Meet Alala Wakelin | Design Build Business Owner + Yogi + Artist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Alala Wakelin and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Alala, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
I always loved making things and architecture, creating many forts and tree houses as a kid. I did my undergrad in film studies with an emphasis on film production and throughout my life I was always interested in creating and trying out different disciplines within visual arts, music and design. Starting my design-build practice felt like a natural way to merge my artistic sensibilities with something tangible that serves a need. I’ve also always gravitated towards leadership roles within groups and I wanted the freedom to choose projects that genuinely excited me.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
My design-build practice is really about helping people fall more in love with their home and to see it with fresh eyes. I approach each exterior renovation like a design puzzle that needs to reflect the homeowners wants, needs and energy. I’m not just updating siding or adding a deck; I’m helping a home express its true personality while honoring the people who live there.

I’m most excited about how this work lets me blend all parts of myself. One day I’m going through color swatches, the next I’m problem-solving scheduling issues, and somehow my meditation practice and artistic background inform both. There’s something magical about seeing a home transform through new thoughtfully chosen color palettes and materials.

Getting established had some challenges. Early on, I struggled with finding the right clients. I started providing designs to customers doing siding many years ago before it started catching on in our industry. So I was trying to bring creative vision to what used to be a very mundane home improvement. Most people were just picking a siding color and didn’t realize there could be so many ways to customize the look of the exterior of their home. I also had to learn that not every client was my client. Some people want the cheapest option and don’t have preferences on design, and that’s okay, but my work is for people who understand thoughtful design is an investment in their daily joy through materials, color palettes and aesthetics.

The biggest lesson I’ve learned, has been to trust the process and mindfully go through each step from start to finish. My meditation practice taught me how to dissolve resistance and create more flow state. Construction comes with a ton of curve balls which forces me to stay present and respond to what each project truly needs. Sometimes the best design solutions come from listening and sitting quietly with a problem instead of frantically trying to solve it.

I want people to know that beautiful exteriors are about more than curb appeal, they’re about creating spaces that uplift your soul every time you return home. In many ways we eat with our eyes. When your home’s exterior reflects who you are, it becomes a daily reminder that you deserve beauty in your life.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I would like to delete this question as it feels out of place in this interview! It just doesn’t make sense to have it in the article.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
My husband deserves a big shoutout as he’s been an anchor of stability for me as I began building. When I was figuring out how to merge my artistic energy with running a business, he was an avid supporter through the ups and downs of getting established. He’d listen to me dream out loud about projects and then quietly handle a thousand little things so I could focus on creating. There’s something powerful about having someone believe in your vision even when you’re still in a time of discovery.

I also want to recognize my music, yoga and shamanic communities. I practice several disciplines that have helped me activate my intuition, which is the inner knowing that drives both design and decision making. My friends, my teacher and my spiritual guides have always helped me to integrate creativity and spirituality into one coherent life. They’re simply different facets of the same gem or different expressions of the same source. That wisdom shows up in how I approach every project.

Website: https://sidingdesignpro.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alalaone/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alala-t-wakelin-a47bb37/

Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/alalaone

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/alalawake

Image Credits
All photos by Alala Wakelin and Christoph Watson