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About Design Concepts Plus
Design Concepts Plus isn’t simply an interior design & carpentry firm.
Founder Merrie Fredericks has developed a millwork company with a decades long, proven track record that sees each interior build-out as a blank canvas ready to be revolutionized.
Merrie and her talented team of installation experts conduct every step of the interior construction process: from pencil on paper in the design studio, through to punch-list on site.
Our goal is to ensure each completed project exceeds every client’s expectation in function, feel, form, look and longevity. With Merrie’s leadership and artistic spirit at the helm, Design Concepts Plus doesn’t seek to follow trends. We seek to set them, ensuring your home receives a seamless upgrade that stands the test of time.
About Merrie, Founder + President
About Merrie, Founder + President
Merrie Fredericks, the owner/operator of Design Concepts Plus, is a renowned architectural designer and general contracting specialist. Through 45 years of hard work and attention to detail, Merrie successfully built Design Concepts Plus into an award winning and nationally recognized company.
A true artist at heart, Merrie’s knowledge and appreciation for color, depth, and texture is what sets her ideas apart, turning exciting construction projects into jaw-dropping works of art. With a BFA from Ithaca College, Merrie is a Certified Master Kitchen and Bath Designer by the NKBA (National Kitchen and Bath Association) and a member of the IDS (Interior Design Society).
Having won more than 22 national design competitions, Merrie has also appeared multiple times on HGTV. Her design and build of an in-house Japanese spa was featured as one of the “10 Most Fabulous Bathrooms in the Country”.
Merrie’s unmatched reputation as an industry leader in the Philadelphia metropolitan area has resulted in a business built entirely on referral.
Merrie Fredericks, the owner/operator of Design Concepts Plus, is a renowned architectural designer and general contracting specialist. Through 45 years of hard work and attention to detail, Merrie successfully built Design Concepts Plus into an award winning and nationally recognized company.
A true artist at heart, Merrie’s knowledge and appreciation for color, depth, and texture is what sets her ideas apart, turning exciting construction projects into jaw-dropping works of art. With a BFA from Ithaca College, Merrie is a Certified Master Kitchen and Bath Designer by the NKBA (National Kitchen and Bath Association) and a member of the IDS (Interior Design Society).
Having won more than 22 national design competitions, Merrie has also appeared multiple times on HGTV. Her design and build of an in-house Japanese spa was featured as one of the “10 Most Fabulous Bathrooms in the Country”.
Merrie’s unmatched reputation as an industry leader in the Philadelphia metropolitan area has resulted in a business built entirely on referral.
TJ Marston
Designer, Design Technician, Project Manager
TJ Marston is a Designer, Design Technician and Project Manager, responsible for creating floor plans, drafting elevations and 3D perspectives ensuring DCP designs are structurally sound. TJ is a skilled CAD designer and talented finished carpenter, who knows how to fit form to function. Since he was 14, TJ has been framing homes, installing cabinets and executing finished cabinetry. Alongside Gabe, he will conduct job visits to ensure the space is being built according to architectural plans.
“There’s not an element in construction that TJ doesn’t know about.” Gabe speaking about TJ
Gabe Fredericks
Designer & Project Manager
Gabe Fredericks is a Designer & Project Manager of Design Concepts Plus, managing each contract closely to ensure efficiency and effectiveness. Gabe facilitates client relationships, regularly visits a job site to oversee the implementation of plans, and imagines design concepts in collaboration with Lead Designer Merrie. Gabe started his career as a carpenter for Design Concept Plus. His experiences in the trades supports his collaboration with builders and understanding for how to effectively complete a construction job on the ground. Gabe was a dual major in Fine Arts and Photography at Tyler. Gabe Fredericks is the Founder & Lead Photographer of Philip Gabriel Photography, a renowned photography studio based in Media, PA. He applies the same keen design eye for composition in a photograph that he does for spatial layout in a room. In addition to Gabe’s fine art background, his personable skills, humor, and remarkable directing abilities lend to being an effective Project Manager.
Jason Haupt
Lead Carpenter
Jason Haupt is the Lead Carpenter and Craftsman at Design Concepts Plus bringing over 25 years of experience in the field. He focuses on finish carpentry and is skilled in a wide range of residential construction work. Jason is detail-oriented, shows up to a job prepared, and ensures each step of a project is done right the first time to avoid delays or rework. He appreciates the challenge of complex construction projects. His work is guided by strong personal values and faith. Outside of work, Jason enjoys fishing, camping, and outdoor cooking. He lives with his wife and their three children in Southern Lancaster County, where he was born and raised.
Alison Schuettinger
Communication Designer
Alison is the Communication Designer for Design Concepts Plus. Creating content for our website, blog, and social media. Additionally, she creates visuals to streamline project management and communication internally. Alison is a professional photographer, Assistant Professor at Parsons School of Design and ordained Interfaith Minister. She studied photography at Pratt Institute, has a BA and MA in psychology and MFA in Creative Writing at The New School. She has the privilege of living in one of DCP’s homes and will never not live in a home with custom cabinetry designed and constructed by DCP.
DCP’s Story Over Time
1981
Desert Hot Springs & Palm Springs California
Design Concepts Plus is formed. DCP initially focused on designing new affordable homes or remodels from fixer uppers. Designs were intentionally blended with the desert landscape, incorporating breathing views and minimalist interiors designed for easy maintenance and endurance.
1981 – 1986
One job leads to another through referral. Merrie designed residential and commercial properties including some restaurants frequented by Hollywood celebrities. Residential designs focused on open kitchens, dining family room concepts and bathrooms.
1987
Design Concepts Plus moves to the Philadelphia area.
1990s
Merrie’s son, Gabe Fredericks, begins working with the carpenters, electricians, tile and plumbing contractors at age 14 and continues until college. TJ also joins DCP as a teenager, taking after his father, Thomas Morsten, our lead contractor and carpenter for more than 25 years.
2000s
After Gabe completes his BFA in photography and fine arts at Tyler, he launches a professional photography company, Philip Gabriel Photography. TJ becomes one of the most talented carpenters in the business, expanding his expertise by studying AutoCAD at college before returning to DCP.
After Gabe completes his BFA in photography and fine arts at Tyler, he launches a professional photography company, Philip Gabriel Photography. TJ becomes one of the most talented carpenters in the business, expanding his expertise by studying AutoCAD at college before returning to DCP.
2019
DCP becomes increasingly collaborative as Gabe becomes more integral to the design aspects of each project.
2024 – 2025
Our company continues to grow, bringing in communication expertise from Alison Schuettinger as we manage 27 projects on the books!
“Your design is a work of art.”
“We can’t thank Design Concepts enough for the wonderful work they did and for making it such a positive experience.”
“It’s just so beautiful. All I can do is stand and stare like I’m at an art gallery. Greg and I have been just staring at everything totally amazed.”
