Move-In Ready:

After moving with her husband, two children, a dog, and three cats from Johannesburg to London, and then later to the United States, Colleen Vucinovich learned a thing or two about corporate relocation.

“As more employees move across borders and relocation costs skyrocket, many companies are taking a less hands-on approach. They’ll give employees a lump sum for moving expenses, thinking it will simplify the process,” says Vucinovich. “But I speak from experience when I say that having to manage every aspect of your move yourself can be rife with logistical nightmares. And, at the end of the day, you just want to lay your head down on a comfy pillow and be home.”

Today, as president of sister companies Arch Interim Corporate Housing—which provides fully-furnished accommodations—and Empire Décor Furniture Rental—which serves those who need to furnish short-term, Vucinovich offers others an easier way.

Better together

Though Arch Interim and Empire Décor are distinct entities, they operate out of the same building—an arrangement, says Vucinovich, that facilitates collaboration, exceptional service, and high attention to detail from the initial order to delivery and setup.

“We stage rooms, hang pictures, and put housewares away in cupboards and drawers,” she says. “We even place lightbulbs in lamps and plug them in.”

Focused on accommodating families and individuals who are working remotely, relocating, displaced from, or in-between homes, Arch Interim offers fully furnished and equipped apartments throughout the St. Louis area. Properties are amenity-rich, highly rated, and located in the region’s most sought-after areas.

Additionally, Arch Interim’s after-hours emergency line ensures responsive 24/7 customer service. “We want our guests to know we’re here for them, period,” emphasizes Vucinovich.

As for home furnishings, Empire Décor partners with Arch Interim, along with other corporate housing providers, real estate agents, and home stagers, to turn houses into homes for traveling nurses, graduate students, or relocating professionals.

“Rather than sleeping on an air mattress or using boxes for seating, folks can move in and feel settled from the start, regardless of which company is doing the work,” says Vucinovich. “When people first arrive, they can eat a meal, soak in the bathtub, or put on their swimsuit and head to the property pool. They feel at home right away. A move-in experience like that is beautiful.”

In 2022, both Arch Interim and Empire Décor became employee-owned—a move that ultimately benefits clients the most.

“Employee ownership creates a culture of accountability and a mindset geared towards service,” acknowledges Vucinovich.

This attitude has enabled both companies to amass an impressive number of five-star ratings.

“That’s a testament to the caliber of our furniture, housewares, and locations,” she continues. “But it’s also about the caring disposition of our people. A simple, stress-free move-in and interim housing that feels like home. You’re welcome.”

“At the end of the day, you just want to lay your head down on a comfy pillow and be home.”