From construction sites to creative spaces

Alexis Fleischer Koutsky shares how she grew Dogwood Design Studio from a side hustle into a thriving Trail business

Alexis Fleischer Koutsky draws on her artistic background and construction experience to create personalized residential and commercial spaces. — Photos courtesy of Dogwood Design Studio

For Alexis Fleischer Koutsky, interior design grew out of a lifelong artistic streak and a practical understanding of construction. While living in Lethbridge, she followed her mother’s suggestion to explore interior design and enrolled in the program at Lethbridge College. After graduating, she gained experience in drafting and millwork before taking on commercial projects.

Now based in Trail, B.C., Koutsky is the owner and interior designer behind Dogwood Design Studio. What began as a side hustle developed over five years into a growing design business serving both residential and commercial clients. Koutsky credits relationships, clear communication and continually improving her business systems as key to that growth.

What first led you into interior design, and how did that evolve into starting Dogwood Design Studio?

I’ve always been artistic, but I just didn’t know what I could do with it as a career. After I had moved to Lethbridge and was struggling to figure out what I wanted to do with my life, my mom actually suggested interior design. It made so much sense to me so I looked at the Lethbridge college and saw that they offered a program so I signed up right away and got accepted. My first design-related job out of college was in a millwork company doing mostly drafting, with a little bit of design. I was missing the creative aspect so I started taking commercial design jobs on the side through an architect I knew.

What did those early days of the business look like? 

For the first 5 years it was just a side hustle where I would typically be working on one job at a time, some small but a couple were quite large.

Why did you choose to focus on interior design specifically? 

It just made sense to me, I had worked on construction sites in Rossland before moving to Lethbridge so I knew how that part of it worked and interior design incorporates the creative aspect that I am so drawn to.

How did you land your first major clients?

Connections are everything, and I have done some large commercial jobs with the architect that I contract with.

My largest residential clients are a couple I met through my baby group who are starting their own custom home building company.

What has been key to building trust with such a wide range of clients?

Transparency and communication is key.

What parts of the design process come naturally to you, and what have you had to learn along the way?

I am really good at visualizing.  Whether it is how a specific finish will look in a space or what changes can be made to walls, doorways, layouts, etc.

I have had to learn most of the business side things along the way, how to price properly and set boundaries, basically how to recognize my value.

What systems or habits have helped you stay consistent over time?

Having solid templates that I use consistently is a big help, my systems are constantly evolving and getting better.

What inspires your design aesthetic or approach?

Everything. Nature, historical styles, television, architecture. I pay attention to trends but I really don’t follow them, I try to encourage my clients to find their personal style and we design for how they live.

What are your dreams for the future of the studio? 

I would love to open a physical studio and partner with a millworker to more easily offer custom kitchens and bathrooms, etc.

Follow Dogwood Design Studio on Instagram, or visit the website to see the latest projects!