We manage every phase of your interior renovation—from the first idea to final installation. We handle:
Interior Design & Space Planning
Functional, visually striking layouts tailored to your goals and brand.
Furniture & Art Sales
Sourcing and managing durable, stylish pieces from top commercial vendors.
Construction Management
We handle vendors, timelines, and execution for a seamless, stress-free build.
Cosmetic Refreshes to Full Renovations
Scalable solutions—from finish updates to full space transformations.
At Design Alternatives, we take a business-minded approach to every project — ensuring your investment aligns with immediate goals while delivering long-term value. Our designs are built to last, combining durability, style, and smart budget allocation to maximize your return.
Posted on Jes PR0Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Carrie and her team are professionals. From the beginning to the end of a project they are two steps ahead, making sure the design intent is executed, and the delivery and installation of the products are on target. It’s great working with them. I recommend Design Alternatives.Posted on Renee ComackTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. am on the board of a 1274 home development that engaged Design Alternatives to renovate our relatively large clubhouse. Each phase of the project from inspiration through completion was done tastefully, with class and high quality workmanship. The physical renovation as well as all furnishings strove for perfection and it was delivered it as such. DA is highly professional and it was a pleasure to work with their team of designers and all renovation workers- and the end result is fabulous. Our homeowners love it, are proud of it, and frequent it more than before because of it being extremely welcoming as well as comfortable. Thank you to the entire Design Alternatives Team for delivering an absolutely beautiful clubhouse!Posted on Anthony FiumaraTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Working with Carrie and the team at Design Alternatives over the past 10+ years has been an absolute pleasure. At AC Construction Services, we’ve collaborated with them on projects totaling millions of dollars, and I can confidently say they are the best design team in the business. Their professionalism, attention to detail, and ability to bring creative visions to life are unmatched. Beyond their expertise, Carrie and her team are courteous, reliable, and simply great people to work with. Whether it’s a high-stakes multimillion-dollar project or a smaller-scale job, they consistently deliver exceptional results. If you’re looking for a design partner who values excellence and collaboration, look no further than Design Alternatives. I couldn’t recommend them more highly. Anthony Fiumara AC Construction ServicesPosted on Stephanie HarmonTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Great design, great team, great experience. From beginning to end, the entire process of working with Design Alternatives was a delight. Our project was very large and budgeted at 1 million the team stayed in touch, executed as reviewed in the pre-con meeting and delivered on time and on budget.
Modernize your clubhouse to keep communities vibrant, support resident engagement, and boost home resale value.
Custom designs for hotels, restaurants, and banquet spaces—blending style, function, and technology to maximize guest experience and ROI.
Comfortable, community-focused spaces for CCRCs—enhancing resident wellbeing while supporting facility operations.
Designed to reflect the premium brand you’re building—sophisticated, intentional, and aligned.
No guesswork. No pressure. Just real numbers.
We created the Conceptual Budget after hearing one thing over and over from clients: “We just don’t know what this will cost.” Traditional consultations often fall short—so we designed a better first step.
With a short site visit and a few key project details, we’ll deliver a high-level budget range covering design, furnishings, and construction—typically within 3 weeks. It’s a low-risk, high-value way to align your scope with your budget and secure funding approval with confidence.
Why It’s Valuable
No Surprises
Get a realistic estimate before investing time or resources
Shareable & Professional
Ideal for internal planning and decision-making
Quick & Simple
Just a 1–2 hour visit and basic project inputs
Fully Aligned
Make sure your budget and vision are in sync
The cost of hiring a commercial interior designer varies based on the size, scope, and complexity of your project. At Design Alternatives, we tailor our services to fit your needs and budget. We offer a free consultation to understand your goals and provide a conceptual budget so you can align your scope with your budget.
Our team takes a business-minded approach to every project, ensuring that your investment not only aligns with your immediate needs but also delivers long-term value. By strategically allocating your budget, we create designs that stand the test of time—both in durability and style—maximizing the return on your investment.
Commercial interior design focuses on creating functional, efficient, and aesthetically pleasing spaces for businesses, such as professional offices, healthcare facilities, hospitality venues, and senior living communities. Residential design, on the other hand, is centered around personal living spaces. Commercial projects typically require a deeper understanding of building codes, accessibility standards, and high-traffic durability. That is why it’s important to find a company that specializes in the kind of space you are redesigning.
We approach each project individually, with flexibility to accommodate a wide range of budgets and objectives. We focus on helping you make smart, lasting design investments that align with your business goals. Every project and business is unique—contact us for a free consultation to discuss your specific needs.
An interior designer focuses on the planning, aesthetics, and functionality of a space—selecting materials, finishes, furniture, and ensuring the design aligns with your brand and operational goals. A contractor is responsible for the construction and execution of that plan, handling the physical labor and installation. At Design Alternatives, we offer both interior design and renovation contracting under one roof so you have a single point of accountability throughout the renovation process to ensure your vision is executed seamlessly.
What began at a kitchen table has grown into one of New Jersey’s most experienced and trusted interior design-build firms. Design Alternatives was founded on a simple but ambitious promise: to guide projects from concept to completion, all under one roof. That promise has held steady through 35+ years, hundreds of commercial spaces, and more than five million square feet of space designed.
We’ve designed the spaces people live, work, and gather—including senior living communities, healthcare clinics, hospitality brands, office spaces, and active adult communities.
Chris Welch
CEO & Principal
Keri Tickle
Lead Interior Designer
Kelly Lipfert
Procurement & Operations Manager
George McGuire
Construction Manager
Will Cunningham
Project Success Manager
Lorraine Kuldanek
Staff Interior Designer
Merielle Jurlina
Staff Interior Designer
Anne Johnston
Senior Relationship Manager
Pedro Gutierrez
Senior Accountant
Noel Miñoza
Business Operations Analyst
When you partner with Design Alternatives, you will enjoy the expertise of one of NJ’s most recognized commercial interior design teams and the efficiencies afforded by having your entire project completed all in one place.
Let’s create a space that strengthens your brand, supports your users, and stands the test of time.
Chris Welch
CEO
Chris Welch is an experienced leader with over 20 years of success managing teams and delivering results on complex projects. With a background spanning startups to publicly traded companies, Chris has built scalable operations, led high-performing teams, and worked closely with Fortune 2000 clients like Walmart and BlackRock. Raised in a family deeply rooted in real estate and construction, Chris understands the industry inside and out. He has a proven ability to execute detailed, high-stakes projects while fostering trust and collaboration at every step.
Keri Tickle
Senior Designer
Keri Tickle is a licensed interior designer (NJ#21ID00049300) with over 20 years of experience and blends a background in architecture with creative vision. She has honed her interior design approach at leading professional firms & corporations, including DIGroupArchitecture, HKS Architects, and Hackensack Meridian Health, and is a professional member of the American Society of Interior Designers. Leveraging her broad experience in both residential and commercial design, Keri crafts environments that meet the unique needs of her clients—from welcoming hospitality spaces and home renovations to dynamic office settings—ensuring every project achieves a balanced blend of style, warmth, and practicality. Viewing interiors as an extension of architecture, Keri approaches each project with a keen eye for spatial flow, structure, and design integration. Her clients appreciate her collaborative style and meticulous attention to detail.
Kelly Lipfert
Operations Manager
Kelly Lipfert blends high-level corporate acumen with a proven entrepreneurial spirit. She began her career on Wall Street and advanced to Vice President at Goldman Sachs before leaving the corporate world after 9/11 to launch a brick-and-mortar and online luxury gift boutique, Urban Details, which she ran for over 15 years. Now at Design Alternatives, Kelly leverages her extensive experience in purchasing, logistics, and administration. Her keen eye for detail ensures that our team gets the right products at the right time, keeping every project on schedule and on budget.
George McGuire
Construction Project Manager
George McGuire is a Master Carpenter with decades of hands-on experience and a deep family legacy in the building trades. Raised working alongside his father and grandfather in carpentry, electrical work, and welding, he earned top honors in vocational training and refined his skills with the US Army Combat Heavy Engineers in Germany. After his service, George joined the Carpenters Union, contributing to landmark projects, including iconic Russian Orthodox church domes, as well as supervising high-end custom homes, schools, banks, and senior living facilities. Since joining Design Alternatives in 2017, George’s diverse expertise has ensured projects are executed efficiently and to the highest standards.