In a world where cookie-cutter remodels and impersonal home improvement services are increasingly common, The Designery stands apart—thanks to the vision, values, and hands-on leadership of its founder, Dana Merrill. What began as a bold career shift has quickly evolved into a purpose-driven family business that blends design, function, and heart. Rooted in purpose, powered by creativity, and sustained by relationships, The Designery is transforming not just homes, but lives—one space at a time.

Dana Merrill’s path to entrepreneurship is anything but traditional—and his story is compelling. His background reads like the résumé of three people: he’s been an actor and musician, a corporate analyst, a project manager, and a sports enthusiast who’s tried his hand at everything from archery to ultimate frisbee. He’s also the kind of person who would rather learn to do the work himself than wait on someone else.

“I’m the guy who will build the bench, frame and finish the room, and rip out and replace the plumbing because it needs to be done,” Dana says. “I’ve learned that we can do just about anything with the right resources, planning, and attention to detail.”

But no matter the career focus or weekend hobby, Dana’s foundation has always been steady: his faith and his family. He and his wife are the proud parents of eight children, and together they have created a life rooted in church, service, and strong values. It’s those same values that inspired the launch of The Designery.

A few years ago, Dana began to feel a tug toward something new. After decades in corporate roles, he realized he wanted the next—and possibly final—chapter of his professional life to be more meaningful. It wasn’t about climbing another ladder or launching another project for someone else. It was about creating something lasting, impactful, and aligned with what mattered most: faith, family, and making a difference.

That vision became The Designery, a full-service design and renovation studio that Dana runs alongside his wife and son. Each family member brings a unique strength: his wife’s natural eye for aesthetics and design, his son’s warmth and talent for connecting with people, and Dana’s project management and problem-solving expertise.

“The Designery allows each of us to operate in our strengths,” Dana says. “We’re creating spaces that aren’t just beautiful, but that really work for the people who live in them.”

At its core, The Designery is about transformation—of spaces, and of the way people feel in their homes. The company offers end-to-end design and installation services for kitchens, bathrooms, closets, laundry rooms, and mudrooms. They will also recreate your fireplace surround with updated storage and gorgeous wall-sheathing, if that’s what you need. We also From start to finish, every detail is tailored to the homeowner’s vision and lifestyle.

Clients can also opt for product-only services, receiving high-quality cabinetry, countertops, tile, and flooring shipped directly to their job site. This flexibility makes The Designery an ideal partner for contractors and DIY homeowners who want access to high-end materials and expert guidance without committing to a full-service build. These materials can be sent straight to work locations at the customer’’s convenience while still allowing full access to their showroom and Design Center. This way, customers can touch and feel the samples of their new products while looking at the full, 3D renderings.

But what truly sets the business apart is its commitment to personal connection.

“We listen—and we prove it by working with you until your project is done,” Dana says. “That sounds like something every company should do, but in practice, it’s really rare. We’ve seen it time and again: people just want someone who cares about getting it right. That’s where we come in.”

Although still a young business, The Designery has already made a meaningful mark on the local community. Their showroom and design center offer a welcoming space for clients to explore materials and visualize their projects. It’s not just about picking tile and hardware—it’s about dreaming up the home that reflects who you are and how you live.

Dana is also intentional about how The Designery engages with the community on a broader scale, whether that’s partnering with local vendors, participating in home shows, or simply being a resource for neighbors looking to improve their living spaces.

Of course, every business faces its challenges, and The Designery is no exception. In the early stages, one of the biggest hurdles was finding the right vendor partners. “We had to learn which suppliers offered not just the best prices, but the best service and reliability,” Dana says. “It took time, but that process led us to build a trusted network that we now rely on every day.”

The future of The Designery is bright—and intentionally paced. Rather than chasing rapid expansion, Dana and his team are focused on thoughtful growth that allows them to maintain their signature customer experience.

“Our vision is simple,” he says. “We want to keep growing so we can help more people. We want to be the place people think of when they want to make their house really feel like home.”

Upcoming projects include expanding their service offerings, bringing in new team members who share their values, and continuing to refine the showroom experience to make it even more interactive and client-friendly.

Dana’s biggest piece of advice for local homeowners? Don’t settle for living in someone else’s idea of a home.

“Most of us are living in someone else's house. What I mean by that is somebody else designed our space in the way that made the most sense (or 'cents!') to them and we have needed to adjust the way we do things to accommodate,” he explains. “We are really adaptable as humans and can get used to many things that are not the best for us, but if you have the chance to make your space your own, you should take it. You get something beautiful to you that works for you. And we make it easy and as accessible as possible.”

With free design consultations available for every project, The Designery makes it easy for homeowners to take that first step.

In summary, Dana says it best when describing what sets The Designery apart. “We listen and we prove it by working with you until your project is done. There are a lot of places you can buy most products and services, but it is the relationships that make the difference.”

Learn more or schedule your free consultation by visiting The Designery's showroom at 3030 Wake Forest Rd in Raleigh (the Trader Joe's/Melting Pot plaza). You can also visit them online at thedesignery.com/locations/north-raleigh/ or contact Dana directly at 919-999-3696 or dana.merrill@thedesignery.com.