About Justin Michael

For Justin Michael, interior design has never simply been a profession—it has been a lifelong passion.

Born and raised in Michigan, Justin knew from an early age that his future would be rooted in the world of design. As a child, he was constantly drawing houses and floor plans, imagining how rooms could come together and how people would live within them. By his teenage years, that curiosity had become a habit—rearranging his own bedroom furniture and even redesigning the bedrooms of friends simply because he saw opportunities to make them work better.

After graduating from Baker College of Auburn Hills, Justin began his professional career in 2012, turning the passion he had carried since childhood into a profession. In 2013, he established J Stratton Interiors, creating a design studio founded on thoughtful, timeless interiors and a highly personal approach to the client experience.

With more than 14 years of professional experience, Justin has worked across both residential and commercial design, serving as an independent designer and project manager as well as working within established design firms. This breadth of experience has given him a comprehensive understanding of the design process—from initial concept and space planning through selections, project management, and final execution.

A Purist at Heart

Justin considers himself a design purist. His philosophy is grounded in the belief that truly great design should stand the test of time.

Rather than chasing trends that may feel dated in five or ten years, Justin focuses on creating interiors with enduring character, thoughtful proportions, quality materials, and timeless aesthetics. His goal is not simply to create a home that looks beautiful today, but one that continues to feel relevant, sophisticated, and personal for years to come.

Design with Honesty and Integrity

What sets Justin's approach apart is his commitment to being direct, honest, and genuine with his clients.

He believes that hiring a designer should mean more than having someone agree with every idea. Clients deserve a professional who will listen to their vision, understand their goals, and provide thoughtful guidance—even when that means having an honest conversation about what may or may not work.

For Justin, that honesty is fundamental to the design relationship. Integrity belongs at the table from the very beginning. By creating an environment built on trust and candid communication, he is able to guide clients toward decisions that result in spaces that feel intentional, cohesive, and uniquely their own.

Today, J Stratton Interiors is the culmination of a passion that began with childhood sketches and floor plans and evolved into a career dedicated to creating timeless, thoughtfully considered interiors. For Justin, every project is an opportunity to combine creativity and experience with the most important element of all: understanding the people who will call the space home.