Quality Starts With the Details: What the RH Detroit Opening Reminded Me About Great Manufacturing

I recently attended the grand opening of RH Detroit, The Gallery in Birmingham, and I have to say, it made an impression. The building is stunning in every direction. Sixty thousand square feet across four floors, a rooftop restaurant, imported Italian brick on the exterior, and massive bronze and glass doors that immediately grab your attention. It is the kind of project that only comes together when every detail is planned and executed with care.

I am especially excited to have RH here in Detroit because I have always enjoyed visiting the RH Gallery in New York City and Chicago. Both locations are places I return to whenever I travel, and I have always appreciated the atmosphere, design, and attention to detail. Birmingham also needed something new and elevated to add to its restaurant and dining scene, and RH brings exactly that. Experiencing this level of creativity and quality here at home made the Detroit opening feel even more special.

Craftsmanship You Can See and Feel

Walking through the space, you cannot miss the craftsmanship. Every fixture, finish, and material choice reflects intention and discipline. It reminded me of how the best manufacturing programs look behind the scenes. You may not always see the effort on the surface, but when the foundation is strong, the final product speaks for itself.

In manufacturing, that foundation is built through early planning, strong sourcing decisions, supplier readiness, tooling accuracy, and cost management. Whether you are launching a new part or completing a complex build like RH Detroit, excellence begins long before the showcase moment.

The Power of Alignment

One thing that stood out to me during the opening was how smoothly everything came together. For a project of that size, every team has to be on the same page. Architecture, engineering, installers, interior designers, and logistics groups all have to move in rhythm.

It is the same principle in manufacturing. You need:

• Confident supplier engagement

• Clear timing

• Defined cost targets

• Consistent communication

• Tooling and capacity readiness

• Strong cross functional support

The more aligned everyone is, the stronger the launch. The RH opening showed what happens when that alignment is respected.

Quality People Create Quality Results

Seeing the Italian brick, the bronze doors, the layout of the space, and the carefully curated design reminded me of something simple but true. You cannot achieve results like that without people who take pride in their work.

In my own work, that means choosing the right suppliers, setting accurate assumptions, preparing strong sourcing waterfalls, reviewing capacity, and supporting clear communication between every stakeholder. The details matter. They always matter.

Why This Opening Meant Something to Me

Walking into the new RH Detroit location made me realize how connected design, manufacturing, and execution really are. They all rely on planning, teamwork, and a commitment to doing things the right way.

Detroit is a city that builds things. It always has been. We understand craftsmanship, complexity, and the value of hard work. Seeing a project of this caliber open in Birmingham brings something fresh to the area and reflects the same values we take pride in our manufacturing community.

It was a reminder that no matter the industry, excellence begins with planning and ends with execution. And the people who care about the details are the ones who turn the vision into reality.