Design First Interiors

We had an outdated kitchen with a difficult layout.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!

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.

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.

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!

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!!!

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

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.

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.

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

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

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.

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