For new home builders and developers, creating model homes that sell isn’t just about square footage and finishes, it’s about telling a story that resonates with buyers. We’ve been helping builders do exactly that for decades. Susan Montgomery’s journey with the firm offers a behind-the-scenes look at what it takes to build a design team that truly supports your projects from the ground up.
Starting with Nothing but Passion and a Phone Book
Susan first connected with Lita Dirks when she was a senior interior design student at Colorado State University. As ASID campus chapter president, she cold-called Lita’s previous firm after spotting it in the phone book; purely because she wanted to focus on model home design.That bold move led to an internship, and eventually to being the very first designer when Lita launched her own company. “I remember going into a completely empty office,” Susan recalls. “We started with 6-foot tables as desks. No fabric books, no wallpaper samples, no vendor catalogs. We spent weeks just setting up accounts and building our design library while also handling office basics like paper clips, file folders, copiers, and fax machines. We didn’t even have computers at first.”
For builders launching new communities, this scrappy beginning mirrors the reality many of you face: starting lean and figuring things out as you go. The lesson? The best design partners are those who’ve done it themselves; who understand how to create something beautiful with limited initial resources.
Creativity Under Pressure: Turning Scrap into “Museum-Quality” Art
One project that still stands out for Susan was a high-end million-dollar model home in New York. The client wanted unique sculptures in the entryway. Instead of expensive commissioned pieces, the team got creative:
- A simple concrete form topped with a foam sphere, painted black.
- A heavy metal chair made of gears, nuts, and bolts that Susan literally rescued from the weeds outside a Denver metal fabricator’s shop. A coat of spray paint later, it became instant art.
The client loved both pieces. This kind of resourceful creativity is exactly what sets apart model homes that feel custom and aspirational without inflating budgets. Builders who partner with experienced design teams gain access to these problem-solving instincts, turning potential budget challenges into standout features that help homes sell faster.
The Evolution: From Designer to Operations Manager
Susan stepped away for over twenty years to raise her family, then returned because of two things: her enduring passion for interior design and the exceptional people Lita consistently attracts.Today, as Manager of Operations, Susan oversees agreements, invoicing, HR, and more, all while staying deeply involved in design. She reads blueprints, tracks new trends, troubleshoots jobsite issues, and occasionally joins installs. Her dual perspective gives the entire team a stronger operational backbone, which ultimately benefits builders through smoother project delivery and fewer surprises.
A Memory That Still Sparks Joy
One of Susan’s favorite memories captures the special relationships that form on great projects. During an installation in New York City with longtime client Elise Platt, the team was treated to dinner, a performance of Stomp!, and a private visit to the top of a skyscraper for a glittering view of the city lights.“It was unforgettable,” Susan says.
Moments like these highlight what’s possible when builders, developers, and designers work as true partners.
Why This Matters for Today’s Builders
The homebuilding industry has changed dramatically since those early days with shared computers and “What is a mouse?” questions. Yet the fundamentals remain: Builders need design partners who are resourceful, collaborative, passionate, and operationally sound.
We bring that combination to every project. Whether you’re launching a new community or refreshing model homes, our team draws from decades of hands-on experience to create spaces that connect emotionally with buyers. If you’re a builder or developer looking for a design partner who understands the realities of new home construction, we’d love to talk. Reach out to learn how we can help your next model home collection stand out and sell.
