--- title: "FOI Designs — Staircases & Railings | Houzz" canonical_html_url: https://www.houzz.com/professionals/staircases-and-railings/foi-designs-pfvwus-pf~1763621067 markdown_url: https://www.houzz.com/md/professionals/pf~1763621067.md entity_type: LocalBusiness business_name: "FOI Designs" category: ["Staircases & Railings"] image: https://st.hzcdn.com/fimgs/46330a710762aac2_0496-w400-h400-b1-p10--.jpg address: "33 Watson Road S., Guelph, Ontario N1L1E3, Canada" latitude: 43.5204 longitude: -80.1892 phone: "(519) 760-9713" website: http://www.foidesigns.ca rating: 4.6 review_count: 9 best_of_houzz_awards: 3 followers: 34 last_updated: 2026-09-09 --- # FOI Designs Original Houzz profile: [FOI Designs](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/staircases-and-railings/foi-designs-pfvwus-pf~1763621067) ## Professional summary - **Primary category:** Staircases & Railings - **Location:** Guelph, ON - **Serves:** Cambridge, Guelph, Kitchener, Mississauga, Montreal, Oakville, Toronto, Waterloo - **Houzz rating:** 4.6 out of 5 (9 reviews) - **Best of Houzz:** 3 awards (2018–2022), for Service. ## About ### Houzz Badges - Houzz Influencer - Recommended on Houzz - 250 Ideabook Saves The GTA's only luxury glass staircase/glass railing design firm. Design, engineer, manufacture and develop truly unique illuminated glass railing, staircase and wall systems. Our expertise and engineering capability allow us to efficiently create new and exciting features to capture your imagination and attention. ### Services Provided - Railing Installation - Stair Installation - Staircase Design - Glass Railings - Address plaques - Etched Glass - Illuminated Glass - Laser Etched Glass - Lighting Design - Outdoor Lighting Installation - Railings ### Areas Served - Cambridge - Guelph - Kitchener - Mississauga - Montreal - Oakville - Toronto - Waterloo ### Typical Job Cost CAD $2,500 - $100,000 ## Business Details | Field | Value | | --- | --- | | Business Name | FOI Designs | | Address | 33 Watson Road S., Guelph, Ontario N1L1E3, Canada | | Phone | (519) 760-9713 | | Website | http://www.foidesigns.ca | | License Number | 98-09765 | | Followers on Houzz | 34 | ## Contact - **Houzz profile:** [FOI Designs](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/staircases-and-railings/foi-designs-pfvwus-pf~1763621067) - **Website:** http://www.foidesigns.ca - **Phone:** (519) 760-9713 ## Credentials **Certifications & Awards** - Ontario Society of Professional Engineers - **Best of Houzz:** 3 awards (2018–2022), for Service. ## Reviews **Overall rating: 4.6 out of 5 — 9 reviews** *Aspect averages:* - Work Quality: 43.0 - Communication: 30.0 - Value: 33.0 ### All 9 reviews **★★★ — Anonymous Anonymous, Sept. 2021** > Overall beautiful custom designed floating stairs and major upgrade from previous stairs. Many of our friends complimented it. However, poor logistics, planning, and communication. They’re clearly taking more projects than they can handle. **★★★★★ — HU-801266666, Dec. 2020** > My third project with FOI Designs and it won't be the last! The design created by Tracy was amazing and the actual finished staircase was exactly as shown in the renders they provided. We looked at 6 different staircase manufacturers in Toronto and FOI Designs was the only firm that could make the custom hardware and finishes we wanted and the only company that provided the support of an interior designer. They are expensive but worth every penny and the installation crew were very polite and project was delivered on time. **★★★ — HU-770228158, Oct. 2020** > Very nice job overall in terms of custom made parts and installation; got lots of compliments on our project from everyone. However, poor communication, logistics, and planning. **★★★★★ — lmanceyyz, Dec. 2017** > We needed an updated, modern, attractive looking and safe railing/banister for our front entrance area to replace the original from the 60's. **★★★★★ — Lesley and Teo Verspaget, Oct. 2017** > We are thrilled with our new custom designed steel stair risers. Everything from the initial consultation to the design, installation and clean up was fabulous. Thank you to Sean and Mark and Tracy for their excellent service. Special thanks to Sean for his talent, creativity and collaborative approach to the design. You always did what you said you would do. You respected our budget and our time. Thank you! We very highly recommend FOI designs. **★★★★★ — Edyn Marshall, Aug. 2017** > Anyone looking to add class and elegance to their office or home contact FOI Designs! > Sean and his team were extremely professional and hard working. They helped us design exactly what we needed for the office space and even gave some other recommendations we excepted as well. > Would highly recommend their services to anyone. **★★★★★ — brad\_barbour4, Aug. 2017** > FOI design, product and installation was fantastic. From the starting design to the finished product, amazing work. We had a glass office sign produced for a new focal wall and I can't be happier. Totally transformed my office to have a professional look. I love it, staff love it, and clients love it. Can't thank Sean Mance enough, truly amazing. **★★★★★ — angcaldwell19, Feb. 2017** > It was a pleasure working with this company. They had lots of great, unique ideas, and stayed within the budget!. For sure would recommend:) **★★★★★ — David Fedy, Feb. 2017** > FOI Designs was a real pleasure to deal with. Work was completed on time and on budget which is always great to see. Happy to provide a positive recommendation for Sean and FOI and encourage others to give them a try. ## Selected projects - [Illuminated Glass Staircase](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/illuminated-glass-staircase-pj-vj~2496375) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 24 - Description: This staircase is the first of it's kind in North America. The goal of this project was to maintain the great level of visual open space in this residence. With the significant amount of light available from the stairs, landings and bridge huge savings were created due to the lack of typical lighting fixtures and pot lights required. Substantial engineering was applied and required to many of the design features. To ensure the integrity of this staircase only certified trades were permitted to w… - [Blue Mountain Chalet](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/blue-mountain-chalet-pj-vj~5575858) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 16 - [Yonge Street Residence](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/yonge-street-residence-pj-vj~6449693) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 3 - [Waterloo Luxury Apartment](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/waterloo-luxury-apartment-pj-vj~2903742) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 16 - [Exterior Backyard Gates + Wall](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/exterior-backyard-gates-wall-pj-vj~5591466) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 7 - [Custom One of a Kind](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/custom-one-of-a-kind-pj-vj~3013634) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 8 - Description: The products posted here are truly unique and will most likely never be manufactured again. These client's requested truly unique fabrication and design features and we couldn't be happier to deliver such pieces. If these examples inspire any HOUZZ members in the future then posting these was time well spent! - [Engineered Structural Glass Staircase Projects](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/engineered-structural-glass-staircase-projects-pj-vj~2302394) - Location: New York, NY - Photos: 11 - [ILLUMINATED RESIDENTIAL RAILING](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/illuminated-residential-railing-pj-vj~2806430) - Location: Halton Hills, ON - Photos: 6 - Description: This tempered glass railing system was designed, manufactured and fabricated in house using metal, laser etched tempered glass and neutral white LED modules. - [Wine Display Room](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/wine-display-room-pj-vj~2816234) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 8 - [Waterloo Residential](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/waterloo-residential-pj-vj~1815060) - Location: Waterloo, ON - Photos: 4 - Description: This project was the dream of a very particular client. The entire structure was fabricated and welded from Italian stainless steel, 12mm thick PPG StarPhire low iron glass, custom laser etched panels, and an exclusive 48 volt LED system that creates 3 times the brightness of 12 volt systems while consuming less electricity. - [Address Plaque](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/address-plaque-pj-vj~2347189) - Location: Mississauga, ON - Photos: 11 - Description: This address plaque design was modified in house at Foi Designs from an original concept provided from the landscape architect hired by the property owner. The concrete walls and exterior tile work was completed by Yorkway Paving. Our work envelope consisted of the glass work, laser etched pattern on the glass, lighting and stainless steel cover panels at the base of the glass. The glass panels are 10 mm thick Diamante ultra low iron and the stainless material is \#4 brushed 304. - [Illuminated Glass Privacy Panels](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/illuminated-glass-privacy-panels-pj-vj~1820077) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 5 - Description: This privacy panel design was a project that had 3 demands from the client. They wanted to separate the driveway from the landscaped space, the partition needed to be elegant and visually a non - distraction, it also needed to provide it's own source of light to better identify the features it is separating in evening hours. - [Illuminated Glass Address Plaque](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/illuminated-glass-address-plaque-pj-vj~1820083) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 4 - Description: This project created a fusion of custom text font designed in our studio, low iron tempered glass, laser cut transparent blue cast acrylic, brushed stainless steel and cool white LED lighting. The frame was custom fabricated from T6160 aluminium and powder coated in a stain silver finish. - [Stainless & Float Glass Railing](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/stainless-and-float-glass-railing-pj-vj~2315673) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 8 - Description: New ideas come from differences. This client requested a clean look, modern lines and a focus on safety. What makes this railing different is simply, the height. This railing is actually 42 inches tall and the stainless steel vertical tubes are 4 inch square. The oversized vertical tubes optically make the height of this railing look shorter. - [Illuminated Glass Headboard](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/illuminated-glass-headboard-pj-vj~2314675) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 2 - [Illuminated Restaraunt Patio Panels](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/illuminated-restaraunt-patio-panels-pj-vj~1815100) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 3 - [3D Design and Renderings](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/3d-design-and-renderings-pj-vj~2314650) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 9 - Description: FOI Designs has a full suite of both 3D CAD software as well as 3D photo realistic rendering software to develop digital content for any residential project. Engineering work is all completed inhouse and we can provide stamped blueprints of our work exclusively. Feel free to contact us for rates. - [Home Office Container](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/home-office-container-pj-vj~2315724) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 2 - [Full Colour Illuminated Glass Floor Panel](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/full-colour-illuminated-glass-floor-panel-pj-vj~1820163) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 4 - [Custom Machined Stainless and Aluminum Components](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/custom-machined-stainless-and-aluminum-components-pj-vj~2314805) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 6 - Description: For all customers to receive a truly original project from FOI Designs all steel / aluminum structures and clamping devices are designed and manufactured in house on the latest CNC machining equipment. By not restricting our clients to typical catalogue components we provide an authentic design process. True originality consists not only in the manufacturing process but rather the ability to see through on the client's vision. [See all 21 projects](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/staircases-and-railings/foi-designs-pfvwus-pf~1763621067) ## Ideabooks - [Wish List](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/68677657/list/wish-list) — 4 ideas [See all 1 ideabook](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/users/foidesigns) ## Community Q&A **Q: Illuminated Privacy Panels** *(in Photo Questions)* Where can these illuminated privacy panels be purchased? Thank you! A: We design and manufacture all illuminated privacy panels in-house. Our contact info is posted on our site. www.foidesigns.ca **Q: The glass panels** *(in Photo Questions)* Do you have a vendor or vendors in which you buy these A: Good morning. So sorry for the late response. Last week was vacation time. Can you tell me specifically what feature you are asking about in regards to vendors? The glass, the stainless steel railing or the hardware? Please advise and I will answer you promptly. Thanks for your interest! Tracy **Q: pool and landscapers in Spring, TX** *(in Landscape Design)* We will be moving into our home in Spring, TX this fall, and would like to begin working with a pool and landscape designer to create our plan with the goal of starting the project the day of closing. Any recommendations? A: We have a client that used www.austinoutdoordesign.com and he was so pleased with their work. I have traveled to his residence just outside of Austin and their choice of both materials and colors was quite impressive. They are NOT cheap though. Hope this helps and good luck! **Q: Is it possible to move a 240v outlet?** *(in Appliances)* Hi, so im adding a wall oven, which needs a 240v outlet. My current range will be removed and replaced with a gas cooktop, so I do not need the 240v outlet near the range anymore. Is it possible to have that 240v outlet moved a few feet to the other wall for the wall oven? Is this usually cheaper than getting a brand new connection? Thanks! A: A splice of new circuit wires to existing wires CAN be made inside an accessible junction box as follows: Match the wires together which are of the same color. Strip off the insulation of each wire about an inch. Twist the wires together in the clockwise direction. Trim off the wires evenly. Place a wire connector on the spliced wires. In "layman's" terms...the existing outlet will be replaced with a junction box, existing wires go into the junction box, extended new wires connect to existing wires inside the junction box, new wires now travel to the new 240V desired location and are wired into the new plug (receptacle). Hope this helps! **Q: Contractor insisting on cabinet hardware placement his way not ours..** *(in Polls)* I have a contractor with a horrible attitude who had absolutely no patience today, when he wanted to install the mushroom knobs onto our upper & lower cabinet doors placed 'his way' 3 inches from the bottom of each of our upper cabinet doors, and 3 inches from the top of our lower cabinet doors. I told him I prefer the knobs centered in/on the diagonal corner of each cabinet door. One knob at the bottom corner of each cabinet door for upper cabinets, and placed in the same way but at the top of the door on the lower cabinet doors. So then he basically told me in a very obnoxious & nasty way that I was wrong & ridicules for wanting knobs placed in that position and that no one else ever does it the way I want it. He said his way is the 'standard' way to do it and the way he 'always' does it. After saying all of that he threw down the knob he was holding in his hand rather hard, with enough impact to make a loud sound on the countertop. With no regard for damaging the knob or the countertop {which had only a thin piece of cardboard on it at the time}. This contractor is planning on coming here tomorrow so I asked him to please hold off until tomorrow morning installing the knobs until my husband and I are sure about where We want to place them I have been looking here on Houzz to verify if I am really 'wrong' for wanting the knob placement where I want it. Searching on Houzz seem to be finding a significantly higher percentage of photos with knobs placed the way I want them, & not nearly as many installed the way the contractor wants them. So this proves to me I am not crazy & my way is a very common placement of knobs on cabinets. I think he is irritated because if he does it my way {on the corner} instead of his way {up 3"} , then he won't be able to use his easy peasy 3" template to mark where the hardware will go and that would be more work for him to measure & place them. He was rude, pushy & insulting toward me. The way I see it, the one who owns the house {me & my hubby} and the one who pays the contractor {me & my hubby} should get to chose where hardware is placed! We have to live with it not him! Which way do you prefer? This is how I want the knobs placed: This is how our contractor wants them photo below: Which do you prefer? Is there a right way & a wrong way? To me it looks like they are both acceptable, I see Pro Designers using both on Houzz. I am strong about which one I like, but am just curious what others opinions are also? ---Thanks! A: We have 2 machines in our shop that can cut out templates for such applications. If your contractor refuses to install your hardware in the locations that you wish just let me know and we will cut and ship you the templates absolutely free of charge. No joke, will ship them by Monday. We have personally dealt with other trades on home sites that share the attitude of your contractor, very sad. **Q: Won't deliver to Canada** *(in Design Dilemma)* I tried to purchase a lighting product, but it says they won't deliver to Canada. A: Unfortunately, the U.S. market is large enough for most companies to be satisfied with the potential customer base in the continental U.S. and they would rather not deal with international shipping and customs issues to simply expand their market by 5 - 10%. I have dealt with this issue many times personally, quite frustrating. --- *Source: Houzz professional profile. Reflects the profile as of 2026-09-09.*