Building a Design Business with Alma Homes
Episode 199: Building a Design Business with Alma Homes
In this episode, we explore building a design business with Alma Homes. Our guest, Kiersten Erikson, shares how she turned her passion for architecture and design into a thriving firm. Alma Homes specializes in custom home builds, remodels, and interior design. Kiersten explains the unique benefits of a design-build approach, the challenges of working in the luxury home market, and how she has expanded her business beyond one-on-one client work.
The Journey to Alma Homes
Kiersten discovered her love for architecture in eighth grade and pursued it through formal education. She earned degrees in architecture, construction management, and business before working in interior design and construction. After gaining experience, she launched Alma Homes in 2017, creating a firm that combines architecture, interior design, and construction under one roof. This approach simplifies the building process for clients and ensures seamless communication between all aspects of a project.
The Design-Build Advantage
Unlike the traditional method of hiring separate professionals for architecture, interior design, and construction, Alma Homes integrates all three into one service. This design-build model has gained popularity over the last decade, offering clients a streamlined experience. By overseeing the entire process, Kiersten ensures that projects stay on track, both in terms of design vision and budget.
Managing Client Expectations and Budget
A significant challenge in building a design business with Alma Homes is helping clients align their budgets with their expectations. Many clients underestimate the cost of building or remodeling. Kiersten and her team use an extensive intake process to educate clients about pricing early on. This helps prevent costly surprises and ensures clients are making informed decisions.
Leveraging Social Media for Growth
Alma Homes has grown significantly through social media, with Instagram playing a crucial role. Kiersten began posting her work online before launching her business and saw early success when a post went viral. She quickly realized that social media was an untapped resource in the home-building industry. By embracing new trends, such as Instagram Reels, she expanded Alma Homes’ reach and positioned the firm as an industry leader.
Expanding the Business Beyond Client Work
Recognizing the need for multiple income streams, Kiersten developed digital products, including online courses and paid design downloads. These resources allow Alma Homes to serve more people beyond its limited client capacity. The firm also offers a course on home building, helping homeowners navigate the process without direct involvement from Alma Homes.
Investing in Real Estate
Beyond her client work, Kiersten has invested in real estate, purchasing and renovating properties for short-term rentals. She and her husband recently completed a beach condo remodel and are finishing a mountain home build. These projects diversify their income while fulfilling their personal goal of owning vacation homes.
Challenges in the Home-Building Industry
One of the biggest challenges in building a design business with Alma Homes is finding skilled subcontractors. The demand for quality tradespeople often exceeds supply, particularly in high-demand areas like Breckenridge, Colorado. To maintain high standards, Kiersten sometimes flies in trusted subcontractors rather than relying on local labor.
Advice for Realtors Working with Builders
Kiersten emphasizes the importance of understanding a builder’s processes when working together. Realtors should aim to be a helpful resource rather than an additional voice that complicates decision-making. Informed collaboration leads to better experiences for clients and smoother transactions for all parties involved.
Looking Ahead: The Future of Alma Homes
Alma Homes will continue to prioritize quality over quantity while expanding its online presence. The firm plans to release more digital resources and courses, allowing a wider audience to benefit from its expertise. While growth is a goal, maintaining a boutique-level experience for clients remains a top priority.
Follow Alma Homes on Instagram and TikTok (@AlmaHomes) or visit their website at AlmaHomes.com to learn more.
Find Kirsten at AlmaHomes.com Instagram: @almahomes Tiktok: @almahomes Pinterest: @almahomes
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