--- title: "Step One Design — Architects & Building Designers | Houzz" canonical_html_url: https://www.houzz.com/professionals/architects-and-building-designers/step-one-design-pfvwus-pf~218169985 markdown_url: https://www.houzz.com/md/professionals/pf~218169985.md entity_type: LocalBusiness business_name: "Step One Design" category: ["Architects"] image: https://st.hzcdn.com/fimgs/b7237e410e907386_5922-w400-h400-b0-p0--.jpg address: "817 Rogers Way, Victoria, British Columbia V8X 5L1, Canada" latitude: 48.4731 longitude: -123.3707 phone: "(250) 634-1434" website: http://www.steponedesign.ca rating: 4.9 review_count: 60 best_of_houzz_awards: 8 followers: 249 last_updated: 2026-09-22 --- # Step One Design Original Houzz profile: [Step One Design](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/architects-and-building-designers/step-one-design-pfvwus-pf~218169985) ## Professional summary - **Primary category:** Architects - **Location:** Victoria, BC - **Serves:** Bamberton, Brentwood Bay, Central Saanich, Colwood, Esquimalt, Langford, Malahat, Metchosin, Nanaimo, Nanoose Bay, Oak Bay, Port Moody, Saanich, Saanichton, Victoria, View Royal - **Houzz rating:** 4.9 out of 5 (60 reviews) - **Best of Houzz:** 8 awards (2014–2022), for Service. ## About ### Houzz Badges - Star Houzzer - 5 Star Houzzer - Houzz Influencer - Recommended on Houzz - 1,000 Ideabook Saves Custom Home Design and Interior Design firm located in Victoria, British Columbia. We are a full-spectrum residential design firm that will help you uncover the potential of your new home or renovation project with inspired and informed building designs. To know your own style preference is one thing, to navigate the myriad choices involved in achieving that style is another. Let us help you uncover your style and apply it in your space. ### Services Provided - Architectural Design - Building Design - Home Remodeling - Architectural Drawings - Custom Homes - House Plans - New Home Construction - Home Additions - Home Extensions - Kitchen Design - Sustainable Design - Kitchen Remodeling - Energy-Efficient Homes - Floor Plans - 3D Rendering - Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) - Green Building - Bathroom Design - Space Planning - Guesthouse Design & Construction - Universal Design - Home Restoration - Drafting - Project Management - Handicap-Accessible Design - Outdoor Kitchen Design - Basement Remodeling - Basement Design - Staircase Design - Deck Design - Garage Design - Site Preparation - Laundry Room Design - 3D Home Design - Construction and Permit Drawings - Custom Home - Interior Design - Remodeling ### Areas Served - Bamberton - Brentwood Bay - Central Saanich - Colwood - Esquimalt - Langford - Malahat - Metchosin - Nanaimo - Nanoose Bay - Oak Bay - Port Moody - Saanich - Saanichton - Victoria - View Royal ### Typical Job Cost CAD 250 - CAD 100,000 Costs for services are dependent on size and scale of project. We work on both small, and large projects. ## Business Details | Field | Value | | --- | --- | | Business Name | Step One Design | | Address | 817 Rogers Way, Victoria, British Columbia V8X 5L1, Canada | | Phone | (250) 634-1434 | | Website | http://www.steponedesign.ca | | Followers on Houzz | 249 | **Social profiles:** - Blog — www.steponedesign.ca ## Contact - **Houzz profile:** [Step One Design](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/architects-and-building-designers/step-one-design-pfvwus-pf~218169985) - **Website:** http://www.steponedesign.ca - **Phone:** (250) 634-1434 ## Credentials **Certifications & Awards** - 2017 Care Awards: Gold - 2016 Care Awards: Gold, Silver - IIDA Member - Victoria Residential Builders Association - **Best of Houzz:** 8 awards (2014–2022), for Service. **Affiliations** - [NKBA - British Columbia](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/schools-and-organizations/nkba-british-columbia-pfvwus-pf~1546757025) ## Reviews **Overall rating: 4.9 out of 5 — 60 reviews** *Aspect averages:* - Work Quality: 50.0 - Communication: 50.0 - Value: 50.0 ### Reviews **★★★★★ — Designated Developments, May 2023** > Our team at Designated Developments has been proud to work with Step One Design for many years on many extraordinary projects. They are committed to serving their clients and sharing their experiences and creative ideas. The team is conscientious, sensitive to customers' needs, and knows the meaning of "attention to detail". **Comment from Step One Design:** > Thank you Designated Developments for your comment! We were very fortunate to have the opportunity to design those amazing projects with your firm. Your work speaks for itself, as one of the best builders in the industry. **★★★★★ — Debbie Peterson, April 2021** > Lisa was fabulous to work with. She guided us through the design process and made sure that we were going to love the end result. I cannot recommend her highly enough. **Comment from Step One Design:** > You and Rick are fabulous yourself. SUCH a pleasure to work with and for you. > Want to do it again? Kidding!!! > You both are the exact reason why I love to do what I love to do! Best wishes to you both~! > Thank you for all the kind, humbling words. **★★★★★ — Andrew Boys, Sept. 2019** > We hired Lisa and Step One Design to provide interior design services for a new house on Vancouver Island. Lisa provided excellent services in all areas, kitchen, bathrooms, colours, materials, layouts, etc. Her experience allowed her to make changes on site as required. She worked well with the contractor and subtrades. We highly recommend Step One Design. **★★★★★ — Irene McConkey, Aug. 2019** > Five stars plus!!!!! > > We really can’t say enough about working with Lisa from Step One. It was without a doubt our most rewarding experience during the build of our new custom home. > > We are thrilled with the design changes that Lisa made to the interior and exterior of our home. Her changes really took it to the next level. > > From the beginning, Lisa has gone above and beyond. Her dedication to our project, ability to problem solve and attention to detail are second to none. She guided us through every step of the process and was always there for us. > > Her ability to be able to interpret what we wanted, even when we couldn’t articulate it properly, was amazing. She saved us from ourselves and our less than ideal choices on many occasions. If there was something my husband and I could not agree upon, we would defer to Lisa and the outcome was always fabulous. > > It has been an absolute pleasure working with Lisa and we are so very grateful to have had the experience. We would highly recommend her to anyone looking for a quality designer. She is worth her weight in gold!! **★★★★★ — Richard The, Aug. 2019** > Mike and Lisa were a wonderful couple to work with in building our custom home in Victoria. As a team, they assisted us in developing the house design, going through the City processes, designing the interior, selecting finishes, and working with our builder and tradesmen during construction. Mike is very capable and creative in transforming our rough layout ideas into a City approved set of plans to construct our beautiful home. Lisa is very knowledgeable and creative in interior design. She was great to work with in designing our interior including two kitchens, seven bathrooms, two fireplaces and recess and feature lighting. We relied on her good taste in selecting finishes within our budget. If you are thinking of building a custom home, we would highly recommend working with both Mike and Lisa Dunsmuir of Step One Design. **★★★★★ — Canary Custom Surfaces, Aug. 2019** > We LOVE working with Step One Design. Lisa is one of the best communicators in the industry. Her jobs are smooth and beautifully designed and clients rave about how happy they are with Step One Design! **★★★★★ — Megan Kalsbeek, Aug. 2019** > Lisa and Mike are a pleasure to work with and are very good at what they do. I have worked with them on a number of projects and would not hesitate to recommend their design services. **Comment from Step One Design:** > Thanks Megan! > You and all the team at Hourigan's are great to work with to. **★★★★★ — Sylvia Arbour, Aug. 2019** > We hired Lisa to help us redesign our back entry, kitchen and dining room. She came up with a design that opened everything up to our lovely water view. She was also able to get us a two piece bathroom and bring the laundry back up stairs. She help us select flooring cabinets backsplash paint and lighting. > She worked well with our contractor which was extremely important because we were out of town for the entire reno. > We are very please with the results and would not hesitate to hire Lisa again. She is upbeat and fun to work with. Had trouble uploading pictures. **★★★★★ — Kim N, Aug. 2019** > We hired Lisa with Step One Design to help us with a condo renovation. Her patience and ideas helped transform our living space and kitchen into a family friendly home with more storage than we could have imagined. Lisa's willingness to provide ideas and help us see potential in things we wouldn't have normally considered made our home so much more beautiful and functional. We would recommend Step One Design to anyone who asked! **Comment from Step One Design:** > Kim! Thank you so much. > Really enjoyed the process with you and Jake. Thanks for trusting me. **★★★★★ — HU-45963388, Aug. 2019** > Step One Design exceed our expectation! from preliminary planning, design and construction completion. Personal service second to none, will definitely use again. > Everything five star! > Jim and Elaine Reed **★★★★★ — Randi Nesset, Nov. 2018** > Lisa has done an amazing job in redesigning our house with our tastes in mind. She incorporated our ideas and also came up with better ones, in one case a game changer. > > She also gave us different price points which was much appreciated, and was always willing to help, and was endlessly patient! She has an amazing amount of knowledge and took our house from old and dumpy to airy, bright and modern Scandinavian. I now love my house and highly recommend Lisa. **★★★★★ — Trevor & Jodi R-M, May 2017** > We hired Mike at Step One Design to design a custom home to fit the constraints of our property, include the features specified in our "wish list" and to take advantage of the ocean and mountain views. Mike came up with a preliminary design that blew us away; he was able to move on to working drawings without any major changes! His attention to detail, creative vision, and the time spent at the property to ensure the elevations fit the topography exceeded our expectations. We highly recommend Mike's services to anyone looking to build a custom home, you will be impressed! ## Selected projects - [Curve Appeal](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/curve-appeal-pj-vj~2757982) - Location: Victoria, BC - Photos: 6 - Description: Award winning fireplace design - [Nicklaus Lookout](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/nicklaus-lookout-pj-vj~3051816) - Location: Victoria, BC - Photos: 37 - Description: 5000+ square foot custom designed home by Step One Design, with an arts and crafts inspired exterior with a modern twist to the interior. Interior design by homeowner - [Transit](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/transit-pj-vj~2860903) - Location: Victoria, BC - Photos: 12 - [Bewdley Residence](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/bewdley-residence-pj-vj~1525567) - Location: Victoria, BC - Photos: 11 - Description: 2016 CARE award winning, Best Single Family, English Arts and Crafts describe the exterior, of this warm, and cosy award winning custom home. Built in a establish westcoast neighbourhood, the homeowners decided to knock down the existing home and build brand new. Careful attention was paid to incorporate the existing in ground swimming pool into the design of the footprint. The interior boasts a grand interior space so don't let the modest size fool you from the street. The great room has a soar… - [Coastal Classic](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/coastal-classic-pj-vj~2757986) - Location: Victoria, BC - Photos: 13 - [Vista Beauty](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/vista-beauty-pj-vj~2088584) - Location: Victoria, BC - Photos: 7 - Description: wenge cabinets white laminate cabinets grey glass backsplash slab door profile open concept modern stainless steel hood fan - [Falaise Drive](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/falaise-drive-pj-vj~1841887) - Location: Victoria, BC - Photos: 7 - Description: Teak cabinets with painted black accents. Photography by Jody Beck. - [Carnarvon Street](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/carnarvon-street-pj-vj~2477933) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 13 - [San Juan Westcoast Contemporary](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/san-juan-westcoast-contemporary-pj-vj~1525555) - Location: Victoria, BC - Photos: 3 - [Linden Avenue](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/linden-avenue-pj-vj~2393517) - Location: Victoria, BC - Photos: 12 - [Prima Vista Place](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/prima-vista-place-pj-vj~2393470) - Location: Victoria, BC - Photos: 5 - [Prima Vista Place](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/prima-vista-place-pj-vj~1844482) - Location: Victoria, BC - Photos: 3 - [Bearspaw](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/bearspaw-pj-vj~1583943) - Location: Victoria, BC - Photos: 14 - Description: 6500 square foot home in an transitional style with a contemporary interior. This home features a hidden garage attached to an interior recreation room, to entertain and showcase a classic car collection. No expense was spared with the exterior and interior finishes of this custom home. A challenging site was graded 6.0 m. vertically to prepare the lot for construction. A beautiful and stunning home. - [Lucas Avenue](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/lucas-avenue-pj-vj~422265) - Location: Victoria, BC - Photos: 15 - Description: I had such a fantastic time working with this client. She was an absolute pleasure to work with which made it even more important to capture her personality in this space. The other added plus was that her husband (he was fabulous too) was extremely handy. The addition of crown mold, window and door casing and more substantial baseboards really made an impact. Having a "hands on" person meant that dollars saved could be put elsewhere such as the higher quality sectional that will be a lifetime p… - [Saanich Remodel](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/saanich-remodel-pj-vj~150829) - Location: Victoria, BC - Photos: 11 - Description: Extensive remodel to existing 50's bungalow adding a westcoast flavor. Client wanted to have existing kitchen cabinets remain, at the same time creating an open plan. The craftsman and westcoast flavor added relaxed, yet elegant vibe to this space. - [Parkside](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/parkside-pj-vj~336787) - Location: Victoria, BC - Photos: 19 - [Lakefront Living](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/lakefront-living-pj-vj~295030) - Location: Victoria, Vancouver Island, BC - Photos: 8 - Description: Lakefront Living - [Oceanfront condo](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/oceanfront-condo-pj-vj~150866) - Location: Victoria, BC - Photos: 8 - Description: Extensive condo renovation steps away from the beach. Can you see the gold shag carpet, velvet damask gold wallpaper? Trust us...it was there. Clients wanted a fresh clean "boutique hotel" feel for this getway spot. - [Riviera 14](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/riviera-14-pj-vj~6665351) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 7 - [Riviera 8](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/riviera-8-pj-vj~6665344) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 7 [See all 26 projects](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/architects-and-building-designers/step-one-design-pfvwus-pf~218169985) ## Ideabooks - [Mcdonald](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/174741722/list/mcdonald) — 4 ideas - [Modern cool](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/174341204/list/modern-cool) — 1 idea - [Edwards Kitchen](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/166383739/list/edwards-kitchen) — 2 ideas - [Media](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/164160010/list/media) — 2 ideas - [deidra fireplace](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/163410167/list/deidra-fireplace) — 2 ideas - [Lisa's Millwork Insp](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/162728737/list/lisa-s-millwork-insp) — 2 ideas - [LOWE](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/162285400/list/lowe) — 1 idea - [glen elg](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/162191425/list/glen-elg) — 1 idea - [10890 Ideas](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/158716545/list/10890-ideas) — 7 ideas - [Millwork Ideas](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/135666940/list/millwork-ideas) — 2 ideas - [10900 Ideas](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/161454682/list/10900-ideas) — 7 ideas - [Webster.Side A](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/143451559/list/webster-side-a) — 31 ideas - [9354 B Ideas](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/158716556/list/9354-b-ideas) — 1 idea - [Webster.Side B](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/143452734/list/webster-side-b) — 15 ideas - [WEBSTER](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/142956298/list/webster) — 7 ideas - [Restaurant inspiration](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/135622732/list/restaurant-inspiration) — 1 idea - [french country](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/134537484/list/french-country) — 1 idea - [Corrine and Adam.Share Ideas!](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/156709853/list/corrine-and-adam-share-ideas) — 14 ideas - [small house design](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/147070391/list/small-house-design) — 33 ideas - [LL](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/131985407/list/ll) — 10 ideas [See all 33 ideabooks](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/users/stepone) ## Community Q&A **Q: white oak plank panelings- high quality** *(in Design Dilemma)* Where is the best place to buy or get made highest quality white oak paneling? do carpenters do this custom? Is there a place that sells panels that is very high panel. I don't love the felt backing but don't know what my options are. How are luxury oak paneling installed? I want to create this type of look. Thanks A: You can go two routes - contact and support a local millwork company and they can make from scratch. More time involved, and cost Or - you can purchase prefab panels. Search Odyssey Wallcoverings here in Canada, they have a line called Woodwerx that is easily installed - comes with acoustic panel, or just standard, Or there is another company out of Korea called Akupanel Woodwerx Akupanel **Q: Brick house paint color?** *(in Paint)* Hello Everyone... I need some help and advice. This small 1950's brick house is a rental house on our larger piece of property so we pass it and see it everyday...We've slowly been doing upgrades: Windows are new (white) and roof is new (grey-ish) soffits are new in white gutters white and downspouts "grey". My plan all along was to paint the brick and cinderblock all one color (dark brown/grey/black) cause i just don't love the colors of the brick but now wondering if we should leave the brick along and just paint the "cinderblocks" on the lower daylight portion of the house. (Thinking way less maintenance) This is the part of the house that is visible to the road and the only area that has that cinderblock to paint. I've always hated the color of the cinderblock, it's peachy, but maybe paint it darker, pick up more of one of the darker brick colors. And paint that door under the deck same color. Again, this is a rental house so we don't want to pour money into it but i do want to "up" the curb appeal since we see it everyday! We'd love to extend/wrap the deck and extend the concrete patio below but that is a later project. (Doesn't really add rent value) Thank you! A: I agree with @Bowl&Pitcher for color tone One piece of advice I always warn on - our eyes travel to the brightest/lightest tone. If you paint the skirt white - thats what will pop (and will get dirty) You can make decisions in steps. Painting brick is challenging as it absorbs alot, and requires alot of paint. You either decide to "own the brick" or let it go. Start with owning it! Let it be the star of the show. I would pick a deep sharp gray - maybe Asphalt CC-548 or Overcoat CC-544 both Benjamin Moore for the block. Than marry the same color for the deck posts, rails and pickets to it. This will tie in to the roof color and balance out everything. Thank add some evergreen plantings in front of both those walls - make sure to add a couple of conical style plants mixed with flowering shrubs (low maintenance of course) to give some interest. It will add to the curb appeal!I Get rid of the lattice. No sense to have it, IMO. **Q: Thoughts on this living room rug please** *(in Design Dilemma)* I am looking to make some changes in our living room. Getting rid of light gray walls, adding a rug with more color so that I can work to bring more texture and depth into the main living space. Here is a rug I’m considering. Also Looking at this leather recliner and switching to a round coffee table. The ceiling is knotty pine, which we like. I am thinking about painting the walls SW alabaster as a warm white to work with my BM super white trim. After I pick a rug, I will look at curtains, pillows and accessories.. A: Before I would offer suggestions - I would ask What is your intention here? You want to freshen up, but do you want to shift your design style? Its easy for us all to throw down ideas - but judging by your other furniture it is more classical/traditional. Careful with adding in super modern ideas in this space unless you have other ideas of modern accents. As it is an open concept - do you have any intention, down the road to make changes to your kitchen as well? **Q: Like the shingle siding can you tell me the style, colour and make?** *(in Photo Questions)* A: Hello there - the shingles were cedar and 'dipped' in a Benjamin Moore semi-transparent stain in Birch White! Thanks for checking our work out! Step One **Q: where is the lighting from** *(in Photo Questions)* A: Hi Susan Thanks for asking. The lights are from a company called DVI. It's their Essex collection. Cheers Lisa **Q: Exterior Paint Color?** *(in Photo Questions)* Hi there, amazing remodel, what's the exterior paint color? Thank you! A: Hi Jen, Thanks for checking out our work. We would have loved to post this photo WITH landscaping - but sadly it has yet to be done, and frankly we were too excited not to show the radical change to what was a 50's bungalow. The exterior color's are as follows: Concrete Fibre Siding - Benjamin Moore HC-107 Gettysburg Gray Garage Door, and "Belly Band" - Benjamin Moore HC-100 Gloucester Sage Trim - I originally had it as Crown Point Sand, but the customer changed to a white Shingles - Sikkens Natural Stain. Regards Step One --- *Source: Houzz professional profile. Reflects the profile as of 2026-09-22.*