Jan Zabel Jan Zabel

How ALT Design Studio Works with Your Budget

Great design doesn’t have to come with an overwhelming price tag. At ALT Design Studio, the goal is simple: to bring your vision to life while respecting your budget. Whether you’re planning a full redesign, need help with a specific design challenge, or simply want expert guidance, ALT offers a customized approach that focuses on what matters most to you. 

Tailored, Transparent, and Stress-Free Design Solutions

Great design doesn’t have to come with an overwhelming price tag. At ALT Design Studio, the goal is simple: to bring your vision to life while respecting your budget. Whether you’re planning a full redesign, need help with a specific design challenge, or simply want expert guidance, ALT offers a customized approach that focuses on what matters most to you. 

Creating a Design Plan that Fits Budget

When you choose ALT Design Studio, the first step is understanding your budget and your vision. This ensures everyone is on the same page from the start and avoids any surprises down the line.

Here’s how the process unfolds:

  • Free Onboarding Call: Every project begins with a 20-30 minute call to discuss the project scope, goals, and budget. This conversation helps to understand the big picture and begin formulating a plan that fits your needs.

  • Walkthrough & Scope of Work: After the call, ALT conducts a walkthrough of the space, if applicable. Seeing the space in person allows ALT to get a true sense of what’s possible, allowing for more accurate estimates and the identification of any challenges early on.

  • Tailored Solutions: Following the walkthrough, ALT creates a clear scope of work. This document details what needs to be done, who is responsible for each task, and a budget-friendly breakdown of costs. The more details gathered upfront, the less time and money are spent later, which ultimately benefits the client.

Typical Design Budget

A typical design budget at ALT Design Studio consists of several key components that ensure a comprehensive and well-planned approach. Here’s a breakdown of where your budget goes:

  • Discovery & Walkthrough: Whether it's space planning, mood boards, color palettes, or reference photos, time is invested to get a clear sense of the design vision. 

  • Sourcing Materials: ALT Design Studio has built a network of trusted vendors, allowing for time-saving and cost-effective sourcing; whether it’s furniture, fabrics, or lighting.

  • Project Management & Contractor Coordination: If the project requires contractors or external partners, ALT manages the logistics. Upfront bids are provided for any contractors involved, and ALT handles communication and coordination. 

  • Client Communication: After the initial planning and sourcing stages, ALT ensures that the client isn’t left in the dark. Regular check-ins occur to ensure clients know exactly where in the process they are. 

  • Prioritizing Spending: ALT helps clients prioritize spending based on their vision. For example, if the budget is tight, the focus can be placed on key furniture pieces or structural elements, while decorative touches can be added in later phases. If additional funds become available, ALT can adjust the scope to incorporate those extras.

The goal is simple: to ensure every dollar spent is an investment in the project’s success. And with ALT’s "Looks for Less" philosophy, clients will never be upsold on materials or features that don’t align with their budget or style.

ALT Works Hourly 

While many design studios operate on a project-based fee structure, ALT Design Studio prefers working on an hourly basis. This pricing model offers more flexibility and control for clients, which translates into a tailored design experience. Here’s why hourly can be the best choice:

  • Flexibility: Whether the project is small and simple or large and complex, hourly pricing allows ALT to adapt to the specific needs of the client.

  • Transparency: ALT tracks time carefully and provides clients with regular updates (every 4-5 hours). Clients know exactly how the budget is being spent, and if the work takes less time than expected, they save money.

  • No Pressure: With project-based fees, clients often feel pressured to stick to a rigid timeline and budget. ALT’s hourly model means there’s no rush, allowing clients the time they need to make decisions, ask questions, and ensure everything feels right.

  • Tailored to Your Needs: Whether more time is needed for sourcing, project management, or detailed renderings, ALT can adjust accordingly.

  • Retainer Clients: Many clients choose to continue working with ALT on a retainer basis, which offers the flexibility to engage ALT as needed. Whether it’s a quick update or a larger phase of work, ALT remains available to assist as the project evolves.

Why ALT Design Studio is the Best Choice for Your Design Needs

ALT Design Studio has been in business for several years and has refined its process to be as efficient and cost-effective as possible. Unlike some design firms that push expensive materials or try to lock clients into fixed-fee contracts, ALT works with the client’s budget to create the best solution for their space and goals.

From beginning to end, ALT offers clear communication, thoughtful planning, and practical solutions. Clients can trust that their budget will be respected and that they’ll always know exactly where their money is going. Whether it’s a full redesign or a single consultation, ALT can help make the most out of any budget without sacrificing style or quality.

Read More
Jan Zabel Jan Zabel

Why Invest in Commercial Remodeling?

At ALT Design Studio, we specialize in transforming commercial spaces to help businesses elevate their brand, improve employee satisfaction, and create memorable customer experiences. Here’s how our commercial remodeling services work and why investing in your business space can make all the difference.

Enhancing Your Business with ALT Design Studio

In today’s competitive business landscape, the environment where your employees work and where your customers engage with your brand plays a critical role in your overall success. Commercial remodeling isn’t just about fresh paint or new furniture; it’s about creating a space that enhances productivity, reflects your company’s identity, and leaves a lasting impression on anyone who steps through your door. At ALT Design Studio, we specialize in transforming commercial spaces to help businesses elevate their brand, improve employee satisfaction, and create memorable customer experiences.

Here’s how our commercial remodeling services work and why investing in your business space can make all the difference.

Key Elements of ALT’s Commercial Remodeling Services

At ALT Design Studio, we take a comprehensive, strategic approach to commercial remodeling, which closely mirrors our residential design process — with a key focus on business needs. Our design philosophy for commercial spaces is built around company branding and creating an environment that works for both employees and customers. We prioritize comfort and functionality while incorporating distinctive design elements that reflect your brand identity.

Our process includes:

  • Brand Integration: Whether you’re starting fresh with a new brand or looking to integrate updated branding elements, we ensure your company’s visual identity is at the heart of your space. From logos and color schemes to design motifs and texture choices, we seamlessly weave your brand into every corner of the space.

  • Functional Layouts: We balance aesthetics with functionality. Commercial spaces often require a specific layout to accommodate employee workflows and customer interactions. Our team plans every inch of the space for maximum utility, ensuring that your business operations run smoothly.

  • Eye-Catching Features: To enhance the customer experience, we incorporate unique visuals and feature elements that make your space stand out. This might include custom furnishings, striking wall treatments, or lighting that sets the tone. The goal is to create a space that leaves a lasting impression.

Explore More of Our Commercial Remodeling & Commercial Design

The Benefits of Commercial Remodeling

Investing in your business’s physical space doesn’t just improve aesthetics — it directly impacts employee productivity, customer satisfaction, and overall business success.

  • Boosting Employee Productivity: A well-designed workspace fosters a positive work environment that can increase employee morale and productivity. People spend a significant portion of their day at work, so it’s crucial to create a space where they feel comfortable and inspired. Thoughtful design that combines function with comfort can make your team excited to come to work every day and feel motivated to contribute their best work.

  • Attracting and Retaining Clients: Just as a positive work environment is key for employees, it also speaks volumes to customers and clients. When they walk into your business, they want to feel welcomed, valued, and impressed by your attention to detail. A well-designed, branded space shows them that you care about the customer experience and that your business is one they can trust. An inviting, professional, and memorable space will not only attract new clients but will keep them coming back, and encourage them to spread the word about their great experience.

  • Standing Out from Competitors: In many industries, the space you occupy is just as important as the product or service you provide. A modern, stylish, and functional environment gives you a competitive edge by making your business more attractive to both employees and customers. It helps to set your business apart from others in your field, making a statement about your brand’s values and quality.

ALT Design Studio’s Approach to Commercial Remodeling

At ALT, we know that commercial remodeling is more than just changing a few design elements — it’s about executing a project that keeps your business running smoothly while enhancing the space. Whether you’re updating an existing space or building out a new one, we aim to minimize disruption to your daily operations and create a seamless transformation from start to finish.

Connect With a Design Expert Today!

Read More
Jan Zabel Jan Zabel

Renovating Your Space, One Room at a Time

When it comes to home renovations, it's easy to feel overwhelmed by the cost and scale of a full remodel. But at ALT Design Studio, we believe you can achieve a beautiful, personalized space without breaking the bank. Instead of renovating your entire house at once, we focus on transforming your home room by room, allowing you to work within your budget and timeline.

A Budget-Friendly Approach to Remodels with ALT Design Studio

When it comes to home renovations, it's easy to feel overwhelmed by the cost and scale of a full remodel. But at ALT Design Studio, we believe you can achieve a beautiful, personalized space without breaking the bank. Instead of renovating your entire house at once, we focus on transforming your home room by room, allowing you to work within your budget and timeline.

By breaking up the project into smaller chunks, homeowners can focus on the rooms they use most, and gradually work their way through the rest of the house. This strategy offers several benefits:

  • Budget Flexibility: You can start with one room, such as the main living area, and add others when the timing and budget align. No need to commit to renovating the whole house at once.

  • Tailored Timeline: If you’re not ready to start construction right away, that’s okay! ALT’s process allows you to begin with the initial planning phase — the design, drawings, and preparation — and then revisit the work later when you're ready to begin.

  • Staggered Costs: Instead of a large lump-sum fee, ALT offers hourly billing, meaning you can manage costs more effectively and at your own pace. This means your initial planning costs are put to good use, giving you a clear overview for future projects.

Connect With a Design Expert!

Commercial and Residential Projects Done Right

One standout example of ALT’s budget-friendly approach comes from a real estate office that wanted to create a welcoming atmosphere for employees and clients. Instead of overhauling the entire space, we started with the lobby, focusing on affordable updates like durable, easy-to-clean furniture, rugs, and pillows. For large, empty walls, we commissioned a muralist to create a bold, temporary piece, adding personality without the high cost of custom art. This approach allowed the office to stay within budget while creating a space that felt inviting and professional.

On the residential side, we helped a couple who had recently relocated from Florida to Iowa. The husband wanted to surprise his wife with a remodel, but they had limited time and budget. We began with the basics: updating floors, walls, lighting, and hardware. After living in the space for a while, we returned to help with a kitchen remodel. This gradual approach allowed them to spread out the costs and enjoy each phase of their home’s transformation without feeling overwhelmed.


Budget-Friendly Design Strategies 

Here are some budget-friendly design strategies that can make a big impact:

  • Lighting: Adjusting the wattage of lightbulbs or swapping out outdated fixtures can instantly shift the atmosphere of any room. Softer, warmer lighting can create a more welcoming and cozy vibe, perfect for setting the right tone.

  • Simple Hardware Upgrades: Updating cabinet hardware, faucets, or door handles is a quick and affordable way to modernize your space. Even small changes like these can make a room feel fresh and customized, adding a personal touch to your home.

  • Fresh Paint & Temporary Wallpaper: A new coat of paint or peel-and-stick wallpaper can completely transform a room, bringing in new colors or patterns that fit your style. It’s an easy and reversible update that doesn’t require a major investment.

  • Unique Decor: Adding one-of-a-kind pieces to your home, like vintage finds from thrift stores or treasures from local marketplaces, can inject personality and charm into your space. These unique decor items can help create a distinctive look without breaking the bank.


The ALT Design Studio Approach: Creativity, Flexibility, and Affordable Solutions

Whether you're renovating a home, updating a commercial space, or enhancing a short-term rental, ALT Design Studio offers creative, flexible solutions that fit your needs and budget. With a focus on incremental updates, thoughtful planning, and making the most of existing features, ALT helps you transform your space without the stress of overwhelming costs or timelines. Start with one room, make a few changes, and let ALT help bring your vision to life, one step at a time.

Explore Our Design and Home Staging Services!

Read More