As a first-time homeowner, I read quite a number of articles before starting my search for an ID, and almost all of them recommended speaking to at least 5 ID firms.
How glad I am that I took that advice! I had actually come across Alexis Interior on Instagram earlier and KIV-ed them because their design style suited my taste, but after speaking to 4 ID firms, I was ready to call it a day.
What made me reconsider was an unexpected recommendation from a friend’s friend who had recently completed their renovation with Alexis Interior. They spoke highly of the carpentry workmanship and how what was envisioned and rendered on paper was brought to life just as imagined.
The recommendation came as a pleasant surprise, especially since none of the other homeowners I had spoken to had recommended their respective ID firms. Having already been drawn to Alexis Interior's design style, hearing such positive firsthand feedback gave me the nudge I needed to reach out to them after all.
After I reached out to Alexis Interior, Chloe got back to me promptly, even though my estimated key collection date was still almost 3 quarters away.
During our first discussion, she took the time and effort to understand my current lifestyle, how I envisioned living in my new home, and the kind of space I wanted to create. One moment that particularly stood out to me was when I admitted that I had absolutely no idea how lighting worked. With a reassuring smile, she simply said, “Don’t worry, because I know!” It was such a small moment, but one that stayed with me.
During our second discussion, Chloe surprised me by showing me renders of different areas of the house, which I hadn't expected so early on. They weren't just cold, simple lines on a screen, but spaces brought to life with ambient lighting and even furniture that uncannily matched my taste.
I had to resist the temptation to blurt out, “That’s my home!” The renders felt so aligned with what I had in mind that, even just looking at them, I could already imagine what it would feel like to come home to that space every day.
Even after that second discussion, I took one more meeting with Chloe before making my decision. During our third discussion, I felt even more certain that we were on the same wavelength. She understood what I was looking for and how I envisioned my home, and I felt comfortable entrusting her with bringing that vision to life. That was when I decided to take the leap and sign the contract with Alexis Interior.
My key collection was eventually delayed, and I knew this would have disrupted their schedule, even though Chloe had always reassured me that it wouldn't be an issue.
They also took my concerns about theft in the estate seriously and went the extra mile to take additional precautions for me. It was reassuring to know that even concerns beyond the design itself were not taken lightly.
Renovation inevitably comes with hiccups, and whenever this inexperienced and often panicky homeowner started to freak out, Chloe would patiently listen, acknowledge my concerns and reassure me that she understood where I was coming from. She would always end our conversations with, “Now, let’s solve the problem.” Somehow, those words never failed to calm me down and remind me that we would work things out together.
Even when I changed my mind halfway through the renovation — whether it was the laminate or countertop choices — Chloe would make time to accompany me to the showrooms and patiently walk me through the decision-making process. I could always sense her sincerity and her genuine desire to help me create a home that I would truly love.
Chloe and the project managers also made frequent site visits and kept me updated with photos and videos, which I really appreciated.
It's often the seemingly small details that make a big difference. My neighbours have even commented on how much of a difference it made to swatch paint colours directly on the actual walls before deciding. These little extra steps may seem minor, but they reflect the thought and care that went into getting the details right.
I had hoped to move into my new home before CNY, and despite the earlier delay in key collection, Chloe and the project managers worked hard to make it happen. In fact, they managed to complete the handover ahead of schedule!
During the handover, Chloe reassured me that as I settled into the house, I would inevitably start noticing areas that needed touching up. She told me not to worry and to simply mark them down, and she would coordinate with the contractors to get them sorted out.
Over the multiple rounds of touch-ups (yes, a rather nitpicky homeowner here!), the team accommodated my schedule and made the process much less stressful. The shifus who came down were always polite, professional and accommodating, patiently attending to my many little requests. On busier touch-up days, Ethan even came down personally to oversee the work and communicate directly with the contractors, ensuring that everything was followed through properly.
I really appreciated how everyone approached the touch-ups with patience and professionalism, rather than making me feel bad for being particular about the details. After all, these little details matter when you're creating a home you hope to love for years to come.
After I had moved in, there was one thing I regretted during the renovation — not having a mirror vanity cabinet installed in the toilet from the start! Thankfully, it was something that could still be rectified after handover, and Chloe and the team were kind enough to accommodate my request despite the additional coordination and disruption it would mean for their schedule.
I really appreciate this, because it showed me that their commitment didn't simply end when the keys were handed over. They continued to be there for me even after the renovation was officially completed, and that meant a lot to me as a first-time homeowner.
The feedback from my neighbours, friends and family has been heartwarming. I've heard comments about how amazing it is that what was envisioned on paper has been brought to life so beautifully, the value for money, and the quality of the workmanship. But perhaps the compliment that means the most to me is that my home is one that “screams me”.
At the end of the day, I wanted a home that wasn't just aesthetically pleasing, but one that felt like me — a space that reflects my taste, personality and lifestyle. To see that come through so clearly, and to have others recognise it too, makes the entire journey all the more worthwhile.
I would also like to thank Alexis for stepping in whenever things got tough. She is prompt, decisive and clearly very experienced. More than that, she has a reassuring aura that puts you at ease, even when things feel overwhelming. Her ability to step in, assess the situation and take action gave me added confidence that things were in good hands. I'm truly grateful to have had her support when I needed it most.
Remember how I had to resist the temptation to blurt out, “That’s my home!” when I first saw Chloe’s renders?
Well, I’m living in that very home now! ❤️
What once existed only on a screen has become the place I return to every day — a home that feels unmistakably me.
Looking back, I’m so glad I decided to speak to that 5th ID firm. Sometimes, all it takes is one unexpected recommendation and one more conversation to lead you to the right team.
“Teamwork makes the dream work!” From Chloe to the project managers and shifus, everyone played a part in bringing my dream home to life. If you're looking for a team that genuinely cares, listens and goes the extra mile, Alexis Interior is one you can trust!
Designer: Chloe.C & team
Project manager: Ethan & Daoyi
DesignChloe designed a home incorporating what I want and what I need. She always proactively think of solutions that is both practical and aesthetically pleasant.
WorkmanshipAlmost perfect, and I am a nitpicking homeowner! Workmanship is something not visible during contract signing so the good outcome was a relief!
Customer ServiceReplies can be slow at times which I heard is common in the industry. The service is professional and always polite.
Value for MoneyNot the cheapest ID Firm around. But I was looking for value for money and not just the cheapest quotation, so all is good!