The story
Built by hand. Built to last.
Wild Indigo Remodel is a small remodeling shop based in Des Moines. Kitchens, built-ins, cabinetry, and full renovations — with a particular love for working in wood.
About Alex
I'm Alex. I've been working with my hands most of my life — woodworking, building things, fixing things. I came to remodeling full-time after Covid ended my previous career, but it wasn't a hard pivot. I'd been doing this kind of work on the side for years. Starting Wild Indigo just made it official.
I'm an over-preparer by nature. Before I pick up a tool, I want to understand the full scope — what you're trying to accomplish, what the space needs, where the complications are likely to hide. I'd rather spend an extra hour planning than spend two days fixing something that could have been avoided. That instinct carries through everything: how I schedule a job, how I communicate with clients, how I keep the site clean and organized while work is underway.
I handle a wide range of work — from small repairs and odd jobs to full floor remodels and projects that involve coordinating HVAC, electrical, and plumbing. I have strong relationships with skilled tradespeople throughout the Des Moines metro, and I'm not shy about bringing in the right person when a project calls for it. What I won't do is hand off the work and disappear. I stay on as the point of contact and make sure the quality carries through every phase.
The business has grown mostly through word of mouth, and I've kept it small on purpose. Every project gets my full attention. When I'm not on a job, I'm usually outside — climbing, skiing, mountain biking. Back home, I tend to drift back into the shop. Lately that's meant repairing small wooden instruments and restoring old furniture. There's something satisfying about taking something worn-out and making it worth keeping again.
How I work
Prepare thoroughly
I want to understand the full scope before anything starts. Good planning is what keeps a project on track and off your nerves.
Communicate clearly
You'll know what's happening, what it costs, and when. No surprises on the invoice, no guessing about the timeline.
Don't cut corners
The job should be done right the first time. I'm not interested in work that looks fine until it doesn't.
Keep the site clean
You're living in this space while I'm working in it. I take that seriously — organized, tidy, and out of your way as much as possible.
Materials
I'm particular about what I use.
Most of my wood comes from regional mills in Iowa and the upper Midwest — white oak, walnut, cherry, and hard maple. I pick boards by hand and match grain to the project. Hardware comes from smaller American and European makers. I try to use things I'd be comfortable putting in my own home.
Want to talk through a project?
Happy to hear what you're thinking, even if it's still early.