Behind the Design: How ALT Brings Interior Projects to Life
Working with an interior designer doesn’t have to feel intimidating. At ALT Design Studio, we love pulling back the curtain and walking clients through our process, step by step. Whether you’re redesigning your living room or tackling a whole-home remodel, here’s what to expect—and how we combine aesthetics, function, and a lot of collaboration to make it all happen.
Step One: It All Starts with a Call
The Interior Design Process, Simplified
When a new client reaches out, our first move is a 20-minute onboarding call, typically within a week of your initial contact. Jess will guide you through what to expect, what kinds of materials or tools you might need, and how the next steps will unfold.
From there, we schedule a consult and on-site measurement visit within 1–2 weeks. Whether it’s furniture placement or a full remodel, we need to see the space to understand how to best support your goals. After that, the team builds out a scope of work document to clarify the vision and create alignment before diving in.
Step Two: Helping You Define Your Style
How to Find Your Interior Design Style
Not sure how to describe your aesthetic? You’re not alone. One of our favorite parts of the process is helping clients discover and define their personal style. We encourage people to create moodboards using Pinterest, flip through magazines, or even screenshot artwork and fashion that inspires them.
It doesn’t have to be interiors-specific—sometimes a photo or texture speaks volumes. We help clients sort through what they love and what they don’t, then build a clear direction from there.
Step Three: From Scope to Visuals
Design Concept Development in Action
Between the consult and the big mood board presentation, there’s a lot happening behind the scenes. Nearly every ALT project includes a mood board phase. Before we present anything, we create a scope of work document that lays out the plan, including any subcontractors or trades we may need to bring in.
Next comes 2D space planning, which helps us design the best layout for the room’s function and flow. For major remodels, we also create 3D renderings or elevations so clients can truly visualize their space—especially in bathrooms and kitchens where details matter.
We even begin product sourcing during this phase to ensure the mood board is grounded in real, actionable ideas.
Step Four: Making It Work Beautifully
Function + Form = Good Design
Design is about more than how things look. Our 2D space planning ensures that every piece fits with purpose—whether it’s dual-purpose furniture for a small space or building in more storage for a growing family.
We also tailor every plan to your lifestyle. Got kids? Let’s skip the sharp-edged coffee table. Have pets? Let’s talk performance fabrics. ALT makes sure your home works for you.
Step Five: Seeing It Come to Life
Interior Design Visualization Tools
To help clients see the full picture, we use tools like Photoshop and SketchUp for renderings and elevations. This helps bring wallpaper, art, and surface materials to life.
We also use platforms like Pinterest and Canva to build interactive moodboards—and we’re not shy about sharing edit access when it makes sense. Our goal is to keep communication clear, visual, and inspiring.
Step Six: Smart Sourcing
Affordable Interior Design That Doesn’t Cut Corners
Design is all about balance. We talk openly with clients about where to spend vs. save. For example, we usually recommend investing in seating since it sees the most use. We also have trusted retailers that we return to again and again because of their quality-to-price value.
Sourcing is collaborative—we save items to shared Pinterest boards and walk clients through the options that best fit their goals.
Step Seven: Expect a Few Surprises (The Good Kind)
What Clients Didn’t See Coming
One of the most common surprises? How easy it becomes to make decisions. Most of our clients are coming to us after battling decision fatigue. Once the vision comes together through visuals and moodboards, the momentum picks up—and clients feel confident making choices that reflect their style.
We’re not just here to decorate—we’re here to guide and validate every step of the way.
Step Eight: Proud Moments All Around
Why We Love What We Do
We’re most proud when we hand over a space and hear, “I didn’t think I could do this without you.” Whether it’s a major transformation or a refresh that lifts someone’s daily mood, we take pride in removing roadblocks and revealing possibility.
And yes, we love a good photoshoot too. It’s our chance to celebrate the before and after—and the collaboration that made it all possible.
