How two visionaries reimagined High Point’s design scene

Seeing a need for a community-driven design destination in High Point, Rudi Nijssen and Dominique Sente opened 313.Space last year.

“High Point is the heart of the American design industry, but we saw an opportunity to do something different: a light-filled space that celebrates art, design and craftsmanship, with good hospitality at its core,” said Nijssen, who said he and Sente wanted it to feel more like a home or a design salon.

The couple’s vision for 313, which sits on six and a half acres on Centennial Street, is evolving. They want to surround the outdoor spaces with a community garden, walking paths, beautifully designed greenhouses and tiny homes where people can slow down, connect and be inspired by nature. They are in talks with like-minded vendors for a bespoke line of paint, exclusive wellness products, design-forward gym equipment and residential greenhouses.

“It has evolved into more of a shared platform than we initially imagined, and that’s been the most exciting part,” Nijssen said.

They are also partnering with Growing High Point, a local nonprofit committed to urban agriculture that benefits under-resourced areas, and with HPxD to keep High Point vibrant during off-market times. “That is our ultimate dream … a full community,” said Sente.

Nijssen and Sente spoke with Home Accents Today from their home in Poland via a What’s App Zoom call. Nijssen also outlined the couple’s vision for 313.Space through email:

What was the impetus behind opening a new showroom in High Point? What role do you think it plays in the overall market?

313.Space was born out of a desire to create a design center that reflects our passion for community, sustainability, and quality. We wanted a place that felt personal and inspiring—somewhere to connect with great people, experience great product, and share great moments.

High Point is the heart of the American design industry, but we saw an opportunity to do something different: a light-filled space that celebrates art, design and craftsmanship, with good hospitality at its core. We envisioned a showroom where people feel at home — a place to hang out, exchange ideas and experience the industry in a more intentional, elevated way.

This isn’t just a showroom. It’s a creative platform for designers, collectors and makers who share an ethos — curating with care, with a passion for sustainability and meaningful design. We see 313.Space as part of the future of High Point: a design center for thoughtful collaboration, idea exchange, and community.

What did you first envision the building to be?

From day one, we envisioned the building as a reflection of how we love to experience our industry: warm, inviting and filled with natural light. We wanted it to be more than just a display space — more like a curated home or a design salon, where objects live in dialogue with one another.

It had to feel personal. A place where art lives alongside antiques, contemporary pieces and handmade objects. Where hospitality and storytelling are just as important as aesthetics. A true reflection of the creative energy behind our collections.

How has 313.Space evolved since it first opened? Has it evolved the way you expected?

Yes, and in the best possible ways. The response has confirmed what we felt from the start: that High Point needed a destination for community-driven design.

313.Space has quickly become a gathering place. We’ve shared it with others who have a similar mindset, and that spirit of collaboration has only strengthened its identity. Designers, artists, and brands who care deeply about quality, craft and sustainability are finding their way here and helping us shape what it becomes.

It has evolved into more of a shared platform than we initially imagined, and that’s been the most exciting part.

You hosted a beautiful dinner for designers during the spring market. Do you have plans for other events like that in the future?

Yes, this dinner was just the beginning. It was a beautiful, meaningful moment that brought together designers, makers and creatives around a shared table. We were thrilled by the energy and connection that night — and we definitely plan to continue.

Expect more intimate gatherings, curated talks, private previews and collaborative activations. We see 313.Space as a stage for these kinds of experiences — moments that stay with you. Stay tuned.

What are your future plans for the building?

Our vision for 313.Space continues to evolve. We see it becoming a dynamic destination that brings together design, wellness, sustainability and community in a meaningful and lasting way.

We’re actively working to activate the surrounding outdoor spaces with ideas like a community garden, walking paths, beautifully designed greenhouses, tiny homes and gathering areas that invite people to slow down, connect, and be inspired by nature. We want the entire property to reflect the same thoughtful energy as the interior — creative, welcoming and alive.

At the same time, we’re looking to grow 313.Space as a curated platform by inviting like-minded vendors to join us — those who bring unique, high-quality offerings to the home and lifestyle space. That includes a bespoke line of paint, exclusive wellness products, design-forward gym equipment, residential greenhouses, and beautifully crafted tiny homes.

Our goal is to shape a place where innovation and craft meet, where the future of design is not just shown, but truly experienced.