How DGI Design X Build uses a holistic approach to achieve tailored results
DGI Design X Build is Chicago’s premier design-build firm specializing in luxury interiors, custom renovations, general contracting, and transformative new builds. Founded in 2016 by Devon Wegman, the firm initially focused solely on interior design, but as demand grew, Devon’s husband, Michael, joined the business to expand into construction. Quickly gaining a reputation for its turnkey offering and a design language that tailors a luxury approach to the needs of each client, DGI Design X Build has become one of the best-known brands in the luxury home building market in Chicagoland.
Real conversations
Modern Home Builders magazine sits down with the couple to understand the factors that have driven the company’s success in such a short space of time. Michael begins with a more detailed overview of where the company stands today: “We are a high-end residential design-build firm, having added general contracting onto the initial design offering around five years ago. Our process differs in a couple of key ways from our competitors in the industry. Firstly, we spend a lot of time in our early conversations and during the proposal estimating phase to give candid and thoughtful estimations of costs. We’d rather have a real conversation with that client, so that when we do move forward, our expectations are completely aligned. That’s one of the models we’ve operated with for some time.
“Secondly, on the design side, we have an exceptionally talented team who work in a very innovative and creative way. One thing we do differently to aid the design process is produce accurate 3D models of the property in full detail. This extends from the baseboards to outlets, cabinets, hinges, and hardware on the doors. This is how we communicate our design intent, and it also allows us to start problem-solving before the hammers are swinging. We can convey strong ideas, imagery, and renderings to our clients, ensuring they’re comfortable with sign-off at a very early stage. By doing so, when we move into building and construction, we’ve got a beautiful set of plans and renderings; all the hard conversations have already been had with the client so we can focus on executing.
Finer details
“Being a full-service provider, we often take this process the full nine yards, not only researching and selecting the furniture and cabinetry, but also details like the cutlery and dishware, as well as the art on the walls and the linen on the beds. If people want to move in the very next day, pour a glass of wine, and go to bed in their freshly pressed sheets, we enjoy making that possible.
“The majority of our clients are very busy, usually dual-working couples with growing families, while others are empty-nesters ready to create their very own oasis,” Michael continues. “Any area of the process that we can make smoother and less stressful for the clients is hugely beneficial, enabling them to obtain the home of their dreams without having to sacrifice time and energy spent on their family and careers.”
High-quality finishes
Working through the initial steps of the process in such depth significantly informs the design process, which Devon heads up. “Rather than focusing on one particular style of design, when we get to know clients, we make sure we have a clear picture of their taste,” Devon expands. “From color palettes and cabinetry down to how they dress, where they shop, and what restaurants they like, knowing our clients’ design preferences in detail allows us to create fully bespoke designs tailored to each client’s personal style.
“We take a holistic approach to the process; we are thinking about the entirety of the house from the beginning. This enables us to think about how each element of the design relates to all the other elements so that, ultimately, the final design feels cohesive and unified.”
Before looking forward to the company’s ambitions for the future, Michael refers to a recent project which exemplifies the company’s approach and demonstrates the high-quality finish it can create. “It’s a single-family home in downtown Chicago,” he says. “The project began with the clients initially wanting limited renovations and furnishings, but one year later, they decided to fully update the house, including every bathroom. The project included some special details, such as a crystal stone wall in the shower that had to be craned in, and a 1000-bottle-capacity wine cellar.
“Looking ahead, we are really excited about several upcoming projects including a 5500-square-foot full condo merger, which will combine three units for a high-profile celebrity client. We want to keep on executing these unique, exciting projects as we continue to grow.”
There are two further areas of focus on the agenda for DGI going forward, which includes continuing to embrace technology. “We are getting ahead of the curve with regards to AI implementation,” Michael reveals. “We have created an internal task force to assess how we can best leverage these technologies, and we are also looking at acquiring development land in order to build a project that helps us showcase our skills and keep growing the build side of the business.”