Rather than lean into a signature style, owner Mickey Stengel focuses on helping clients create spaces that feel deeply personal, functional and lasting. His work is shaped by moments that have pushed his team creatively, the satisfaction of seeing homeowners settle back into a space they love and the ongoing challenge of guiding clients through what he calls “remodeling anxiety.”
Community Impact sat down with Stengel to discuss his design philosophy, how he navigates the design-build process and the projects that continue to inspire him.
Q: How would you describe your design philosophy, and how does it show up in your work?
Stengel: I think spaces should feel the way you want them to, so I definitely don’t have a set “go-to” look or feel in mind for everyone. Everyone likes a little something different, and that is why inspiration photos are so helpful. I find that all roads lead to a good place.
Q: What’s something homeowners are often surprised to learn about the design-build process?
Stengel: One thing that surprises a lot of homeowners is how normal it is to feel what I call “remodeling anxiety.” When your home is in transition, your routines are disrupted, and you’re making decisions that impact both your space and your budget, it’s natural to feel a little unsettled. Some people feel it more than others, but it shows up for almost everyone. The good news is—when you’ve got a clear plan, steady communication and a team that knows what they’re doing—that anxiety is manageable. Part of my job is to keep things calm, guide the process and make sure homeowners feel confident in every step we take.
Q: Can you share a time when a homeowner’s vision pushed your team in a new or exciting direction?
Stengel: Every so often, a homeowner or designer brings an idea that stretches the project in a fresh direction. I genuinely enjoy those moments. They challenge us to think creatively and refine our craft. When a client’s vision pushes the envelope, it doesn’t just elevate the final result; it sharpens our expertise and expands what we can confidently offer on future projects.
Q: What’s one trend in home design or construction that you’re excited to incorporate more often?
Stengel: I’m excited about the continued innovation in home mechanics, automation and efficiency. The advancements in paints, finishes, flooring and countertop materials are also impressive. There’s so much available now that allows us to build spaces that look great, perform well and last. Bringing those improvements into a home is something I genuinely enjoy.
Q: Is there a renovation challenge you faced that changed how you and your team approach future projects?
Stengel: Extremely modern renovations can be challenging, and they’ve definitely pushed us to become even more precise with finishes, fit and sheen. Those projects require patience and a high level of detail. They’ve reinforced something I tell clients often—”pretty takes time”—and they’ve made our team even stronger in the process.
Q: Looking back at your career, is there a project or experience that continues to guide how you lead your team today?
Stengel: Over the years, I think the biggest area of growth has been our sensitivity to the customer experience. It’s a big deal to open your home to people you don’t know and trust them to work responsibly, respectfully and cleanly. That awareness guides how I lead my team every day. We take pride in the fact that, year after year, we receive more compliments on how we treat our clients—it matters just as much as the craftsmanship
Q: What’s a recent project that reminded you of why you chose this line of work in the first place?
Stengel: I’ve enjoyed all of our projects, but recently we completed a few full-scale renovations where every nook and cranny of the home or condo was touched. Those remind me why I got into this line of work. There’s something incredibly satisfying about seeing a space transformed from start to finish—then walking back through once the furniture and décor are in place. Watching a homeowner light up when their vision becomes reality is still the part that keeps me doing what I do.
Ready for your next renovation?
Stengel’s passion for bringing clients’ visions to life shines through in every aspect of his work. This includes embracing new creative directions and the simple joy of seeing homeowners reenter a completed space for the first time. His approach emphasizes quality, sensitivity, long-term durability and an openness to the unique challenges each project brings.
To learn more about Mickey Stengel Build Design Renovate LLC, visit the company’s website today.
The above story was produced by Multi-Platform Journalist Sydney Heller with Community Impact's Storytelling team with information solely provided by the local business as part of their "sponsored content" purchase through our advertising team.
