Building With Taste:

A Conversation on Business, design, and standards.

Featuring Rachel Nelson, Principal + Head Designer of Concetti

There’s a certain kind of business owner you notice immediately - not because they’re loud, but because their work speaks before they do.

That’s how I’d describe my friend Rachel Nelson. 

Rachel had been on my radar for years. I admired her work from a distance but had never met her in person until fate brought us together at a women’s business luncheon. I was genuinely excited to see her at the table and even more excited to finally connect.

That first conversation turned into a friendship. We now find ourselves exploring some of Detroit’s newest restaurants and exchanging ideas on business strategy. Over time, our professional paths aligned as well. Rachel is also a client, and I had the privilege of representing her in the purchase of the historic church on Seminole in Indian Village - be sure to follow her instagram page to see the renovation of this remarkable property. 

As the principal and head designer of Concetti, Rachel has built a design studio rooted in restraint, clarity, and execution - three qualities that are increasingly rare in both business and creative industries. Her work isn’t about trends or theatrics. It’s about precision, longevity, and knowing exactly who you are serving.

In a market that often rewards speed over substance, her approach stands out.

Design Is the Output - Standards Are the Business Model

What’s most impressive about Rachel’s work isn’t just the finished product. It’s the discipline behind it.

Concetti operates with a clear point of view: every project must feel intentional, cohesive, and livable. That level of consistency doesn’t happen by accident. It comes from systems, boundaries, and a refusal to overextend for the sake of growth.

From a business perspective, that restraint is strategic.

Rachel has built a studio that protects creative integrity while still scaling thoughtfully - something many founders struggle to balance. She understands that saying no is often what allows the right yeses to land.

From Vision to Execution

Great design is often described as intuitive. In reality, it’s operational.

Rachel brings structure to creativity - processes that ensure ideas translate cleanly from concept to completion. That operational rigor is what allows Concetti to work seamlessly with developers, homeowners, and collaborators who value clarity and follow-through.

It’s also what makes her a trusted partner in complex projects, where aesthetics, budget, and timelines all matter equally.

The result is work that feels effortless - but never accidental.

A Founder Who Knows Her Lane

One of the most compelling aspects of Rachel’s leadership is her confidence in focus.

She doesn’t chase every opportunity. She curates them.

Concetti’s growth has been intentional, aligned with the studio’s values and long-term vision. That kind of discipline is especially important in creative businesses, where dilution can happen quickly if boundaries aren’t enforced.

It’s a reminder that brand strength isn’t built by doing everything - it’s built by doing the right things exceptionally well.

The Intersection of Business and Taste

There’s a misconception that taste is subjective and business is objective. In reality, the strongest brands operate at the intersection of both.

Rachel understands that taste is strategy. It guides decision-making, attracts the right clients, and creates work that stands the test of time. Concetti’s aesthetic isn’t just beautiful - it’s consistent, recognizable, and commercially intelligent.

That alignment is what turns a creative practice into a durable business.

Why This Matters

As someone who works closely with founders, developers, and operators, I’m always paying attention to how businesses are built - not just how they look from the outside.

Rachel Nelson is an example of what happens when clarity leads. When standards are non-negotiable. When growth is measured, not rushed.

And when taste is treated as a serious business asset - not an afterthought.

You can explore Rachel’s most recent work through Moxie by Concetti, a retail line that reflects the same thoughtful approach: refined, confident, and intentional.