At the crossroads of personalization, craftsmanship, and outstanding service lies MHM LIVING—a design-build firm that is redefining the remodeling experience. In this exclusive interview with Patron Magazine, we delve deeper into the philosophy and core values that set MHM LIVING apart.
PATRON: What sets MHM LIVING and your design-build philosophy apart?
MHM LIVING: MHM LIVING’s philosophy is truly about transforming a space to make a difference in our clients’ lives. We achieve this by building authentic connections with our clients and partners, providing exceptional craftsmanship, and going above and beyond their expectations. What sets us apart is our unique approach, built on three pillars – Personal, Exceptional, and Craftsmanship. These values guide us in providing an unparalleled experience that is tailored to the individual needs and desires of each of our clients.
PERSONAL: Every family and every individual functions and moves through spaces that are unique to them. It’s our job to understand those nuances and to transform them into seamless solutions that help life flow more freely. We also know the process of design build is extremely personal beyond the initial creative vision. Our process helps reduce stress and anxiety by making sure all clients know where their project stands on schedule, budgets and decision-making at all times.
EXCEPTIONAL: This is our standard and it drives all aspects of our projects. Our goal is for you to see exceptional in every detail, experience it in every interaction and ultimately live in an exceptional space. At our core, we are driven by the confidence that we can produce exceptional results, and it is this mindset that sets apart.
CRAFTSMANSHIP: Most people think this only applies to our build teams in the field, but we take pride in all aspects of craftsmanship. From our detailed drawings to relationship building, our craftsmanship is seen far beyond dovetail joints and level five finishes. We apply our same standard of exceptional and personal to our relationships with clients and the trade, which means our build partners know we demand their best work. We hope our clients see it in our approach to their projects and that they enjoy that level of craftsmanship for many years to come.
P: Please tell us about your bespoke remodeling experience.
MHM: At MHM LIVING, we believe that every client deserves a unique and tailored experience. We start by getting to know each client and their lifestyle, so we can understand their specific needs and desires. Our team of skilled professionals will then guide our clients through the entire process, helping them select the best materials to enhance and expand their home. Whether they are looking for a luxurious master suite, kitchen or complete overhaul, we’ll transform their space with thoughtfulness and beauty, creating a work of art that perfectly reflects their vision.
Discovery Phase: In the discovery phase of a project, we start by scheduling an initial onsite meeting where we’ll discuss our client’s ideas and provide a recommended approach. This provides an opportunity for them to share their vision and ask any questions they may have. To help us better understand what they are trying to achieve, we recommend preparing ahead of time by gathering photos from websites and magazines, or by having any handwritten notes and drawings available. By starting the discovery phase with a clear idea of their goals, we can work together more effectively to create a design-build path that truly reflects their vision. A recap of their vision, along with feasibility numbers and estimated timelines is delivered before moving on to the next phase.
Design Phase: The design phase is a critical stage of the design-build process as it sets the foundation for the entire project. By carefully developing a clear and detailed plan and ensuring that all necessary permits and approvals are in place, the team can move forward with confidence and a clear understanding of the project’s goals and requirements. The need for interior designs and/or architectural drawings will be determined based on each project’s scope and complexity.
Selecting the appropriate materials is crucial to the success of the design phase, as it can have a significant impact on the final result. With our extensive experience, we’re able to provide each client with a vast array of high-quality materials that are suitable for a wide range of applications. Whether they are looking for something durable, stylish, or both, we’ve got all angles covered. Our goal is to help them find the perfect materials that will not only meet their needs but also enhance the overall look and feel of the project.
Proposal Phase: After we’ve completed the design and material selections, we’ll create a final proposal that includes the project timeline and scope of work. This is one of the most important steps in the process because it ensures that everyone involved has a clear understanding of what needs to be done and by when. By clearly defining the project scope of work, we can set realistic expectations for completion and keep the project on track. Additionally, we can ensure that all aspects of the project are accounted for and that there are no surprises along the way. Our goal is to provide each client with a comprehensive proposal that covers all the details of the project, so they can feel confident that it will be completed on time, within budget, and to their utmost satisfaction.
Execution: When it comes to executing a design-build project, we’re thrilled to see our clients’ vision come to life. Before we begin construction, we finalize the construction schedule with our clients, coordinate labor sequencing, and procure all material selections to ensure everything is received correctly before the construction start date. This is a major point of distinction that eliminates timely delays along the way.
Upon starting construction, we make sure that our clients are kept in the loop every step of the way by providing them with access to their remodeling project in real time through our client portal. This includes a constructionschedule that outlines the durations and sequences in their remodeling process. This allows our clients to monitor progress and ask questions without having to be on site.
Throughout the project, our team maintains a clean and safe work environment and communicates regularly with our clients through various channels, including in-person meetings, phone calls, and the client portal. Our goal is to ensure that our clients feel comfortable and informed at all times.
We take pride in our work and strive to make every project an exceptional experience for our clients. We’re thrilled to welcome new clients to the MHM LIVING family and always look forward to creating a beautiful space together.
P: We are new to this and want a seamless experience. Describe the design process. What comes first?
MHM: Everything starts with the client. We begin by cultivating a genuine relationship with our clients. Each project and each relationship is personal to us. We make sure we are in sync and aligned so that we understand each other. I tell my clients that it is important for me to get into their heads to understand the why, the how and what appeals to them so that we can bring to life their vision that fits their lifestyle perfectly. Once the rapport is established and we fully understand our clients and their lifestyle, we begin the design process. It starts with imagining all the possibilities, but the key is understanding who our clients are before we take the first step of the journey. We begin with inspiration – it can be a picture of a vacation spot, or some clients just have an idea while others are very specific. It truly ties back to understanding their needs and desires and their expectations.
Our creative process revolves around them – we orchestrate the process, but they are the star. We present different options and solutions which stem from asking the right questions and gathering key information. We walk them through the visual; we ask them to imagine a new house, where a certain wall no longer exists or to imagine stepping into a bathroom oasis to rejuvenate and wash the day away or walking into a new chef grade, state of the art kitchen or viewing a new space for their art collection. We do not start the process until we have a feel for what the project will look like and how it will impact the lives of our clients, during and after construction. A clearly defined scope of work that is well thought out and planned is central to our process. Once the design has been approved and all questions answered, we review the project phases with them including milestones, timing and walk them through our virtual client platform that allows them to view the construction when it is convenient for them.
P: Will you please take us through the timeline? We’ve heard of the major construction delays and backlogs. We really want our home to be ready for the holidays.
MHM: Each project’s timeline varies given the scope of the project – a full house remodel can take 1 year and a kitchen and living remodel could take 6 months. It truly depends on the scope and the complexity of the project. The Design Phase on average lasts 3 to 4 months as we develop the design and/or architectural drawings, present to the client, incorporate client feedback, and finalize selections. Once we are aligned on the final design and material selections, we present a comprehensive proposal with project scope and overall timeline to ensure everyone has a clear understanding of the deliverables and key milestones. Next, our execution phase commences as we begin procurement, finalizing the production schedule, and coordinating labor sequencing. We make sure that our clients are kept in the loop every step of the way by providing them with access to their remodeling project in real time through our client portal.
P: You have a client portal. What information will your team provide through this link? We tend to be hands-on.
MHM: The client portal allows our clients to have access to their project 24/7. This means our clients can travel halfway across the world and still have real time access to daily reports and progress pics, as well as the constructionschedule that outlines durations and sequences in their remodeling process.
You can find the view the client portal on our website https://mhmliving.com.
P: We have a sizeable art collection and many large-scale works. While we want a lot of natural light, we want to be sure there is plenty of wall space for our growing collection.
MHM: We collect small sculpture, ceramics, and other art objects. Will you design a built-in case for display?
Yes, we can build a built-in case for display, and I will add that the solution we offer lies in the client’s needs and wishes first and foremost. We of course take into consideration the home’s layout, lighting, etc.
P: Please tell us about your design team. Will we work directly with you?
MHM: We believe that proper design and planning are key to a successful project and we pride ourselves on doing the planning work upfront in partnership with the interior and architectural design teams. Our engagement agreement allows us to work in parallel and develop the project both from aesthetic and technical points of view. This also includes generating the construction schedule and assigning proper trade partners and vendors ahead of time. Once we complete design and planning, we present a detailed proposal outlining the scope of work. From concept to completion, our philosophy of providing a personal and exceptional level of service means our clients always work directly with us.