Daniel Aguilar and Natalie Dalton, the founders of Los Angeles–based Alternative Design Studio, were seeking a creative space outside the realms of home and work when a moment of inspiration struck. “In search of our own third space—and with our garage already full—we decided to transform a vintage trailer into a place to create, ideate, read, work, draw, and even spend the night,” Natalie says.

The partners met through their work in architecture and design—Daniel is an architectural designer, and Natalie worked at the Los Angeles chapter of the American Institute of Architects at the time. They decided to launch their firm after finding that high-end design can be as inaccessible as L.A. real estate. “With space costing a premium in Los Angeles, we started to think about how we could do things differently,” says Daniel.

“It’s why we came together to start Alternative Design Studio,” Natalie explains. “We wanted to create nonstandard, solution-based designs that are as thoughtful and as cost-effective as possible.”

Their renovated camper, which they call Alternative Space, is as practical and flexible as it is artful. “It’s an ever-changing place for us,” Natalie says. “We’ve parked it outside our home to use as a separate, freestanding office while working remotely, and we’ve taken it up the coast for day and weekend trips. We’ve also used it to meet up with other creatives and potential clients.”

Daniel purchased the camper for $1,200 in 2017, and the duo spent three years and $36K converting it. “We definitely got our hands dirty in space planning, floor removal, and window restoration,” Natalie says. “We worked with local guys to do the electrical, solar, insulation, paneling, furniture, upholstery, and paint.”

The partners outfitted the 110-square-foot interior with a built-in booth and tables set on adjustable, telescopic bases that drop down to form a queen-size bed platform. They wrapped the walls with birch plywood, laid cork for the flooring, and created a pop-up sunroof for the ceiling.

A built-in bench, open shelving, and an air-conditioning unit sheathed in birch plywood are arranged opposite the built-in booth. “We liked the idea of continuing the retro motif and disguising the AC unit,” Daniel says. “We admire designers like Alexander Calder, Charles and Ray Eames, and Alexander Girard—their designs are forward-thinking and functional.”

Because efficiency was a priority, Natalie and Daniel placed solar panels on the roof and insulated the walls with polyiso. “The material helps with R-values and keeps the temperature more consistent and comfortable,” Daniel says. “The pop-up sunroof allows heat that rises to exit the space. It’s another way to regulate the interior temperature and let in natural light and ventilation.”

Finally, the duo set about revamping the camper’s exterior. “We brainstormed about what to do, and debated restoring the classic band of color around the trailer,” Natalie says. Instead, they sketched geometric shapes that accentuate the camper’s form, and they painted them a deep green. “It’s the color in our company logo,” Natalie says. “This space was designed to stand out, and we’ve fallen in love with the razzle-dazzle look!”

“We’re passionate about places that combine living and working, and we’re curious about the intersection between mobility and minimal living,” Daniel says. “Traditional brick-and-mortar buildings need to adapt to the needs of a new reality. We’re more mobile than ever, but the buildings we inhabit haven’t changed much—this project challenges that formality.”

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Project Credits:

Architectural Design: Alternative Design Studio / @altdstudio

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Two Designers Turn a Vintage Camper Into a Dreamy Mobile Office for $36K