Services · MRC x EMD
Renovations + New Homes · MRC x EMD
Under one roof
One conversation instead of four
One stop, all things home: architecture, construction, interiors and furnishings: MRCxEMD.
Ellie Mroz Design offers construction consulting for New Jersey homeowners renovating, remodeling, adding on, or building a new custom home from the ground up. Through the MRCxEMD collaboration with builder Michael Robert Construction, selections, finishes, layouts, built-ins, cabinetry, lighting, tile, stone and hardware all point the same direction from the very first drawing.
Most renovations ask the homeowner to be the messenger between an architect, a builder, a designer and a furnisher. Here those four sit at the same table from the first drawing, which is why the finished house reads as one idea instead of four handoffs — and it starts the day the plans do, not the day the drywall goes up.
Start here whether or not you have spoken to Michael Robert Construction yet — we will bring them into the conversation.
“2 1/2 years in our home…we still just stop and stare…to admire all of the details and beautiful craftsmanship! Mike, Ellie and team truly brought our dream home to life!”
Architecture
Reviewing plans, developing concepts, and detailed renderings and elevations, so what is drawn matches the home you want.
Construction
MRC manages the large-scale residential renovations, additions, remodels, and new home construction.
Interiors
EMD guides the design decisions that determine how the finished home looks, feels, and functions.
Furnishings
Furnishings planning can begin while construction plans are developing. Furniture layouts, lighting and window treatments can then inform the rooms before installation and final styling complete the home.
The scope
So what exactly does construction consulting involve?
The breadth of our construction design services flexes to fit our client’s goals. Beyond the liaison with Michael Robert Construction, the work itself is this:
- Conceptual design
- Blueprint and floor plan review
- Exterior design
- Built-in and cabinetry design
- Space planning
- Budget development
- Color schemes and palette development
- Lighting placement and fixture selection
Planning + Concept Development
- Conceptual design direction
- Blueprint and floor plan review
- Space planning and layout input
- Exterior design guidance
- Interior color palette development
- Budget-conscious selection guidance
Architectural + Built-In Details
- Built-in and cabinetry design
- Millwork details
- Fireplace surrounds
- Ceiling details
- Trim and paneling concepts
- Hardware selection
Construction Coordination
- Design communication with MRC
- Review of design-related details during construction
- Studio or vendor meetings for selections
- On-site meetings as construction progresses
- Coordination between construction decisions and future furnishings
Finish + Material Selections
- Tile selections
- Stone and countertop selections
- Plumbing fixtures
- Decorative and architectural lighting
- Paint colors
- Wall and floor coverings
- Cabinetry and millwork finishes
- Hardware selections
EMD’s furnishings and accessories team can pick up where the construction leaves off, so the finished home reads as one idea.
Case Study
From Concept to Completion
The front elevation
How it works
Our construction consulting process
Eight steps, designed to make a renovation or new custom build about as fun and stress-free as a construction project can be, while producing a unique and timeless home.
Reserve Your Place in the EMD LineupAfter signing on with Michael Robert Construction, client indicates interest in working with this EMD service and reserves a spot in the EMD line-up with a retainer.
Gather InspirationClient conducts guided inspiration gathering.
Discovery MeetingTeam Initial Discovery Meeting at client’s home to review goals, scope and client inspiration.
Scope + Design AgreementClient receives a detailed contract outlining the scope of work with a range of expected design hours and an estimated cost of selections.
Concept + SelectionsEMD team develops an overall concept as a jumping off point for selections and the interior envelope. We guide our clients through strategically-timed selections for plumbing fixtures, tile, stone, and hardware, either presenting in our studio, or shopping with you at our local and trusted vendors. We will meet to review and approve final selections and detailed elevations of millwork and built-ins all while keeping the MRC team in the loop.
Communication and ExecutionEMD reviews design-related installation details and coordinates with MRC. Scheduled meetings keep the client and project team aligned as construction progresses.
Furnishings + final layers optionClient is offered furnishing and/or accessorizing services. If opts in, the EMD furnishings team is briefed on the project, and their kickoff begins. See our furnishing services here.
Happy ever after in dream home!Happy clients enjoy meticulously selected stone, tile, hardware, lighting, etc. in their one of a kind MRCxEMD home!
Our goal is to stay with homeowners through the planning and building phases, take the edge off the stress that comes with any remodel or new build, and land somewhere worth all the trouble… a unique and cohesive home, built with our team’s attention on every design detail.
Before ground is broken
You see it drawn first
With EMD’s services, clients see the concept before the MRC team ever breaks ground. Detailed renderings and elevations make sure what is drawn is exactly in line with the client’s home design goals.
Interiors
Exteriors, additions and outdoor rooms
Case Study
From millwork and finishes to a furnished office
In this Summit home office, built-in cabinetry and furnishings were developed as parts of the same room. The millwork elevation records the cabinetry arrangement; the finishes sheet and furnishings board show the design choices alongside it. The completed desk and seating area show how those decisions come together. MRC carried out the construction, with EMD guiding the interiors and furnishings.
Millwork and finishesCabinetry, finishes and lighting brought together on one sheet. 
Furnishing optionsSeating and rug options for the office lounge area. 
Completed workspaceThe finished built-ins and desk area. 
Completed seating areaThe office seating area under the skylight.
A drawing is useful when it leads to a room that works. Our team connects plans and selections to the people, measurements and construction decisions required to bring the design into your home.
But it can’t replace the experience of walking into someone’s home, understanding how their family lives, recognizing what they haven’t even thought to ask for, and taking responsibility for turning their vision into reality.
In their words
What clients say
“The seamless collaboration between EMD and the MRC team was also exceptional.…a truly integrated design-build experience”
Ellie & Team went above and beyond in all aspects of our exterior renovation. We were blown away by the vision they had for our home, and the end result was better than we had imagined. We appreciated the clear communication, organized meetings, attention to detail, creative ideas, and friendly staff - to name a few. Can’t wait to use the team again for a future project.
It was time for an exterior renovation, my center hall colonial was stuck in the eighties. So, I would drive around town looking at homes and what I might want to do with my house. As it turned out, all the homes I picked out, that I loved, that were so perfect in every way - they were all EMD designed homes. So, I made an appointment....They did it all, managed all the details, were super responsive, they obsessed over the design details to get them just right and managed the entire project so well. I feel so lucky to have such a beautiful home.
Questions
Questions we get a lot
Construction Consulting with Michael Robert Construction and Ellie Mroz Design is a premium service for homeowners who want expert guidance while a renovation or new build is still being decided. We provide strategic support on architectural planning, material selection, coordination, and every design detail, so your vision gets executed at the highest level. It’s an experienced builder and a designer in your corner at once — protecting the investment and raising the level of each decision along the way. The questions that come up most:
What is the difference between construction consulting and full-service interior design?
Construction consulting covers the design decisions made during building or renovation: layouts, finishes, fixtures, cabinetry, lighting, and architectural details. Full-service interior design and furnishings covers the completed interior: furniture, rugs, window treatments, art, accessories, and final installation. Our favorite way to explain the difference… take a home, turn it upside down and shake it. Every design detail that stays put falls under our jurisdiction — the built-ins, the tile, the stone, the hardware all fall under the Construction Consulting category. The service begins once measurements are taken and basic plans are drawn.
Who is construction consulting best for?
EMD construction consulting is best for homeowners planning a large renovation, addition, remodel, or new custom home who want design guidance before and during construction. It is especially welcome when the sheer number of decisions starts to pile up — tile and stone, lighting, plumbing, cabinetry, paint, flooring, hardware, built-ins.
This service is also ideal for homeowners who want their renovation to hang together once complete. Rather than making each selection in isolation, EMD connects them to the larger vision, so the home feels intentional from the exterior details and architectural elements straight through the bathrooms, kitchens, mudrooms, living spaces, and future furnishings.
What does construction consulting with MRCxEMD involve?
It is design guidance through a renovation, addition, remodel, or new custom home build. It helps homeowners decide layouts, finishes, cabinetry, built-ins, tile, stone, lighting, plumbing fixtures, paint colors, hardware, and the rest of the details, before and during construction. Our team reviews the plans and guides the selections so everything lines up with your vision. We coordinate closely with the MRC construction team the whole way through.
When should I start construction consulting?
Earlier than most people expect. Clients usually begin consulting after Michael Robert Construction completes existing measurements (for renovations) or in the initial phases of concept development (for new custom construction). Getting in early helps align design choices with the construction plans, which keeps progress moving and decreases the likelihood of design changes during the build.
How does the selection process work?
It opens with a “Discovery Meeting” to get a read on your style and the scope of your project. Then we present overall design concepts. Next come the selection presentation(s), samples in hand, at our studio or with vendors we trust. Clients approve the final selections and we work with MRC to execute them seamlessly.
Does the consulting service cover project management?
EMD manages its agreed design scope and coordinates design decisions with MRC. MRC remains responsible for construction management, trade coordination and the construction schedule.
Can I add furnishing services after construction consulting?
Again, yes. Most of our clients may choose to work with EMD’s furnishing and styling services towards the end of their selections process, to ensure their home will be furnished upon move-in with a cohesive vision. It is the step that turns a meticulously curated house into your home.
Get to know MRC x EMD
What is MRC x EMD?
The same collaboration from the builder's side: MRCxEMD at Michael Robert Construction