Seamless Design Support – How ALT Makes Virtual Collaboration Work
Whether you're in Des Moines or hundreds of miles away, ALT Design Studio makes virtual interior design feel just as personal and effective as in-person service. From tech tools to communication styles, here's how we make e-design projects run smoothly.
Tools That Keep Us in Sync
Digital Platforms, Real Collaboration
We use a combination of:
Pinterest to gather and share inspiration
Canva moodboards to define palettes and materials
Zoom to present and review layout and sourcing plans
Shared spreadsheets to track decisions, orders, shipping, and updates
It’s clear, collaborative, and always updated.
Helping You Stay Organized
Project Management, ALT-Style
We keep remote clients on track with:
A shared project folder or spreadsheet
Weekly check-ins (or more, if needed)
Notes and action items assigned clearly on both sides
Two-point contact from our team for backup and coverage
We manage the process so you don’t have to chase anything down.
Sourcing & Logistics – We’ve Got It
You Decide the Involvement Level
Want to handle the ordering? We’ll send a clickable list.
Prefer us to take it off your plate? We’ll handle procurement and even coordinate white glove delivery.
We work within your budget and time frame to make the process efficient.
Keeping It Personal, Not Generic
This Isn’t Just “Design by Email”
Even virtually, we:
Talk through how you actually use your space
Customize the experience to your lifestyle and priorities
Stay involved during install and beyond if needed (even FaceTiming with contractors)
Virtual doesn’t mean impersonal. With ALT, you still get design that fits your life—not just your layout.
Design from Anywhere – Working with ALT if You're Not Local
Interior design doesn’t have to be local. Whether you're planning a vacation rental in another state, remodeling a second home, or want ALT’s signature look without living in Central Iowa, our remote design services make it possible.
Here’s how we make distance feel like no big deal.
Who Is Remote Design For?
The Best Projects for Out-of-State Clients
We’ve found remote design works especially well for:
Short-term rentals that need a full furnishing and styling plan
Second homes or vacation properties
New construction where we can influence builder selections early
Out-of-town clients who want high-level design without being on-site
Many clients choose us because they like our vibe—but they live elsewhere. With the right collaboration tools, that’s not a problem.
Getting Accurate Measurements from Afar
How ALT Builds Layouts Without Being There
We work with what you have:
Architectural plans or builder specs
FaceTime walk-throughs to call out where we need dimensions
Clients can send photos with rough measurements (we’ll redline them)
In some cases, we’ll coordinate with local contractors to take precise measurements
We also test new tools like AI room scans when appropriate. And we always source conservatively when final dimensions might vary slightly.
A Real Remote Design Success Story
Nashville Airbnb: A Hands-Off, Standout Project
One of our favorite remote projects was a bold new Airbnb in Nashville. The client was very visual and wanted a show-stopping design but couldn’t manage the details herself. We worked directly with the builder, sourced all furnishings, received the items in Des Moines, and then drove them down for installation.
She loved the process so much, she brought us back for her personal home.
ALT’s flexibility, organization, and clear communication made the whole project easy and efficient—no matter the distance.
How ALT Makes Design Work for Real Budgets
Let’s talk about the question everyone’s thinking but few people ask up front: How do I make interior design work for my budget? At ALT Design Studio, we believe design should be approachable, flexible, and grounded in what real people need—not one-size-fits-all packages.
Whether you're ready for a full-scale remodel or just want help refreshing a space, here's how we work with your goals, your budget, and your timeline to make it all happen.
Flexible Pricing, Built Around You
We Meet You Where You Are
Our pricing model shifts based on the project type:
Private residential, short-term rental, and commercial design: We work on an hourly basis to give clients flexibility—you can bring us in for validation or let us run the whole show.
Spec homes: These are priced with a flat fee, usually based on square footage. It’s especially helpful for investors working within tight, pre-set budgets.
This flexibility is intentional. No pressure to fit into a fixed structure—just the support you need, how and when you need it.
Where to Save, Where to Spend
Lifestyle Drives Investment
We help you decide where your money matters most by thinking about how you live. If you're constantly hosting, your sofa or dining chairs should be your splurge. If you work from home, we might focus on investing in a great desk or office setup.
When it comes to remodels, cabinetry is a big one—it gets the most daily wear. Meanwhile, elements like chandeliers, hardware, or rugs can be budget-friendly and swapped over time. We call those details "jewelry" for your space.
Creative, Budget-Friendly Solutions
We Think Outside the Big Box
Some of our favorite low-cost design wins:
Paint refresh: Always the biggest impact for the lowest investment.
Murals over wallpaper: Lower labor cost and supports local artists.
Using what you already own: We’ll reimagine your existing pieces instead of starting from scratch.
Facebook Marketplace + thrifted finds: You thrift, we provide the color scheme and treatment guide—so you’re not paying hourly for the hunt.
We keep the vision clear with layouts, moodboards, and sourcing support—and we refer back to past tools we shared in this blog about the ALT design process.
Our Process = Your Time Saved
Systems That Work for Real Life
Efficiency is everything. From day one, we use a streamlined process:
Onboarding call + site measurement
Shared editable scope of work document
2D layouts, moodboards, and visual guides
A spreadsheet tracker with order updates, delivery dates, product links, and notes
Most projects have two designers assigned so nothing slips through the cracks. That means faster decisions and fewer emails for you.
Interior Design: Luxury or Necessity?
Honestly? It’s Both.
We see our role as collaborators, not just stylists. Whether you're stuck in a decision loop or struggling to get contractors to follow through, we help move things forward and give you time back.
It only feels like a luxury when you want the full, from-scratch, all-in design + project management experience. But even when we’re just consulting hourly, our process delivers big value.
A Real-Life Example of Budget-Friendly Design
From Idea to Install—on Her Timeline
A client from Beaverdale came to us three years ago knowing she wanted to redo her kitchen eventually. We helped her with layout and planning so she could prepare.
A year and a half later, she was ready. She came back with a contractor and a budget, and we jumped in with hourly consults—helping her review bids, guide vendor selection, and weigh decisions as needed. She spaced out her hours across the project, got exactly what she wanted, and never felt like she had to sacrifice style or quality to stay on budget.
