The questions below are those frequently asked of us at Michigan Design Center. If your questions are not answered here, please e-mail us and your question(s) will be answered shortly.

Is Michigan Design Center Open to the Public?

Michigan Design Center is a Trade building, however we welcome the consumer to walk the hallways and see our fabulous array of product. Our showrooms will not sell directly to the consumer, therefore, we encourage you to use your designer or our concierge Design Connection program which provides a complimentary, one-hour, no obligation consultation, with a professional interior designer, on-site at MDC.

What Does “To The Trade” Mean?

Sales in the showrooms of Michigan Design Center are facilitated by “trade” professionals registered with the building. Trade professionals include designers, decorators, architects, builders, contract specifiers, institutional purchasers and retail store owners.

Why is it Necessary for a Trade Professional to Handle Sales?

The majority of the merchandise available at Michigan Design Center is custom made to order. Because of the precise specifications required for custom ordering, most people find the experience overwhelmingly complicated. Further, if an error is made and the wrong size or color is ordered, it can not be returned to the manufacturer. By utilizing the talents and expertise of a professional trade member, you will save time and money by preventing such costly mistakes.

Are the Showrooms Retail Stores?

While some of our showrooms do operate retail facilities in other locations, most do not. Our showrooms do not maintain staffing levels to accommodate retail traffic or needs. Our showrooms sell product components that are custom ordered through design professionals to best suit the needs of their clients. Often times, the perfect sofa frame is found in one showroom and is upholstered with fabric from another showroom. Designers maintain accounts and relationships with the individual showrooms and act as the retail liaison that transacts the sale for the client.

How Can I Shop at MDC?

Clients are more than welcome to accompany their designer to Michigan Design Center at any time. If your designer is unable to accompany you, they must make advance arrangements with the main office for you to receive a visitor’s pass. Further, your designer must notify any showrooms you intend to visit, in advance. While you are able to browse without your designer, all purchases should be made through a registered trade member.

I Don’t Have a Designer. How Can I Find One?

Many of our showrooms will refer you to a designer who is familiar with their product and who can assist you in making final purchase decisions. In addition, you may consider soliciting referrals from friends or looking for samples of work that you like in local showhouses, newspapers and magazines. Or, if your prefer, we suggest Michigan Design Center’s Design Connection program, which offers a complimentary one-hour consultation, with a professional interior designer, on-site at MDC.

How Can a Design Professional Help Me?

A professional interior designer can help you translate your tastes and personal lifestyle into the rooms where you spend so much of your valuable time, and you’ll save time because everything you need to create the home of your dreams is available at Michigan Design Center. Your design project is an investment of time and money and you should enlist the help of a professional to help you get the most out of your investment.