Great design isn’t just about how a space looks — it’s about how it lives, how it flows, and how instantly it feels like it was always meant for you.
High Grade Design Studio is a residential design studio based in Traverse City, Michigan, partnering with homeowners and builders across the country. We lead the design of custom homes, remodels, renovations, and interior refreshes, bringing clarity, direction, and cohesion to every decision.
Our role is simple: take the overwhelm out of design and make sure every finish, fixture, and material works together as one elevated, cohesive story, from the first conversation to the final selection.
Traverse City, Michigan
Nationwide
Homeowners & Builders
Every project follows the same clear path, so you always know what comes next and why.
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We get to know you, your lifestyle, and how you want your space to feel and function.
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We define your goals, scope, and the level of support needed to bring your vision to life with clarity and confidence.
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We lead selections, refine details, and develop a cohesive design plan that ensures every element works together seamlessly.
Founder, High Grade Design Studio
I’ve been drawn to design for as long as I can remember.
As a child, I wasn’t just looking at spaces — I was studying them. I noticed how a room could feel calm or chaotic depending on how it was arranged. I paid attention to how light moved through a space, how materials shaped the mood, and how small details could completely transform the experience of a room.
Even then, I wasn’t interested in “pretty.” I was interested in purpose. In spaces that made sense. In design that felt intentional, grounded, and right.
That instinct has only sharpened over time.
I’ve always believed great design is felt before it’s seen.
It’s in the way a home flows. The way decisions feel clear instead of overwhelming. The way a client walks into their finished space and immediately says, “This feels like me.”
That’s not an accident — that’s the result of intentional design leadership.
At High Grade Design Studio, I step into every project as a confident, hands-on design partner. Whether you’re building a new home, remodeling an existing space, or refining the way you live, I bring clarity, direction, and cohesion from the very beginning so every decision is purposeful and aligned.
I understand how quickly design can become overwhelming — the endless options, the uncertainty, the pressure to get everything right. That’s exactly where I step in.
Because when design is done right, it doesn’t add stress — it removes it.
I also work closely with builders and construction partners, bridging the gap between design intent and real-world execution.
Through strong collaboration, I help streamline selections, improve communication, and ensure the design vision is carried through seamlessly from plans to final build — without compromise.
I support clients through every stage of the design journey — from full custom homes to remodels, renovations, and interior refreshes. My focus is always the same: to create spaces that feel intentional, elevated, and deeply personal.
Whether we’re designing a single room or an entire home, nothing is left to chance.
Because we don’t just elevate spaces — we elevate the entire experience.
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Clear, confident design direction from start to finish
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Less overwhelm and decision fatigue
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Cohesive, elevated, intentional results
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A home that reflects you — not trends
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A smoother, more guided, more enjoyable process
We work alongside builders and construction partners to streamline selections, improve communication, and carry the design vision from plans to final build.
Every space should feel like it was designed with intention — not assembled by default. And every client deserves a design process that feels clear, supported, and inspiring from beginning to end.
If you’re ready to create a home that feels aligned, elevated, and unmistakable yours — I’m ready to lead that process with you.
Let’s build something exceptional together.
— Sarah Stroven
