--- title: "Design First Interiors — Architects & Building Designers | Houzz" canonical_html_url: https://www.houzz.com/professionals/architects-and-building-designers/design-first-interiors-pfvwus-pf~2113994568 markdown_url: https://www.houzz.com/md/professionals/pf~2113994568.md entity_type: LocalBusiness business_name: "Design First Interiors" category: ["Architects"] image: https://st.hzcdn.com/fimgs/a053bca10f9b0833_8429-w400-h400-b0-p0--.jpg address: "300-116 Albert St, Ottawa, Ontario K1P 5G3, Canada" latitude: 45.4207 longitude: -75.7004 phone: "(613) 562-2655" website: http://www.designfirstinteriors.com rating: 4.9 review_count: 44 best_of_houzz_awards: 13 followers: 1045 last_updated: 2026-08-15 --- # Design First Interiors Original Houzz profile: [Design First Interiors](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/architects-and-building-designers/design-first-interiors-pfvwus-pf~2113994568) ## Professional summary - **Primary category:** Architects - **Location:** Ottawa, ON - **Serves:** Aylmer, Barrhaven, Bells Corners, Britannia, Chelsea, Deschênes, Gatineau, Gloucester, Hazeldean, Hull, Kanata, Leitrim, Nepean, Old Chelsea, Orleans, Ottawa, Quebec, Rockcliffe Park, Shirleys Bay, Templeton, Uplands - **Houzz rating:** 4.9 out of 5 (44 reviews) - **Best of Houzz:** 13 awards (2013–2022), for Design, Service. ## About ### Houzz Badges - Star Houzzer - Houzz Influencer - Recommended on Houzz - 100,000 Ideabook Saves - Best of Houzz winner - Award winning Design First is the most awarded residential interior design firm in Ottawa. Since 1986 Design First has become known for their creative ability to respond to client’s needs in a uniquely personal way. Our mission has always been to enhance quality of life with our design skills. Please call us to see how we can bring Design to your Life! ### Services Provided - Home Remodeling - Home Additions - Kitchen Design - Kitchen Remodeling - Floor Plans - 3D Rendering - Bathroom Design - Space Planning - Drafting - Basement Remodeling - Construction Drawings - Custom Homes ### Areas Served - Aylmer - Barrhaven - Bells Corners - Britannia - Chelsea - Deschênes - Gatineau - Gloucester - Hazeldean - Hull - Kanata - Leitrim - Nepean - Old Chelsea - Orleans - Ottawa - Quebec - Rockcliffe Park - Shirleys Bay - Templeton - Uplands ### Typical Job Cost CAD 30,000 - CAD 80,000 ## Business Details | Field | Value | | --- | --- | | Business Name | Design First Interiors | | Address | 300-116 Albert St, Ottawa, Ontario K1P 5G3, Canada | | Phone | (613) 562-2655 | | Website | http://www.designfirstinteriors.com | | Followers on Houzz | 1045 | **Social profiles:** - Facebook — http://www.facebook.com/pages/design-first-interiors/201484789961551 - X (Twitter) — https://twitter.com/DesignFirstInt - LinkedIn — https://www.linkedin.com/company/5078409?trk=vsrp\_companies\_res\_name&trkInfo=VSRPsearchId%3A53824258 ## Contact - **Houzz profile:** [Design First Interiors](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/architects-and-building-designers/design-first-interiors-pfvwus-pf~2113994568) - **Website:** http://www.designfirstinteriors.com - **Phone:** (613) 562-2655 ## Credentials - **Best of Houzz:** 13 awards (2013–2022), for Design, Service. ## Reviews **Overall rating: 4.9 out of 5 — 44 reviews** ### Reviews **★★★★★ — Jennifer Francis, Aug. 2019** > We had an outdated kitchen with a difficult layout. We went to Design First after seeing a friend's kitchen they had designed. The process with Friedemann was highly consultative. Several meetings were just to get a feel for the space and how we wanted to use the kitchen. The end result is both beautiful and perfect for our needs. Unfortunately Friedemann passed away during the project. While it was a difficult time for everybody, Megan and Nicole were extremely professional throughout. They really carried forward the design ethos of DesignFirst. They were great problem solvers when the inevitable construction surprises happened. Shopping with Megan for tiles, lights, handles etc was a pleasure. Their attention to detail and regular communication was great and the result looks even better than I imagined from the designs. I totally love cooking in it! **★★★★★ — Brad Shipman, Dec. 2018** > As soon as we stepped into Design First Interiors for our first consultation, we knew we had found the right designer for our new kitchen. Friedemann and Nicole worked with us to come up with a creative use for our space that we absolutely love. We had been to other designers but were put off by the secrecy behind the process and pricing. Design First was upfront with everything so there were no surprises. We especially liked how they really listened to what we wanted to achieve so that we felt we were participants in the project and not just bystanders. Nicole supervised the entire project, from shopping with us for ceramic tiles to being on-site for trouble shooting and inspections. Their referral for a contractor was spot on and Nicole took care of all the communications and scheduling so we had a no-stress experience. Our new kitchen is not only beautiful, but functional and perfect for entertaining. We highly recommend Design First Interiors. **★★★★★ — Manju Sah, Nov. 2018** > I went to Friedemann Weindhardt, Design First, for ideas for redesigns for two bathrooms. I also had a budget in mind. I'd met with other companies before but only got ideas for replacement rather than redesign. Friedemann's approach was very different from what others had proposed - wonderfully creative, and I now have two beautiful bathrooms I'm very happy with. Friedemann took the time to address my concerns regarding the budget in the overall design. He was great to work with - energetic, positive, and creative! Nathalie, his project manager on the team, helped me patiently and creatively to address material and fixture choices, and worked hard to quickly resolve issues as they came up. I am glad to have had the opportunity to work with Friedemann and his Design First team on my bathroom redesign. **★★★★★ — Anne Brennan, Sept. 2017** > We hired Friedemann Weindhardt, Design First, to finish part of our basement, We wanted office space, a lounge area with fireplace, servery, wine storage and full bathroom. After meeting with three companies, we chose Friedemann because he focussed mainly on design elements that would meet our vision, rather than, as others had, on the process issues and warnings to reduce our wish list for budget reasons. We left our first meeting with Friedemann feeling excited and positive about the prospect of undertaking our first-ever renovation project. Design First did not disappoint. Friedemann was a delight to work with. Nathalie, Friedemann’s talented and efficient design assistant, played a key role in helping us select materials while overseeing the project schedule. Her keen eye ensured that we avoided potential problems. Overall, the design and construction phases were very well executed. We have a beautiful, fully functional space that we can now enjoy with friends and family. Thank you Friedemann and Nathalie! **★★★★★ — Linda Haldane, May 2017** > I am most pleased to recommend Design First Interiors. This company has recently designed my new kitchen as well as my main and ensuite bathrooms. Throughout the project Friedemann and his team paid careful attention to my desires and, thankfully, made excellent suggestions as well. These interiors are beautifully up-to-date and space efficient. We are thrilled with the quality of the materials used and the expertise that went into all of the installations. Every minute detail was considered. > Another very important area throughout the project was that of communication between myself and Design First Interiors. Friedemann and his very talented assistant, Nathalie, were constantly in touch throughout the project and always efficient and available to me by email whenever I had questions or concerns – this was very much appreciated. > Friedemann's professional and congenial matter, creative expertise and demand for perfection have made this project a total success!!! **Comment from Design First Interiors:** > Thanks Linda, It was a pleasure working with you. All the team keeps talking about how you are 'the nicest client' **★★★★★ — midgelet, Sept. 2016** > After our first meeting with Friedemann we knew he would be the best choice for our main level and kitchen redesign. We were looking for an open concept that would provide more functionality, more comfort, and yet give a "wow" factor. He was willing to listen to us to incorporate our needs and wants into his vision but still impart his wonderful design sense. > > After deciding on our final design, Friedemann and his team put the plan into action. They oversaw the entire renovation, always available for questions and concerns, and helped us achieve the kitchen we wanted. > > After living in our completed space for nearly 6 months now, we could not be happier. We would not hesitate to hire Friedemann and his team again for future home renovations. Highly recommended to anyone looking for a fresh and stunning home re-design. > > Thanks Friedemann and team. Paul and Jorie **★★★★★ — tebow961, Aug. 2016** > My wife and I decided to renovate our house with the kitchen being the centerpiece of the project. We visited a number of companies but we never walked out of any of the meetings thinking that it was productive. It felt like they were trying to sell their cabinets and other wares instead of the concept. It never felt like they were listening to what we wanted. Friedemann was the first person who didn’t initially talk product but rather ideas and concepts. The first couple meetings we had with him were for the purpose of just getting to know each other. He wanted to get to know us, our likes & dislikes. From these initial conversations, we sat down with him and he’d have the current layout of our house on a table. He would then lay some tracing paper on top of it and would start throwing ideas at us. He’d sketch suggestions on top of our current configuration while continually asking us questions. There were a number of crumpled papers tossed into the garbage. We (I can’t strongly emphasize this point!) finally came up with a new layout. We were completely involved in the concept phase. From that point forward, Friedemann and his team completed the architectural drawings based on our concepts and sketches, managed the project and all of its phases. Even now, they’re making sure that the last few things are completed properly and to the specifications that we had asked for. From concept to finished project, we now have our dream home that we always wanted. **Comment from Design First Interiors:** > Thank you very much for your kind comments. It was a real pleasure getting to know you and helping you create that great design for your home! **★★★★★ — User, July 2016** > I simply love food. In 2009, Friedemann designed my dream kitchen and working in it was an absolute pleasure. In 2014, I moved into a new home and missed my old kitchen more than I could have imagined. This new house was older and much smaller than the first but I knew who to call and what to expect. Friedemann really does put ‘design first’. Yes, the final product is aesthetically beautiful, but as a cook, the space has to be a place you are drawn to. I love my new kitchen and look forward to working in it for many years to come. Dylan. **Comment from Design First Interiors:** > Thank you Dylan, > It was great working with you again and really enjoyed making your second dream kitchen come to life! Cheers to many great times there! > Friedemann **★★★★★ — mondeauca, July 2016** > After having done two homes with Design First what truly sets them apart is the attention to the needs of their customers. They have truly designed Kitchens that have been just a pleasure to stay home and cook instead of going out . Value for the service and quality was exceptional. > Claude & Francine **★★★★★ — Kerri-Lynn Pratt, June 2016** > Working with Friedemann and his team at Design First was a first class experience. In 2015, we made structural design changes to an existing home. In the initial planning phase, Design First spent quality upfront time with us to truly understand our functional needs and personal design style to solidify and enhance our vision and plan. They helped create and implement a beautiful and functional kitchen for our home and enhanced our family room with design features of the cut out glass which provides light to the neighbouring hallway, the wall panelling, and the built-in cabinets and shelves. Overall their creativity and detailed eye provided enhancements to various areas of our home. From start to finish, Design First's customer service was impeccable! We would highly recommend them to anyone! Kerri-Lynn and Brian **Comment from Design First Interiors:** > Thanks very much Kerri-Lyne and Brian; > It was a pleasure working with you and we are all thrilled that your house turned out so great and that it suits your family so well. > We look forward to working together again soon, > Cheer, > Friedemann **★★★★★ — superkath, Dec. 2015** > We had wanted to update the kitchen in our 107 year old home for quite some time, but we were not finding something that would work. At a friend's suggestion, we met with Friedemann at Design First. He worked dynamically on a plan with us that was beyond what we had envisioned but was exactly what we had been wanting. He then set about making it a reality. Friedemann and his team oversaw every aspect of the reno/project that not only gave us our kitchen, but transformed our entire main floor such our home suddenly made sense. My husband and I now cook together with ample room, and entertain with pride. So many times, I walk downstairs and say Wow! I live HERE! Pinch me! :) > Living through a reno is not easy, but I felt that Design First would deliver the entire way through. Their commitment to quality in all areas was refreshing & stress-relieving. The response from friends, neighbours and family to our kitchen has been "wow, it's beautiful and so you" > I would highly recommend Design First. We couldn't be happier. There is nothing I would change in my new kitchen. :) Thank you Friedemann. **Comment from Design First Interiors:** > Wow! thanks very much for your kind appreciation. It is very rewarding for us to know that we have exceeded your expectations. It was a distinct pleasure working with you and wish you many happy memories in the new kitchen! > Friedemann and Nicole **★★★★★ — skinnyboutique, Nov. 2015** > We purchased a bungalow on the Rideau River in Manotick, in need of a makeover Our goal was to have the open concept kitchen and family room reflect our personal style while adding functionality. It was also important for this space to have the flexibility of family life during the week and entertaining space on weekends. > > After meeting Friedemann and his team, I was content that we had made the right decision. I have to say, I myself felt as though I was part of their team, making decisions along the way while being supported by talent and expertise. I kept thinking, this is how it should be done. > > We are thrilled with the results, which exceeded our expectations. When we get home now from work, we feel like we're stepping into a magazine, its a true showpiece. And the biggest compliment is this; when guests arrive at our home now, they pull out their phones to take photos. > > \- Sue **Comment from Design First Interiors:** > Thanks Sue, It was a pleasure working with you and we are all proud of the results! ## Selected projects - [Harmonized Heritage](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/harmonized-heritage-pj-vj~5622945) - Location: Ottawa, ON - Photos: 20 - [Contrasted Harmony](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/contrasted-harmony-pj-vj~5622891) - Location: Ottawa, ON - Photos: 8 - Description: A functional transformation was definitely needed in this renovation. Opening up the original small U-shaped kitchen into the large sunken breakfast area provided much needed space for the kitchen. Re-grouping the seating area with the large kitchen island and extending the appliance wall to the existing bay window wall greatly improved the flow of circulation. Updates were also required to suit the new homeowner’s taste for a more contemporary style and design. The challenge presented by the tw… - [Over the Bridge](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/over-the-bridge-pj-vj~5622785) - Location: Ottawa, ON - Photos: 11 - Description: This modern kitchen makes a big statement. Its open concept fulfills a number of purposes. Simple in design, it makes room for a stylish gathering space hosting large parties, entertaining guest, to practical family living. The large scale of the appliances plays a crucial role in this new layout of the cabinetry. By grouping the tall pantries, oven tower, fridge and freezer columns together, these full height elements balance out the horizontal mass of the large cooking area. Dark wood frames b… - [In The Clouds](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/in-the-clouds-pj-vj~5617930) - Location: Ottawa, ON - Photos: 7 - [Warm Welcome Walk-In](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/warm-welcome-walk-in-pj-vj~5622648) - Location: Ottawa, ON - Photos: 4 - [All You Need Is Laundry](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/all-you-need-is-laundry-pj-vj~5622670) - Location: Ottawa, ON - Photos: 3 - [Morning Sky](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/morning-sky-pj-vj~5617891) - Location: Ottawa, ON - Photos: 13 - [Convivial Hub](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/convivial-hub-pj-vj~5617876) - Location: Ottawa, ON - Photos: 11 - Description: The main goal of this renovation project was to update the look but more importantly maximize the storage capacity and the overall use of space in the kitchen. The most impactful improvement was the repositioning of the existing stairs which led to a much more functional layout. The original steps were blocking useful cabinet space in the family room. By centering the stairs with the kitchen and increasing the width, a more practical space for the family room was created. This new design also de… - [Pristine Dream Cuisine](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/pristine-dream-cuisine-pj-vj~5617810) - Location: Ottawa, ON - Photos: 7 - [À La Mode - Kitchen](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/a-la-mode-kitchen-pj-vj~2971544) - Location: Ottawa, ON - Photos: 10 - [À La Mode - Living Room](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/a-la-mode-living-room-pj-vj~2971690) - Location: Ottawa, ON - Photos: 3 - [À La Mode - Powder Room](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/a-la-mode-powder-room-pj-vj~2971706) - Location: Ottawa, ON - Photos: 1 - [Basement Beauty](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/basement-beauty-pj-vj~2971393) - Location: Ottawa, ON - Photos: 12 - [A Wonderful Work Space](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/a-wonderful-work-space-pj-vj~2971364) - Location: Ottawa, ON - Photos: 2 - [Colour Contrast Bath](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/colour-contrast-bath-pj-vj~2971290) - Location: Ottawa, ON - Photos: 2 - [Comforts of the Kitchen](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/comforts-of-the-kitchen-pj-vj~2703179) - Location: Ottawa, ON - Photos: 8 - [New Traditions](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/new-traditions-pj-vj~2664832) - Location: Ottawa, ON - Photos: 10 - Description: This Master Ensuite is relatively small compared to contemporary standards. The room could not be enlarged. Our design maximizes the function and with the high level of attention to detail, it becomes a room that works well and looks greats. The flush shower was placed at the far end of the room. It is very generous in size and features multiple shower systems. The controls are conveniently located near the door, not under the shower. A full height niche for soap/shampoo is a stunning design fea… - [Busy Boys Bath](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/busy-boys-bath-pj-vj~2664820) - Location: Ottawa, ON - Photos: 8 - Description: This bathroom was renovated for a family with 3 boys aged 4 to 8, growing up fast this design needed to anticipate the current and future needs. The bathroom would frequently be shared and that was accommodated in this design; - Generous counterspace - Lots of storage/plenty of drawers - Partially frosted shower glass - Lots of towel hangers, and - A huge mirror that all 3 can use At only 68 sq.ft. the size of the room was challenging but not as much as it was before (44 sq.ft.). The former room… - [Give Me The Garden, Please](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/give-me-the-garden-please-pj-vj~2664804) - Location: Ottawa, ON - Photos: 10 - Description: This kitchen renovation is in a late mid-century split level. It formerly featured closed off rooms with little or no communication with each other. The new owners, a young couple that both love cooking, gardening, and nature. They wanted a kitchen that was open with generous working space for cooking, and able to accommodate lots of friends. Most importantly, they wanted a design that would ‘give them a great view of their garden’. Because there was no load bearing points, we were able to remov… - [Clean & Serene](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/clean-and-serene-pj-vj~2664922) - Location: Ottawa, ON - Photos: 8 - Description: Even though this master ensuite is only 9’-8” wide it looks much larger. The walls dividing the bedroom and this master ensuite were very carefully located for the design to suit all three functions; bath wardrobe & bedroom. Symmetry and balance were a result of putting the function first. - The ‘block’ of the main wardrobe created the ideal wall for the headboard - The center of that wardrobe became the centre of the ensuite entry with symmetrical wardrobes on either side - The center of the en… [See all 190 projects](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/architects-and-building-designers/design-first-interiors-pfvwus-pf~2113994568) ## Ideabooks - [designfirstinteriors's ideas](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/23684400/list/designfirstinteriors-s-ideas) — 2 ideas [See all 1 ideabook](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/users/designfirstinteriors) ## Community Q&A **Q: white paint used** *(in Photo Questions)* White paint used? A: Pure White OC-64 by Benjamin Moore **Q: kitchen dimensions, especially width** *(in Photo Questions)* Can you please tell me the width of this kitchen? Thank you A: Hello, The width is approximately 13'-0". Looks like there is a little more than 3'-0" between the cabinets (3'-0" is a little tight) and the cabinet components are 2'-0" deep each. Thanks, **Q: What, and from where is the floor tile in this kitchen?** *(in Photo Questions)* That is what I would like in my kitchen/dining room. I hope it is A: Hello, Unfortunately I believe these floor tiles are discontinued. This project was completed about 10 years ago so it is a likely scenario. However, there are many porcelain tiles available that are similar in look. I would recommend reaching out to your local tile supplier to see what collections they have available. As a start, I would check out the ‘Via Appia’ collection from Euro Tile and Stone. Hope this helps. Thank you, Nathalie **Q: beautiful kitchen!** *(in Photo Questions)* What type of cabinets are these? Are they a thermofoil? A: Hello, Thank you for your message. The black cabinets are made from a high quality MDF engineered wood with a black gloss lacquer finish. The wood cabinets are a solid wood, natural walnut matte finish. Regards, Nathalie **Q: What is the depth?** *(in Photo Questions)* What is the depth of this space? looks like its enough to walk in and grab what you want and also display everything A: Hello, Wine Cellar Solutions built this cellar (https://www.houzz.com/pro/ottawawinecellars/wine-cellar-solutions). I do not have the exact measurements but from our archives, the overall depth is approximately 30”. Thank you **Q: Where can you get the backsplash tile?** *(in Photo Questions)* A: Hello, The backsplash tile is called Peronda Damasco / Omeya. We purchased it from a tile supplier in Ottawa about 10 years ago. It may no longer be available there but other suppliers may carry it. --- *Source: Houzz professional profile. Reflects the profile as of 2026-08-15.*