Design First
“The name came from the concept that everything of lasting value begins with a design first. It doesn't matter if it's a bicycle, a car or a kitchen. It all starts with a good design.”
Friedemann Weinhardt, Founder.
Hours
Monday – Friday
9:00am - 5:00pm
Saturdays
By appointment only
613-562-2655
Design First Interiors
We are the premium provider of residential interior design and installation in the Ottawa region. The clientele of Design First are largely based in the National Capital Region of Canada. We are also proud to have completed projects in Montreal, Toronto, Calgary, Connecticut, New York City, Salt Lake City, Florida and Grand Cayman. Design First would be happy to discuss your project, wherever it is. We specialize in providing an exceptional end-to-end design experience through which, Design comes to Life.
The Design First Team
Friedemann Weinhardt — Founder (1955–2018)
Friedemann’s career always revolved around the design industry; at a young age he had a profound need to create. In 1986 he officially started Design First Interiors. He was truly passionate about making people’s lives better through his work. Nothing was more exciting for him than conceptualizing from a blank sheet of paper and seeing the project come to life. The numerous designs he and his team created for more than three decades has led to the company winning over 100 awards, including one for Sub-Zero Wolf’s international design contest. Friedemann was a renowned designer worldwide but also a great mentor. His creativity, loyalty and drive to achieve higher standards in the design community will always be a part of Design First Interiors’ core values.
Nicole Hubert — Principal / lead designer
After completing her Interior Design degree with honourable mention, Nicole explored the commercial and industrial aspect of architecture as a drafts person before joining Design First Interiors in 2010 where she truly reconciled with her love for residential design. Nicole is a logical thinker, highly meticulous and under Friedemann’s mentorship has learned very quickly about the custom cabinetry and millwork industry. She has found a true passion in helping clients materialize their dream and create functional, balanced and beautiful spaces. In the last few years Nicole has played a lead role as senior designer on many of Design First’s award-winning projects. She also gave back to the community, participating in Habitat for Humanity’s Blitz Build project. Nicole excels in finding solutions. Now as head designer for Design First Interiors she continues to guide clients with every aspect of their interior design project, from their initial wish list to project managing their build.
Megan Bachynski — Project manager / designer
Megan joined Design First Interiors in 2016 with over 10 years’ experience in the architectural field as a Designer/ Technologist, and after graduating in 2007 from the Architectural Technology Co-op Advanced Diploma program at Fanshawe College (Dean’s Honour's List). Seeking a new and stimulating opportunity to feed her passion for interior design, Megan relocated to Ottawa to join the team as Interior Design Assistant, providing support with architectural details. Her variety of educational and employment experience in the field as both an interior designer and an architectural technologist helps give her a keen eye for the overall design as well as the attention to detail and technical capabilities of structural aspects of the design.
