--- title: "Southam Design Inc — Architects & Building Designers | Houzz" canonical_html_url: https://www.houzz.com/professionals/architects-and-building-designers/southam-design-inc-pfvwus-pf~1543714169 markdown_url: https://www.houzz.com/md/professionals/pf~1543714169.md entity_type: LocalBusiness business_name: "Southam Design Inc" category: ["Architects"] image: https://st.hzcdn.com/fimgs/b8b35c15000481c5_2645-w400-h400-b0-p0--.jpg address: "Ottawa, Ontario K1Y 3E6, Canada" phone: "(613) 866-7369" website: http://www.southamdesign.com rating: 4.8 review_count: 13 best_of_houzz_awards: 8 followers: 565 last_updated: 2026-09-04 --- # Southam Design Inc Original Houzz profile: [Southam Design Inc](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/architects-and-building-designers/southam-design-inc-pfvwus-pf~1543714169) ## Professional summary - **Primary category:** Architects - **Location:** Ottawa, ON - **Serves:** Aylmer, Barrhaven, Bells Corners, Britannia, Chelsea, Gatineau, Gloucester, Hazeldean, Hull, Kanata, Leitrim, Nepean, Old Chelsea, Orleans, Ottawa, Quebec, Rockcliffe Park, Uplands - **Houzz rating:** 4.8 out of 5 (13 reviews) - **Best of Houzz:** 8 awards (2013–2021), for Design, Service. ## About ### Houzz Badges - Star Houzzer - Houzz Influencer - Recommended on Houzz - 100,000 Ideabook Saves Award winning interior design and architecture has earned Southam Design a reputation of being fresh, creative and passionate. With 20 years of design and architectural experience, we have strived to create spaces that engage the senses and stimulate emotion. We utilize the client’s individual self-expression and unique personality to design interiors that enhance human activity. Our “out of the box” thinking pushes the limits of creativity to expand the possibilities of physical space, and connects us to our clients for the optimum synthesis of vision and reality. Southam Design’s philosophy encompasses the theory of structural honesty. We believe that the architecture of interiors should be focused on sculptural-quality displaying the true purpose of a space, as opposed to simply cosmetic decoration. Our strong understanding of structure allows us to push the boundaries and manipulate space. This knowledge is reflected in our objective to fully understand dimension and the spatial activity requirements while incorporating the client's diverse aesthetic expression, their desires, needs, deadlines, and most importantly their budget. Our focus is to foster the culture of the built-environment by integrating interior design with architecture in both residential and commercial applications. We believe in cultivating a sense of unity and harmony by involving all aspects of a project into our overall design concept, in both interior and exterior architectural design. Our designs express, with sensitivity and strength, that modernity is best captured through dramatic understatement - A fusion of modern lines coupled with classic elements. ### Services Provided - Building Design - Home Remodeling - Custom Homes - House Plans - New Home Construction - Home Additions - Home Extensions - Kitchen Design - Kitchen Remodeling - Floor Plans - Bathroom Design - Space Planning - Home Restoration - Drafting - Basement Remodeling - Construction Drawings - Remodeling ### Areas Served - Aylmer - Barrhaven - Bells Corners - Britannia - Chelsea - Gatineau - Gloucester - Hazeldean - Hull - Kanata - Leitrim - Nepean - Old Chelsea - Orleans - Ottawa - Quebec - Rockcliffe Park - Uplands ## Business Details | Field | Value | | --- | --- | | Business Name | Southam Design Inc | | Address | Ottawa, Ontario K1Y 3E6, Canada | | Phone | (613) 866-7369 | | Website | http://www.southamdesign.com | | Followers on Houzz | 565 | **Social profiles:** - Facebook — https://www.facebook.com/SouthamDesign - X (Twitter) — http://twitter.com/pennysoutham - LinkedIn — http://www.linkedin.com/company/2823253?trk=prof-0-ovw-curr\_pos ## Contact - **Houzz profile:** [Southam Design Inc](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/architects-and-building-designers/southam-design-inc-pfvwus-pf~1543714169) - **Website:** http://www.southamdesign.com - **Phone:** (613) 866-7369 ## Credentials **Certifications & Awards** - ARIDO, IDC, GOHBA, NCIDQ30 design awards in both interior design and architecture - **Best of Houzz:** 8 awards (2013–2021), for Design, Service. ## Reviews **Overall rating: 4.8 out of 5 — 13 reviews** ### Reviews **★★★★★ — maione, Sept. 2016** > We hired Southam Designs to design our kitchen, add a second story addition, and do some other remodelling throughout the house. We waited for almost 15 years to change our galley kitchen into a beautiful functional space where our family enjoys cooking and gathering. Penny and her staff understood what we wanted and they designed a 2 storey addition that exceeded our expectations. Penny's ideas and recommendations were perfect for our style and budget. Our old Glebe home did not have an ensuite bathroom and our master bedroom was in the attic. Penny designed a beautiful and functional master bedroom with ensuite, walk-in closet and balcony. She really helped us stay within our budget so that this room was feasible. At times we did not think we were going to be able to build it, but Penny made it happen. The Kitchen is perfect in every way, after 2. 5 years we are completely satisfied with the design and space. Our kitchen functions exactly the way we wanted it to and looks fabulous. I asked Penny to design the biggest island she could and the island is stunning and we love it so much. Penny Southam and her team were a pleasure to work with always answering our emails and concerns quickly , efficiently and with professionalism. Thank you for turning our vision into reality. We would highly recommend Southam Designs. **Comment from Southam Design Inc:** > Thank you kindly for this wonderful review. It was a pleasure working on your project. **★★★★★ — ionaguys, May 2016** > I had heard great things about Southam Design prior to retaining Penny. The finished product didn't disappoint. Purchasing a 'raw' commercial space was overwhelming to me. To see the end result after Penny Southam put her creative mind to work; was simply amazing. Over 3 years later, I walk into my commercial space and feel that the financial and time investment was well worth it. I will always work with a professional (such as Penny) for future renovations. Designers are worth their weight in GOLD. I have referred Penny to other clients and friends for residential renovations. The award winning results speak loud and clear!! **Comment from Southam Design Inc:** > So very appreciative of you taking the time to leave this very kind review. Wishing you all the best. **★★★★★ — veryhappyclient, April 2016** > Penny Southam, founder of Southam Design Inc., provided an outstanding, award-winning interior design for our home. The interiors exceeded our expectations, providing a warm and welcoming contemporary design. We were walked through the process at each phase, and are grateful to Penny for talking us out of some elements that we were set on that would have, in retrospect, not worked, and also respecting our desire for a livable space for a family with young children. We are pleased to have relied on a truly creative, dedicated, professional designer. **Comment from Southam Design Inc:** > Thank you so very much "very happy client" for this kind review. It was a pleasure working on your project. Wishing you all the best. **★★★★★ — joonyoung\_ji, April 2016** > I had met with two other interior designers (one individual and one firm) prior to meeting Southam Design. Penny Southam, principal and owner, understood what kind of vibe I was looking for and was receptive to what I wanted. This was incorporated into the final design and I was very happy. Many people have complimented the space regarding its design and feel. > Importantly, Penny is a very smart individual with a science background and I got along well with her. I am a very hard person to please as I demand high quality work and will not accept less than stellar. Timeline of the project from initiation to finish was in line with expectations and there were no reports of measurement discrepancies which could have delayed the finish. > Unlike many individuals that advertise themselves as "interior designers" Southam Designs is actually a certified and licensed designer firm. They can stamp their own designs, eliminating the need for an architectural stamp. > Southam Design by no means is the cheapest option. However, they are exceedingly good value. Some owners gloat that they spent so much less but, it looks like they spent so much less. You get what you pay for. Saving time and getting a space you're happy with that requires no further modification and the lack of headaches is invaluable. I would not hesitate to use them for future projects. **Comment from Southam Design Inc:** > Joonyoung, thank you so very much for this kind review. It was such a pleasure working on your space. We hope it serves you very well for many years to come. All the best. **★★★★ — Cynthia Bourden, May 2015** > Southam Design Inc. did a beautiful Kitchen and Master en-suite bathroom design for our house addition. I was especially impressed with the kitchen island and the counter-top choice. Penny and team were extremely professional, and worked with us to finalize a design that we now love. **Comment from Southam Design Inc:** > Thank you so much for taking the time to leave this kind review. We love projects like yours. They are so much fun. We hope you are still enjoying your space. All the best. **★★★★★ — gaetanchenier, Sept. 2013** > To whom it may concern, > > It was a pleasure and privilege working with Southam Design for our dream home in Ottawa. > Penny worked with us diligently from start to finish, from the planning of the space to the meticulous attention to detail. > We could not have achieved the award winning home without Penny and her team at Southam Design. > > Sincerely, > > Carine and Gaetan Chenier > Ottawa, Ontario **★★★★★ — stateradesigns, Sept. 2013** > Penny's experience and impeccable taste are apparent in every interaction. It is very comforting as a client to know that Penny is equally invested in the results of the project as you are. Penny has the ability to understand your vision for space and take your ideas to the next level in order to marry your aesthetic with a tremendously functional space. > > Penny utilizes her vast array of knowledge and professional network in order to help guide you through all the design decisions. Her team is equally professional, responsive and a pleasure to work with. **★★★★★ — Marni Kagan, Sept. 2013** > We are currently building a 250 sq. ft. kitchen/family room addition that was designed by Southam. I knew the design was fabulous even on paper, but it's exciting to see the space come to life. There's no doubt Penny is a talented designer, you only need look at her website. But what impressed me about her is that she infuses her vision into each project, while still respecting the client's wishes. She is also extremely committed to delivering the most incredible space possible that's still within the client's budget. Not an easy task! We couldn't be happier. **★★★★★ — George Parry, Sept. 2013** > When our decision was made to purchase a condo, we became interested in a local development. However, when we looked at the plans, we wanted to make changes to the layout. A friend referred us to Southam Design Inc. We really like the project that Southam Design Inc. had done for our friend. > > It convinced us that she had creative talent and the ability to design the condo and lighting to our liking. > > We are very happy with the end results. The condo is very open concept, fully automated with a lighting design that is elegant and dramatic. > > In terms of the budget, the complexity of the project, the restrictions from the builder and our changes along the course, resulted in an amount over what we had initially planned. > > The lighting and the redesigned spaces makes living in our condo a joy. The designer did listen to our preferences and choices to achieve the end result. > > We are much happier with the new look than what was offered in the original plan. > > Thank you to Southam Design for giving us continuous joy in living in our condo. **★★★★ — canal111, Sept. 2013** > I was a member of the Board of Directors for the condominium at 111 Echo Dr., Ottawa ("Canal 111"), and as such I was in charge of a major redesign and renovation to the lobbies and entrance way to our buildings. > We engaged Penny Southam as our designer following submissions we received from a number of other designers. > My experience in dealing with Penny was that her services were professional, expeditious and courteous. The task of satisfying the expectations of 46 different owners was a challenging one, which Penny handled with diplomacy. > The design prepared by Penny reflected the expectations of a majority of the owners and the results have enhanced our living environment. > I would recommend Penny without reservation. > > Sol Shinder **★★★★★ — reillykings, Sept. 2013** > When we fell in love with a one hundred year old Victorian home in Ottawa's Glebe neighbourhood, we knew we'd need a sharp designer to help us open up the space. Penny Southam and her team at Southam Design drafted a plan that transformed our home. The results are astounding: Southam Design took an old, dark, multi room space and made it into a bright, contemporary family home. Our living room, dining room and kitchen flow naturally into one another to create a warm and open space. Penny took care of the cabinetry, the built-ins around our fireplace, and the finishes that give our home a unique style. Our main floor now seems much bigger - very important as we love to entertain. In addition, the new powder room and innovative storage options give us the practical space we need for our three children. I would recommend Penny and her team at Southam Design in an instant! **★★★★★ — D.C. Snelling Limited, March 2013** > I have know Penny for many years. Some of the projects we worked on are now almost 10 yrs old and are timeless. This is one of the reasons that she wins design awards every year, no matter what area of the home she designs. ## Selected projects - [Habitat for Humanity](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/habitat-for-humanity-pj-vj~350112) - Location: Ottawa, ON - Photos: 5 - Description: In keeping with the overall theme of the renovation and the design team's vision of a sleek, clean, contemporary space, we emphasized vertical and horizontal geometry. The original home had a back door leading directly into the family room which was not ideal; therefore, with the home located in a family oriented neighbourhood, a large mudroom was created to handle the comings and goings of a busy family. We chose to combine walnut in a basket weave pattern to accentuate the grain and strengthen… - [Riverside Home](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/riverside-home-pj-vj~364109) - Location: Ottawa, ON - Photos: 14 - Description: As a great lover of Frank Lloyd Wright, it was once said of his work that the interior space of his homes were and are continuous with the outdoors, fusing the home with it’s site. In speaking with our Clients during one of our first meetings, and upon seeing the incredible site on which we would be building, the design vision became clear… The approach - for both the architecture and the interior design of this home to merge in both form and function in such a way that they became indistinguish… - [Large Basement Reno](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/large-basement-reno-pj-vj~63390) - Location: Ottawa, ON - Photos: 12 - Description: Our clients wanted to transform their unfinished basement into a luxurious, entertaining space which was to include a state of the art theatre room complete with large recessed, drop down viewing screen and state of the art A/V equipment, games area, fireplace and bar, wine cellar, full washroom and exercise room. Our philosophy in terms of basement design is to create a space that rivals that of any other living space above grade; lighting is critical and incorporating elements such as duct wor… - [AWARD WINNING Powder Room](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/award-winning-powder-room-pj-vj~2111099) - Location: Ottawa, ON - Photos: 8 - Description: A powder room design from the project "A Condo Like No Other" & winner of the 2016 GOHBA Housing Award. - [Elegant Home Reno](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/elegant-home-reno-pj-vj~74243) - Location: Ottawa, ON - Photos: 13 - Description: 2012 HOME BUILDING AWARD WINNER FOR BEST RENOVATION/ADDITION BETWEEN $100 000 - $199 99!!! Our clients - a very busy family of five needed more space to cook, live and entertain. Our firm was brought in to discuss ways of enlarging the kitchen in order to make it much more functional. The original layout was very closed and we wanted to open it up in order to make it more family friendly. It was becoming apparent that an addition was in order if we were going to meet this large family’s needs. O… - [High-end Semi's](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/high-end-semi-s-pj-vj~368241) - Location: Ottawa, ON - Photos: 36 - Description: Contemporary 3 storey semi detached custom home - [Full-House Reno](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/full-house-reno-pj-vj~73676) - Location: Ottawa, ON - Photos: 20 - [Hillside Home](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/hillside-home-pj-vj~72996) - Location: Ottawa, ON - Photos: 30 - Description: 2012 DESIGN AWARD WINNER FOR BEST BATHROOM 91 sq/ft OR MORE!!!!!!!!!! Nick named, The Cliff House, the master bedroom, ensuite and Walk-through closet, are located on the top floor of a stunning home which cuts into the side face of a hill. As the master bath faces an organic back terrace, surrounded by nature, the design ideology was clear. Create a space where form and function are one and whereby the form is determined by nature and that the selection of interior finishes are also nature driv… - [A Condo Like No Other](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/a-condo-like-no-other-pj-vj~1529600) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 48 - Description: A condo design for a wonderful couple living in downtown Ottawa. This space has appeared in the Special Interiors Edition of Ottawa Magazine. - [Central Ottawa Residence](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/central-ottawa-residence-pj-vj~63420) - Location: Ottawa, ON - Photos: 9 - Description: Our Client has always had an exquisite garden but was unable to enjoy the view from inside their home due to an old 3 season room and a very small, poorly designed deck. A key requirement was to design an outdoor entertainment area off the main living space on the 2nd floor – an outdoor room with a view! The strong geometry of the design solution is asymmetrically balanced with the tall, 2 storey stairwell on the right and the lower extension of the sauna on the left. The balance of staggered st… - [Custom Home Ottawa](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/custom-home-ottawa-pj-vj~63102) - Location: Ottawa, ON - Photos: 14 - Description: This renovation of an unassuming 1920’s two storey was a collaboration between Southam Design and architect Jacques Hamel of Hamel Design. The exterior façade is beautifully and skillfully wrapped in expanses of aluminum, warm caramel coloured mahogany panels and taupe stucco. All structural and HVAC requirements were seamlessly integrated with the simple, modern design through the use of coves, multiple ceiling heights and stainless steel wrapped columns. Inside, a key feature of the design is… - [Blue Kitchen](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/blue-kitchen-pj-vj~73601) - Location: Ottawa, ON - Photos: 7 - [AWARD WINNING Reno](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/award-winning-reno-pj-vj~74301) - Location: Ottawa, ON - Photos: 22 - Description: Our Clients wanted a sleek, contemporary, clean lined home that would leave a lasting impression. Accustomed to traveling, we needed to transform their 80’s, 2 storey home into a flexible space with room to entertain, or just to contemplate. The design needed to be unconventional yet functional. Sleek but warm and inviting. The transformation started with the removal of all tell tale signs of the eighties! Our design palette consisted of natural finishes. Bringing the outside in. Natural cherry,… - [AWARD WINNING Basement](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/award-winning-basement-pj-vj~64796) - Location: Ottawa, ON - Photos: 5 - Description: Our Client’s 1185 square foot basement had yet to be finished and with 8’ height ceilings, they realized the potential that this space had to be the perfect space for entertainment and that is exactly what this basement became. We designed a multifunctional space complete with a games room, a bar, a soundproof home theatre, a powder room and a gym. We wanted to design a space that was open, bright and visually interesting with various custom details to catch the eye. Curved, lit cove bulkheads h… - [Sun-Filled Addition](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/sun-filled-addition-pj-vj~66492) - Location: Ottawa, ON - Photos: 23 - Description: Winner OCHBA 2008 The client’s existing three bedroom home was cramped and in need of an update. The goal of this project was to provide extra living space that extended out into the back yard. The addition was designed as a beautiful sun-filled room, which fulfilled the Client’s request for a place to read by the fire, admire the garden, and to entertain. The sleek and contemporary fireplace became the focal point of the room, and was surrounded by a unique storage unit composed of irregularly… - [House Face-Lift](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/house-face-lift-pj-vj~65056) - Location: Ottawa, ON - Photos: 6 - Description: Our Clients wanted a sleek, contemporary, clean lined home that would leave a lasting impression. Accustomed to living in a Toronto loft, we needed to transform their 60’s split Bungalow into a flexible space with room to entertain, or just to contemplate. The design needed to be unconventional yet functional. Our design palette consisted of natural walnut, mat lacquer, mat and polished oversized cream porcelain tile and a subtle but strong colour palette. We played with these elements throughou… - [Open concept home](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/open-concept-home-pj-vj~68116) - Location: Ottawa, ON - Photos: 7 - Description: The original contract for this project was to rework the small kitchen with 3 new doors and a large window over the sink. Upon inspection of the home, we suggested removal of the wall separating the kitchen from the dining room as well as a small 4’ addition into the side yard to provide space for a mudroom, complete with bench, cubbies, and storage for skis. The kitchen was reworked into a functional and contemporary space with narrow windows placed between countertop and upper cabinets to maxi… - [Over-The-Top Renovation](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/over-the-top-renovation-pj-vj~771367) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 7 - [Elegant Basement](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/elegant-basement-pj-vj~64469) - Location: Ottawa, ON - Photos: 6 - Description: This project included provided space for a media room, games room, wine cellar, exercise room, fully functioning bathroom complete with shower, and various storage areas. The media room was designed with a 60” plasma screen TV set in wall-to-wall millwork to house a DVD collection and to hide various electronic components which are controlled through an integrated system. The games area, a pool table was placed in the middle of the room with a curved bar height counter and bench seating tucked i… - [Heritage Home Update](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/heritage-home-update-pj-vj~771578) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 6 [See all 35 projects](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/architects-and-building-designers/southam-design-inc-pfvwus-pf~1543714169) ## Ideabooks - [Deep Bay](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/185471962/list/deep-bay) — 58 ideas - [Tricia & Fraser](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/183501327/list/tricia-fraser) — 34 ideas - [Conrad-RyderGames Rm](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/183185925/list/conrad-rydergames-rm) — 55 ideas - [Patrick Graham](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/182956760/list/patrick-graham) — 6 ideas - [Lakehouse](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/161680202/list/lakehouse) — 18 ideas - [fireplace design](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/129024821/list/fireplace-design) — 7 ideas - [Fireplace/TV walls](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/125549368/list/fireplace-tv-walls) — 2 ideas - [Paul A](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/107581788/list/paul-a) — 8 ideas - [Bathrooms](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/74503065/list/bathrooms) — 1 idea - [Kitchens that work](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/5126086/list/kitchens-that-work) — 10 ideas - [A Basement to Desire](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/5147931/list/a-basement-to-desire) — 13 ideas [See all 11 ideabooks](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/users/penny152) ## Community Q&A **Q: How to build that bed ?** *(in Photo Questions)* Hello, I'd like to build a bed like this. How did you manage to make this invisible structure ? A: You put blocking behind the drywall, create a frame using 2x6, add 3/4 MDF underneath (can add lighting if you wish - use certified electrician) add trim, the rail. the steps were boxes bought from ikea and painted! **Q: Who makes this vanity? Thanks!** *(in Photo Questions)* A: it is a custom cabinet with channel drawer system **Q: Where is the cabinet/drawer hardware from?** *(in Photo Questions)* A: The hardware us from Richelieu. But many companies carry variations of this hardware design. The cabinet is custom. A combination of anigree and cherry wood veneers. **Q: Cabinet** *(in Photo Questions)* Can you please tell me where i can get the floating cabinet? A: Hello toddh, unfortunately these cabinets are custom made so you won't be able to find them in store. We have seen wall hung cabinets at some of the Lowes, Rona or Home Depot stores but their finishes were different. Ikea has some wall hung inexpensive cabinets that are with an Oak Veneer but I'm not sure that you want to go that route. Speak to some of the cabinetry makers in your area. They may have something similar in their portfolios. Best of luck. **Q: Hi. Where can we get the shower seat? Thanks.** *(in Photo Questions)* A: Unfortunately we cannot remember where this stool is from but you should be able to find something similar at Artemano. Best of luck. **Q: bench** *(in Photo Questions)* why not a built in bench? just wondering since we are redoing our bath and wanted to know pros and cons of built in. thank you. A: I don't recall why we didn't go with a built in bench in this case... perhaps the layout didn't allow for it... If you have room for a built in bench in your shower and feel it is something you would use while showering, then there is no cons to having a built in bench. Go for it. --- *Source: Houzz professional profile. Reflects the profile as of 2026-09-04.*