we tailor every detail to ensure the space looks, functions, and feels like a true extension of the client.
One of the most exciting things about Concetti is that we’re celebrating our 10th anniversary this year! As a women-owned and operated business, I’m incredibly proud of the bold, professional interior design solutions we provide, and I’m dedicated to holding space for my team, clients, and community members.
At Concetti, we believe that everyone deserves to live and work in spaces that fully reflect their genuine selves. When you can fully be yourself, the world is better for all of us. That’s why our hallmark is empowering clients to be bravely, boldly you. We create spaces that are more than just rooms—they become you.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
Looking back on my journey, the three qualities that had the most impact on my career were problem-solving, a deep understanding of design fundamentals, and the courage to embrace authenticity.
Problem-Solving: Interior design is all about finding creative solutions to challenges, whether it’s working within a client’s budget, navigating spatial limitations, or bringing a unique vision to life. The ability to think on your feet and come up with innovative solutions is crucial. My advice for those early in their journey is to embrace challenges as opportunities to grow. Practice thinking critically and creatively—whether it’s through design projects, puzzles, or even everyday tasks. The more you can flex those problem-solving muscles, the better equipped you’ll be in this field.
Formal Education: Attending an accredited school for interior design was foundational for me. It gave me the technical skills and knowledge needed to execute ideas and communicate them effectively. For those looking to follow in my footsteps, I highly recommend pursuing formal education in interior design. It not only provides you with the necessary skills but also opens doors to opportunities and connections that can propel your career forward.
Authenticity: Over the years, my personal design style has evolved from the more traditional influences of my upbringing to a quirky, whimsical approach that truly reflects who I am. What’s been most inspiring to me are people who live authentically and follow their dreams. For anyone starting out, my advice is to find and embrace your unique voice and style. Don’t be afraid to let your personality shine through in your work—because when you design with authenticity, you create spaces with a story, and that’s what makes a room truly special.
Every space should have a story and a concept that reflects the people who use it. Stay true to yourself, continue learning, and always be ready to solve the next problem with creativity and authenticity.
Tell us what your ideal client would be like?
My ideal client is someone who values collaboration and sees the design process as a partnership. At Concetti, we view each client as a co-creator in bringing their space to life, whether it’s at home, at work, or in the community. The perfect client is someone who is open to deep exploration—someone who enjoys sharing their story, inspirations, and vision. They understand that design is more than just aesthetics; it’s about creating a space that reflects their genuine self and improves their overall experience.
We love working with clients who are not only passionate about their personal space but also about the community around them. Our ideal client appreciates strategic design that is both bold and thoughtful, and they trust us to ask the right questions, listen carefully, and translate their needs into a beautifully functional environment.
Ultimately, we’re looking for clients who are eager to collaborate, value authenticity, and want to create spaces that truly represent who they are. When we partner with people who share these values, the design process becomes an inspiring journey of discovery, creativity, and meaningful connection.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://concetti.studio/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/concetti.studio/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ConcettiStudio/about
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/concettistudio/?viewAsMember=true
- Other: https://www.houzz.com/pro/concetti/concetti
Image Credits
Brett Mountain Photography
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
