DESIGN MATTERS, AND SO DOES THE PROCESS TO MAKE IT HAPPEN....
Creating a well-designed space takes more than just good taste. It requires careful planning, a streamlined process, and an expert eye to ensure everything comes together seamlessly. At The Modern Hive, we’ve perfected our process through years of experience. By combining our meticulous approach with a fresh, innovative design aesthetic, we make it easy for our clients to enjoy stunning, unforgettable spaces for years to come.
Our team prides itself on professionalism and extensive experience, recognizing that successful design requires not only quick problem-solving skills but also the foresight to anticipate potential issues before they arise. Clear communication, a well-defined process, and a strategic action plan are essential components of our approach.
THE MODERN HIVE DIFFERENCE
Why work with us?
We understand that choosing the right interior designer can be a daunting task. With so many options available, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed, especially when making a financial investment in your home or workspace. You want to be sure you’re selecting a designer who not only understands your vision but also delivers results that exceed your expectations—without the risk of buyer’s remorse.
What sets us apart is our unwavering commitment to a personalized approach that goes beyond aesthetics. We take the time to truly understand your lifestyle, needs, and aspirations, ensuring that every design choice reflects your unique personality and goals. Our process is collaborative and transparent, with a focus on creating spaces that are both functional and beautiful, tailored specifically to you.
We pride ourselves on our meticulous attention to detail and our ability to seamlessly blend creativity with practicality. We don’t just design spaces; we craft environments that inspire and uplift, ensuring that your investment is one you’ll cherish for years to come.
By choosing us, you’re not just hiring a designer—you’re gaining a partner who is deeply committed to bringing your vision to life, with a level of care and expertise that truly sets us apart from the rest.
WE ARE EDUCATED + CONTINUE OUR EDUCATION:
We went to school specifically to learn about the practice of design. Being an interior designer goes beyond having a good sense of style. Our education has taught us several design applications to help successfully manage design projects and prepare us to design with the safety and welfare of our clients as the top priority. Our designers have an educational background in design and attend CEU (Continuing Educational Units) on a regular basis throughout the year.
WE HAVE THE EXPERIENCE:
Principal Interior Designer Courtney Otte has been in this industry since 2011. She started The Modern Hive from the ground up at the young and impressionable age of 22, and has been constantly learning and improving our process since day one. In this industry, there is no specific standard to running an interior design business, which can make it hard to communicate clear expectations and the design process to clients. We believe we have curated a simple and easy solution for our clients that sets up the right expectations from the beginning. We have years of practicing design and running a business under our belt, and have already learned a lot of the hard lessons over the years.
WE ARE INTERIOR DESIGNERS FIRST:
There's no question that we need both designers and decorators in this industry. Each serve a unique and valuable service to clients. Not all clients need an interior designer, nor do all clients need an interior decorator. At times a client may need both, and we can offer just that! The official definition of an interior designer can be found here. Interior design is a science; it's an understanding of how a space functions for a client beyond the physical appearance of the space. We take an in-depth approach to all of our full-scale projects. Beyond specifying 'what looks good,' we take a further look into how our layouts, designs, and selections are installed, how they function, and how they will work for you!
WE ARE ACTIVE MEMBERS OF ASID:
The American Society of Interior Designers is an organization dating back to 1931, and is the oldest national interior design organization in America. ASID exists to 'prepare it's members to excel in the profession' and to educate the public that 'design impacts lives.' The Modern Hive takes pride in our involvement in ASID, as Principal Designer Courtney Otte served as president for the local ASID Nebraska Iowa October 2019 - 2020.
Why do these things matter?
Interior design demands meticulous attention to detail and a deep understanding of how a project unfolds and how a space will function for clients. Our team prides itself on professionalism and extensive experience, recognizing that successful design requires not only quick problem-solving skills but also the foresight to anticipate potential issues before they arise. Clear communication, a well-defined process, and a strategic action plan are essential components of our approach.
While it’s unrealistic to expect that every issue can be avoided during a project, we understand that working with people inevitably involves challenges. However, our experience and expertise allow us to prevent many common problems and address those that do arise quickly and effectively.
THE MODERN HIVE TEAM
Courtney Otte, Allied ASID
Founder + Principal Interior Designer
ASID NE IA President 2020
Founded by Courtney Otte in 2012, The Modern Hive Interior Design Studio was created with the stylish, collected, and unique dweller in mind. The Modern Hive strives to provide innovative, original, and curated interior design for each client, with an understanding that a well-designed space impacts lives.
Courtney has been working in the interior design industry since 2011. She graduated from the University of Nebraska at Omaha in the Fall of 2011 with a bachelor's degree in journalism, with an emphasis in public relations and advertising. In Spring of 2013, she earned an associate's degree in interior design from Metropolitan Community College.
Her passion for interior design began at a very young age, and carried throughout her college experience. As a child she remembers sketching floor plans, transforming the family attic into a 'club house,' and planned 'tree fort' designs for her backyard. In September of 2012 she established The Modern Hive Design Studio to expand her love of interior design. M|H Collection was established shortly after to offer exclusive, hand-picked products from our favorite vendors.
Courtney's unique approach to interior design allows her to work with clients with innovation and technologically advanced applications. She understands her clients are busy and their time is valuable. She approaches each project with time-saving tools that allow her to communicate her vision effectively and clearly. This allows her clients to make informed and confident project decisions each step of the way.
Courtney made the process of designing a kitchen remodel and master bath addition in our nearly 100-year old house so easy and painless.
- Kate | Client of The Modern Hive
Allison Weatherly, Allied ASID
Interior Designer
Allison joined The Modern Hive team as a Junior Designer and Design Assistant to Principal, Courtney Otte. Allison has her bachelor's degree in civil engineering from the University of Nebraska at Lincoln. She also holds an associate's degree in interior design from Metropolitan Community College. Allison brings a wealth of knowledge to the team in Computer Aided Drafting with 7+ years of experience. In addition, she holds detailed knowledge of both the residential and commercial realms of interior design.
We are so fortunate to have Allison as a part of the team. You might see her on the job site with Courtney or working behind the scenes, curating a design.
Jill Kreikemeier
Office Manager + Project Cordinator
Jill is our wonderful office administrator and has been with our team since August 2021. Jill has her bachelor's degree in Journalism from the University of Nebraska at Omaha, and is a wife and mom of 2! Jill is the keeper of knowledge in all things office related. She is responsible for keeping our internal office operations organized and is our go to contact for keeping projects moving forward and on track, as well as client relations and project scheduling.
What we love most about Jill is her consistent positive attitude and her willingness to always jump in and help wherever needed.