--- title: "Damian Farrell Design Group — Architects & Building Designers | Houzz" canonical_html_url: https://www.houzz.com/professionals/architects-and-building-designers/damian-farrell-design-group-pfvwus-pf~1325571628 markdown_url: https://www.houzz.com/md/professionals/pf~1325571628.md entity_type: LocalBusiness business_name: "Damian Farrell Design Group" category: ["Architects"] image: https://st.hzcdn.com/fimgs/b353fbbc00fdac68_4114-w400-h400-b0-p0--.jpg address: "359 Metty Dr., Suite 4A, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48103, United States" latitude: 42.2794 longitude: -83.784 phone: "(734) 218-1472" website: http://www.dfdg.design rating: 5 review_count: 10 best_of_houzz_awards: 5 followers: 191 last_updated: 2026-08-10 --- # Damian Farrell Design Group Original Houzz profile: [Damian Farrell Design Group](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/architects-and-building-designers/damian-farrell-design-group-pfvwus-pf~1325571628) ## Professional summary - **Primary category:** Architects - **Location:** Ann Arbor, MI - **Serves:** Ann Arbor, Ypsilanti, Saline, Dexter, Barton Hills, Detroit Metro Area, Licensed in Illinois, Licensed in Tennessee, Southeastern Michigan - **Houzz rating:** 5.0 out of 5 (10 reviews) - **Best of Houzz:** 5 awards (2015–2025), for Design, Service. ## About ### Houzz Badges - Star Houzzer - Houzz Influencer - Recommended on Houzz - 25,000 Ideabook Saves Damian Farrell, FAIA, came to Ann Arbor from Durban, South Africa over 30 years ago. He has worked for numerous architecture firms, both large and small, and was able to put the practices and principles he liked best into use by opening his own firm. With a small team we're able to make decisions quickly, get to know (and win the trust of) our clients, and share ideas freely. Our mission here at DFDG is to bring about change through inspired and thoughtful design. We want you to love your project, and we want to be a part of the process that makes that happen! We welcome new challenges and ideas. We want to hear what you have in mind for your project. ### Services Provided - Architectural Design - Building Design - Home Remodeling - Architectural Drawings - House Plans - New Home Construction - Home Additions - Home Extensions - Kitchen Design - Kitchen Remodeling - Sustainable Design - Energy-Efficient Homes - Floor Plans - 3D Rendering - Bathroom Design - Green Building - Space Planning - Universal Design - Multigenerational Homes - Pool House Design & Construction - Drafting - Home Restoration - Historic Building Conservation - Project Management - Handicap-Accessible Design - Basement Remodeling - Barn Design & Construction - Mudroom Design - Basement Design - Attic Conversion - Staircase Design - Deck Design - Site Preparation - Landscape Plans - Laundry Room Design - Prefab Houses - Home Gym Design & Construction - Rooftop Deck Installation - 3D Home Design - Architectural Services - Construction Drawings - Custom Homes - Interior Design - Planning ### Areas Served - Ann Arbor - Ypsilanti - Saline - Dexter - Barton Hills - Detroit Metro Area - Licensed in Illinois - Licensed in Tennessee - Southeastern Michigan ### Typical Job Cost $100,000 - 10 million Our pricing is dependent upon the size and scope of the project, and we work with a wide range of commercial and residential clients. ## Business Details | Field | Value | | --- | --- | | Business Name | Damian Farrell Design Group | | Address | 359 Metty Dr., Suite 4A, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48103, United States | | Phone | (734) 218-1472 | | Website | http://www.dfdg.design | | License Number | L19685 | | Followers on Houzz | 191 | **Social profiles:** - Blog — https://www.dfdg.design/ ## Contact - **Houzz profile:** [Damian Farrell Design Group](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/architects-and-building-designers/damian-farrell-design-group-pfvwus-pf~1325571628) - **Website:** http://www.dfdg.design - **Phone:** (734) 218-1472 ## Credentials **Certifications & Awards** - Damian Farrell, FAIA, LEED AP -- Fellowship, AIA College of Fellows, 2015 - Architectural Interior Design Award, 2011 - Detroit Home Magazine Design Award, 2006 - Detroit Home Magazine Design Award, 2005 - AIA Huron Valley, AIA, Residential Award, 2004 - Architect Magazine, Home of the Year, 2000 - **Best of Houzz:** 5 awards (2015–2025), for Design, Service. **Affiliations** - [National Association of Home Builders](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/schools-and-organizations/national-association-of-home-builders-pfvwus-pf~562065019) - [The American Institute of Architects](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/schools-and-organizations/the-american-institute-of-architects-pfvwus-pf~1350720471) - [BRAG Ann Arbor](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/schools-and-organizations/brag-ann-arbor-pfvwus-pf~2114550156) - [Home Builders Association of Michigan](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/schools-and-organizations/home-builders-association-of-michigan-pfvwus-pf~1477551635) - [AIA Michigan](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/schools-and-organizations/aia-michigan-pfvwus-pf~815212607) - [NAHB Building Systems Councils](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/professionals/schools-and-organizations/nahb-building-systems-councils-pfvwus-pf~689894563) ## Reviews **Overall rating: 5.0 out of 5 — 10 reviews** ### All 10 reviews **★★★★★ — wolverinemama, July 2016** > When we decided to remodel a once already remodeled 800 square foot Cape Cod style bungalow, we knew were into a major project. The Damian Farrell Design Group (DFDG) worked with us every step of the way to ensure that our every need and desire would be satisfied. We worked very closely with Kyle Gonzalez, the DFDG project manager, from the beginning of the project until its completion. Kyle's expertise, imagination, and professionalism were exceptional. He suggested numerous changes and upgrades to the house along the way that resulted in turning a small tract house into an unbelievable masterpiece. We feel very fortunate that we met Damian and his team and chose them to be the architects for our home. > Jim & Nancy **★★★★★ — riles10, July 2016** > In this day and age of high-tech instant results, it is refreshing to work with a firm that remains deliberate in the process of design. From concept to construction, Damian Farrell Design Group is sensitive to the needs of each phase, decision making, and gaining consensus with the owners or occupants. While they incorporate the sophistication of computer models and programs for all aspects of a project, they do not abandon the thoughtful practice of exploring spatial relationships and materials integration via hand sketches, renderings, and conversation. Damian Farrell Design Group gains inspiration from the site, environmental context, historical references, and the lifestyles or cultures of the users. The evolution of the project becomes a natural progression from abstract ideas into order as sketches breathe life into spaces, and computer drawings explore details and connections. Their ability to communicate throughout this process brings the owner into a position of comfortable trust and valued contributor. Damian Farrell Design Group can alleviate the stress of a building project and allow it to be an enjoyable journey for all involved. **Comment from Damian Farrell Design Group:** > Thank you so much for such a thoughtful and flattering review! > We really appreciate it! **★★★★★ — Darby Kolano, June 2016** > Damian Farrell Design Group did an excellent job with our remodel. We completely gutted our main floor. Took out walls, moved bathroom, moved office entrance, rearranged kitchen setup, rerouted mechanicals, etc. We were impressed with how they listened to what we wanted in our first consultation and translated that into a beautiful design. It's not just about design with Damian, it's about functionality. When you are redesigning it's hard to decide what goes where but Damian and his crew know exactly what to do. When you have so many decisions to make having someone who is an expert with space guide you really elevates a lot of stress! Thank you Damian Farrell Design Group for giving us a beautiful home. We love it! > Chris & Darby Kolano **Comment from Damian Farrell Design Group:** > Thank you, Darby!!! We are so glad that you enjoyed working with us as much as we enjoyed working with you. I hope this experience has given your home all the updates and changes you needed for your family to enjoy it for many years to come! **★★★★★ — Fireside Home Construction, April 2016** > Being an award winning General Contractor for 20 years I am very selective in the partners I work with. I can provide a glowing review for the Damian Farrell Design Group. They are professional, timely, accurate, cost effective and display a true concern for their clients. > I would work with them any day and recommend them to anyone that needs design services. > > Forming a team with them is critical to a successful project and each time we partner with them it becomes a very enjoyable experience with a great end result. > Bob Burnside > President > Fireside Home Construction > Fireside Home Construction **Comment from Damian Farrell Design Group:** > Many thanks for the wonderful review! > We really appreciate it and look forward to many great projects together! **★★★★★ — Vinewood Custom Builders Inc., Feb. 2016** > As a residential building and remodeling professional, I highly recommend Damian and his talented staff. They design beautiful and thoughtful spaces for their clients, and are great at providing me with the information I need as a contractor to complete the project. I especially appreciate their collaborative approach to the remodeling process, keeping their clients and me involved and informed every step of the way. > Michael Clark, > Vinewood Custom Builders Inc. > Ann Arbor MI. **Comment from Damian Farrell Design Group:** > Hi Mike -- many thanks for the terrific review! We much appreciate it and look forward to many more projects together! > > All the best > Damian **★★★★★ — colaner, Nov. 2015** > From our very first contact with DFDG, I knew it was the right choice! Damian and his staff perfectly captured what we were trying to accomplish with our remodel. They don' simply draw up fantastic plans and send you on your way. They are with you at every step to answer questions and make any modifications. And, you know all the costs up front -- no surprises. We're delighted with how everything turned out and would highly recommend DFDG. **Comment from Damian Farrell Design Group:** > Thank you, Chris!!! We're incredibly lucky to have such amazingly kind clients! The pleasure was all ours! **★★★★★ — Beverly Seiford, Dec. 2014** > Downsizing from a 5000 sq. ft. home to a condominium half that size was going to be a big challenge for us. We were fortunate to work with a flexible builder that didn’t require us to use his original plan or his architect to make modifications. We had two floors to work with and lots of desires. Thankfully we turned to The Damian Farrell Design Group to answer our questions and meet our needs. > > Could the living/dining room seating accommodate up to ten people and have beautiful views? Can we have the right spaces to hang our large pieces of art? Could we have two decent sized bedrooms and a large study? Will there be adequate closet space? Will there be enough room for a functional kitchen with lots of cabinets? Could we have a separate laundry room? Will there be enough storage space for all our “stuff?” The list goes on… > > Damian literally flipped the living space of the original design and presented us with a whole new concept that was fabulous. He worked with us to refine the details, always responding with creative and imaginative new ideas. The end result far exceeded our expectations. Besides his brilliant ability as an architect, Damian was a total pleasure to work with, always displaying a warm and playful sense of humor. We are happy to give The Damian Farrell Design Group our highest recommendation! **★★★★★ — hindlehome, July 2014** > I have worked with Damian on multiple projects. He is gifted with a very grounded perspective and has the vision and ability to design and execute on projects that stand the test of time. I feel privileged to have had the opportunity to work with Damian and look forward to working with him again. **Comment from Damian Farrell Design Group:** > Thank you Laura! Very kind words from a wonderful, supportive and sophisticated client! The privilege is ours! **★★★★★ — lambertjp, Feb. 2014** > First, let me start by saying that this is our "forever home." It's something we have been working towards for years. We knew when we found this wonderful property and home, that it was the one. We knew that there was potential for taking it to the next level, but we just didn't know how to envision or execute it ourselves. So, there was really only one person we could trust with this critical of a project: Damian. > > It only took him one day at the property to hatch what turned out to be the master-plan. We have to admit, Damian's "ah-hah" moments are worth their weight in gold. Seriously. There are plenty of good architects out there. Damian is certainly that. What sets him apart is his creativity, ability to listen very well, and then the intuitive spark. He just sees things that others don't. Call it a God-given talent. We just called him for it. > > So, Damian rolled up his sleeves, drew up a conceptual design, built us a 3D representation of the future state, and worked extremely well with a local general contractor, who executed Damian's vision. > > Obviously, we're very pleased with Damian's contribution to our homestead and would bring him into another project if the opportunity were to arise. > > Thanks, Damian! **Comment from Damian Farrell Design Group:** > I have the greatest clients in the world!! Visionary, trusting and gracious! Thank you Jess and Michael! **★★★★★ — johnkotarski, June 2013** > Damian Farrell is architect’s architect. > > After interviewing over four architects for our mid-century modern remodel, it became clear that ideas do not come quickly to many architects. Most in fact required us to commit to over $30K to get even a faint idea of what they were thinking. > > Not Damian. He came with a sketchpad and after a 20-minute conversation, he started drawing. It is hard to describe the pleasure of living within a wonderfully designed home. The light, the angles, the view – all of these carefully arranged without being obvious. A Damian Farrell design feels right. Plus, Damian easily saved us twice his fee on on materials and labor. > > We recommend Damian for any design need, from multi use commercial to furniture. He is the best - the absolute best! **Comment from Damian Farrell Design Group:** > Somehow I have been blessed with the most enthusiastic and trusting clients! Clients like John and Terri who fully understand the ability of design to positively affect our daily lives. ## Selected projects - [Traditional Cottage Remodel](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/traditional-cottage-remodel-pj-vj~1738188) - Location: Ann Arbor, MI - Photos: 8 - Description: This project focused on opening up an existing home, and making it better suited to our clients' lifestyle. A light-filled addition to the rear of the home allowed us to expand the existing kitchen, and a neutral color palate let the home's rich details stand out. - [Ann Arbor Condo Remodel](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/ann-arbor-condo-remodel-pj-vj~1984952) - Location: Ann Arbor, MI - Photos: 24 - Description: Our client wanted a clean, spacious, and bright place to call home. The location is fantastic -- close to restaurants, shops, the university -- and this condo provides a calm, relaxing space in which to unwind. DFDG altered the existing floor plan to let more natural light flow through the home, and give it an airy and accessible feel. - [Contemporary Michigan Farmhouse](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/contemporary-michigan-farmhouse-pj-vj~208931) - Location: Ann Arbor, MI - Photos: 20 - Description: This unique home draws influence from the clean, practical lines of contemporary architecture, the modest comfort and iconic look of Midwestern farms, and a touch of Cape Cod cottage aesthetic. It's truly one-of-a-kind! The result is a home that is striking yet bright, warm, and welcoming. This project was also featured in a Houzz article by Jennifer Ott, focusing on navy blue homes! http://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/51574608/list/exterior-color-of-the-week-go-navy - [Saline Residential Remodel](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/saline-residential-remodel-pj-vj~1911718) - Location: Saline, MI - Photos: 12 - [Mountain Valley Residence](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/mountain-valley-residence-pj-vj~512596) - Location: Hailey, ID - Photos: 40 - Description: This project was about preservation and a reverence for the past, coupled with the comforts of the present. The residence is anchored by a massive 200 year old barn that was deconstructed, labeled piece by piece, pressure treated for pests, checked for structural soundness, and finally shipped to and re-erected in its new location. It was extremely important to the client that the heart of their home be genuine and authentic! The surrounding stable, "silo," and guest cottage were designed with t… - [Remodel Love Story](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/remodel-love-story-pj-vj~189701) - Location: Ann Arbor, MI - Photos: 20 - Description: We call this project our "remodel love story" because it's really about a couple’s love for their home. For the homeowners, initiating this remodel meant facing the realities of the home’s shortcomings, celebrating its potential, and starting a quest to make a small urban site as much of its own functional ecosystem as possible. The home was a typical 50s/60s era ranch house -- some of which were very thoughtfully designed, but unfortunately this one was not! The frond door was hidden from stree… - [High Valley Estate](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/high-valley-estate-pj-vj~986776) - Location: Sun Valley, ID - Photos: 36 - Description: This home is nestled in the heart of the beautiful Wood River Valley in Idaho. The views surrounding the property are stunning, and we know any structure here would have to take advantage of that. Buildings in this region of the country are traditionally hardworking and tough -- heavy snows and ice in winter, and long hot days during the summer months take their toll. Our clients knew they wanted something rustic yet luxurious, and they loved the idea of making antique barns part of their home.… - [Three Lakes Lodge](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/three-lakes-lodge-pj-vj~202193) - Location: Three Lakes, MI - Photos: 25 - Description: Our client was looking for a rustic yet comfortable vacation home that would be large enough to accommodate their many friends and family members. The location is stunning, and it was important that the home fit in with the "character" of the area -- we wanted to build something that would enhance the clients' plot of land, not distract from it. The earthy tones, textures and materials of the completed compound fit seamlessly into the natural environment. As time passes, the exposed metal will c… - [Transitional Lakeside Residence](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/transitional-lakeside-residence-pj-vj~515124) - Location: Petoskey, MI - Photos: 6 - Description: Our clients wanted a home that was open, full of natural light, and enabled them to make the most of long summer days (and nights)! They were looking for a space to entertain guests, have access to stunning lake views year-round, yet stay true to their Midwestern roots. This transitional home combines features that are both old and new -- certain elements were borrowed from the past, while still allowing for the modern conveniences we're accustomed to. - [Cottage by the Lake](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/cottage-by-the-lake-pj-vj~515473) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 16 - Description: The lakeside location was fabulous, but the cottage was in need of some sprucing up. New pergolas were added throughout the landscape, providing cool shade for the residents during the hot summer months. A remodeled kitchen provided more counter space for our client, and a new master bedroom provided beautiful lake views. - [Ann Arbor Remodel](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/ann-arbor-remodel-pj-vj~919493) - Location: Ann Arbor, MI - Photos: 12 - [Prairie Residence](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/prairie-residence-pj-vj~497020) - Location: Outside Boise, ID - Photos: 18 - Description: This project was completed in 2003. Our clients wanted a comfortable home that they could enjoy with friends and family for years to come. Their love for preserving rustic barns runs so deep that they had a couple painstakingly imported from New Zealand! The finished home is rustic but lavish, expansive yet homey. - [Devonshire Residence](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/devonshire-residence-pj-vj~982248) - Location: Ann Arbor, MI - Photos: 3 - [Barton Hills Residence](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/barton-hills-residence-pj-vj~735735) - Location: Ann Arbor, MI - Photos: 17 - Description: Several years ago we were given the opportunity to do a remodel in one of Ann Arbor's famed "Midcentury-Moderns." It was essential that we preserve the home's airiness and clean, simple lines, but we also wanted to express the homeowners' uniqueness and love of fine art. - [Winter Woods Home](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/winter-woods-home-pj-vj~1384153) - Location: Ann Arbor, MI - Photos: 43 - Description: Our clients had acquired a fantastic lot on which they wanted to build a new house. The home would need to be large enough for the clients, their family, and their pets (as well as the occasional guest or party!), but they didn't want it to feel TOO big. They wanted their home to be comfortable, lived-in, bright, and functional. We were honored to design a home that lets in natural light and the plot's amazing views -- a home that meets the clients' needs for space without becoming fussy and ost… - [Historic District Remodel](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/historic-district-remodel-pj-vj~1634371) - Location: Ann Arbor, MI - Photos: 24 - Description: This ongoing project is all about bring new life to several historic structures! Working with historic buildings can be a challenge, as you are frequently unable to make changes to the envelope of the structure -- meaning you have to work with the existing doorways, window frames. The task is being able to reconcile a 100+ year structure with contemporary living standards. We opened up the interior of the spaces -- high ceilings always make a room feel larger and brighter. New windows, new insul… - [DFDG Sketches](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/dfdg-sketches-pj-vj~1862828) - Location: Ann Arbor, MI - Photos: 11 - [Mid-Century Ranch Remodel](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/mid-century-ranch-remodel-pj-vj~1506285) - Location: Ypsilanti, MI - Photos: 11 - Description: The owners of this charming, mid-century ranch style home thought it was due for some upgrades. They wanted their home to be be more contemporary, more open, and more enjoyable. - [Farrell Residence](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/farrell-residence-pj-vj~919467) - Location: Ann Arbor, MI - Photos: 21 - [Hillside Home](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/hillside-home-pj-vj~982290) - Location: Ann Arbor, MI - Photos: 10 [See all 23 projects](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/architects-and-building-designers/damian-farrell-design-group-pfvwus-pf~1325571628) ## Ideabooks - [Wish List](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/99784033/list/wish-list) — 6 ideas - [Fairdene](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/81434606/list/fairdene) — 33 ideas - [Indoor spa](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/104976264/list/indoor-spa) — 20 ideas - [Ann Arbor West Residence](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/34296623/list/ann-arbor-west-residence) — 10 ideas - [damianfarrell's ideas: kitchens](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/32340679/list/damianfarrell-s-ideas-kitchens) — 1 idea [See all 5 ideabooks](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/users/damianfarrell) ## Community Q&A **Q: Where can I find the goat sculpture?** *(in Photo Questions)* A: Hi Adrie, I have left a message with my clients to get the artist' name and will pass it on to you as soon as I receive a response. All the best. Damian **Q: What is the siding color?** *(in Photo Questions)* Do you happen to have record of what the siding color is? It’s beautiful! A: I'm afraid I don't recall the studying color. This project is nearly 10 years old now and we typically find that exterior color decisions are made I site using a variety of different samples until we and the clients feel we've got the right one for the site, the light and the location. Thanks for asking. Damian **Q: Great colors!** *(in Photo Questions)* Will you share the exterior paint colors you used on this house? A: Hi Derek -- thanks! This project was completed over 10 years ago, so unfortunately we no longer have the exterior paint color on file. We know it was a Benjamin Moore color -- probably close to their "Polo Blue". This home was featured in Jennifer Ott's \[Houzz article on navy blue homes\[(https://www.houzz.com/magazine/exterior-color-of-the-week-go-navy-stsetivw-vs~51574608). We hope that is somewhat helpful! **Q: Railing** *(in Photo Questions)* What material is the railing? A: The rail is hammered blackened steel. **Q: Great room!** *(in Photo Questions)* The ceiling is a great drawing point. Love the openness and the mix of woods. Perfect use for the hanging pendant - can you tell me the manufacturer and model? Thank you. A: Hi Kdubwags, and thanks! The hanging pendant was purchased by our client, so unfortunately we do not have that information. Our project manager believes it was from Restoration Hardware -- similar to this one. **Q: WHAT KIND OF COUNTERTOP IS THIS?** *(in Photo Questions)* A: it's a honed black granite --- *Source: Houzz professional profile. Reflects the profile as of 2026-08-10.*