Explore how AKI Design leveraged Programa’s Trade Portal in the Alexandra House project. Below, we emphasise the ease of sourcing and specifying products while showcasing how collections and real-time collaboration streamline the design process for busy studios.
AKI Design
Alexandra House
Made with Programa
Programa13 January 2025
AKI Design, a Melbourne-based multidisciplinary studio, reimagined 'Alexandra House' to bring a European-luxury aesthetic to an already modern home. Balancing timeless materials and subtle interventions, the AKI team transformed the interiors with refined finishes, furniture, and architectural flourishes—turning minimal changes into maximum impact.
“We found Woodcut’s Smokey Ash via the Trade Portal, matching it to the flooring and tying the interiors together. It was seamless.”
Tessa JamesDirector of Communications
Why AKI chose Programa
Previously juggling random spreadsheets (and occasionally losing them), AKI needed a better way to track specs, lead times, and pricing without interrupting the creative flow. They turned to Programa, embracing its Trade Portal for a smoother, more intuitive way to discover and specify quality products.
“Sometimes you would lose an entire spreadsheet, and have to redo it again. So there's a lot of Pro's to Programa. Having all of the admin points looked after by Programa allows us to grow as a business. ”
Candyce JamesInterior Architect
Why the Trade Portal matters
The Trade Portal centralises sourcing, specification, and supplier connections all within Programa—making it easier than ever for studios like AKI to build cohesive design concepts without the admin headaches.
- Browse & Discover
Find high-end brands or trending products via advanced search, curated collections, or custom recommendations. - Curated Collections & Recommendations
Group your favourite items for quick re-use or client sign-offs. Think of it like Pinterest, but purpose-built for design professionals. View WOODCUT's Premium Ash collection here. - Expand Brand Networks
Track real-time lead times and supplier details. Share live schedules and specs via QR codes so trades and clients get instant updates. - Collaboration
Track real-time lead times and supplier details. Share live schedules and specs via QR codes so trades and clients get instant updates.
“Some of the challenges as designers is keeping everything in a schedule that is able to be constantly updated without taking too much physical and mental time away from what we're doing, which is designing. Programa has helped so much in that way...”
Tessa JamesDirector
A streamlined process, from inspiration to installation
For Alexandra House, minimal but strategic updates like steel-and-glass doors and custom joinery needed consistent, accurate specs. Through the Trade Portal, AKI searched for materials that fit their aesthetic, saved them to collections, and then integrated those selections directly into their Programa Schedules.
Highlights:
- Informed Selections
AKI discovered premium finishes and products (like Woodcut’s Smokey Ash) right in Programa, speeding up decision-making. - Real-Time Visibility
Lead times, pricing changes, and supplier updates were instantly reflected—no re-checking spreadsheets. - Professional Presentation
When clients or trades asked for details, AKI simply opened Programa to show the latest product info—impressing everyone with quick, accurate answers.
“Being able to jump into Programa looks professional to clients and helps us grow as a studio. It’s quick, easy, and keeps everyone aligned.”
Charis JamesArchitect
Start sourcing on the Trade Portal
Ready to supercharge your own studio’s workflow?
- Log In or Create an Account
Access the Trade Portal from your Programa side menu. - Browse or Search Products
Explore advanced search filters or curated collections to find the perfect piece. - Save Favourites to Collections
Keep your design vision cohesive. Integrate these directly into your schedules. - Refer Your Suppliers
Invite them to list their products on Programa—you’ll never manually specify again.
The new Trade Portal is more than an upgrade—it’s a complete re-think of how designers source and specify. By blending advanced search, curated collections, and real-time supplier connections, Programa frees you from admin overload and unlocks true creative potential—just like it did for AKI Design and 'Alexandra House.'
Currently available in Australia and New Zealand. Designers outside these regions can sign up for the waitlist to be notified once the Trade Portal expands.
