We recently connected with Alexia Butts and have shared our conversation below.

Alexia, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Let’s start with something countless entrepreneurs have had to figure out on the fly – how have you dealt with the rise of remote work?

Interior design is traditionally an in-person service. As a designer I spend a lot of time in my clients’ homes, meeting with vendors and contractors on job sites. Covid changed everything.

Since covid, I’ve had all had to readjust how we meet and execute design projects safely. Up to 50% of my projects and services are done digitally. E-Design unlike traditional design services is the perfect option for those who love to DIY home decor projects but seek the expertise and guidance of an interior designer. The best part is that it is done completely online! In less than 4 weeks, you will have a complete design plan including material samples, a floor plan, a shopping list, and more! With increased supply chain issues it helps clients save money by handling the purchasing themselves.

Alexia, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

Hi! I’m Alexia, owner and principal designer at Apt. 5 Interiors. I have been a professional interior designer since 2013. However, creating beauty within living spaces has been a part of me for as long as I can remember. I feel that your environment can increase happiness, comfort, and well-being. A well-designed home can enhance your life. It allows for peace of mind, comfort, and reduces stress.

Even though I’ve been in the interior design industry for almost a decade, I hadn’t always embraced my passion. You would have thought I had a clue when I was the one to make the final decision for our family home at age 17 when my family relocated from Hartford, CT to Atlanta, GA. Instead, I decided to become a “real professional” after high school and went to college as a marketing major. It wasn’t long before I realized that it wasn’t for me. So, I got a B.A. in Fine Arts from Georgia State University and a B.F.A in Interior Design from SavannahCollege of Art and Design.

After graduation, I worked at a few boutique design firms before going out on my own. I created Apt. 5 because I wanted the opportunity to design spaces based on my own design aesthetic and principles. Working and choosing my clients allowed me to grow much faster as a designer. I love the challenge of making something that is not only beautiful but functional. Much of my work is inspired by fashion, and I wanted my company to reflect that.

The number 5 represents home to me. Apt. 5 is an actual place. It is the real home address of my closest family members, who always encouraged my creative endeavors. To me, it represents warmth, happiness, and the beauty of home. That is what I create for my clients.

What sets me apart from others is my approach. Yes, interior design is about making things aesthetically pleasing and functional. But it is also about how our environments make us feel. That is my focus. The first question I always ask is “How does your home make you feel?”

For example, I ask my clients, not just about personal style but wellness and health. eg. What makes you feel relaxed? What colors trigger you? Do you have any known allergies? ect. Certain products look great but are extremely harmful to your home’s air quality because of a chemical or finish used on the piece.

I am most proud of having the courage to build a business around what I love. Entrepreneurship can be incredibly challenging. There were many highs and lows but I stayed with it. I am happy to have a growing and thriving business that serves an amazing clientele and community.

Where do you think you get most of your clients from?

My best source for new clients is old clients. Word of mouth is king, even in this landscape of social media. It is important to foster great relationships with my clients. They will always be your biggest cheerleaders, especially if you did a great job and they like your work. They tell their friends, family, and coworkers about their experiences.

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?

The most rewarding aspect of being a creative is watching something that way a concept and rough sketches turn into a physical thing. Design projects last typically from 60 – 90 days or more. It’s months and months of meetings, going back and forth with contractors, and waiting on furniture to be made or delivered. In the end, the look on my client’s faces when I reveal the finished product is priceless. The surprise and joy make it all worth it.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.apt5interiors.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/apt5interiors/