Rob Stapleton 
 
October 21, 2024
 
 
  
We really needed to update the first floor of our home and after getting several bids, we decided to go with Design First.  Brian really listened to us and what we wanted and came up with a design we really liked.  He gave us a couple of options to start and then factored in our comments and questions to come up with a design we loved. He was a real pleasure to work with. Once we had the design, we worked with Gianna and Francesca, who walked us through the architecture and selection processes.  It was pretty seamless and they were very easy to deal with.  Gianna really knew the project well and addressed some of the finer points we raised.  Francesca was so patient and provided us some very thoughtful suggestions that only improved the more time we spent with her going over selections (we absolutely love the countertops and cabinets, and Francesca played a big role in that). Once we made our selections and had the design, Matt Smillie was assigned as our project manager.  While we were very happy with everything to this point, once Matt started running the project, we were really impressed.  Matt is not only a hard worker, but an all around good guy.  Initially we were told this would be at least a 12 week project.  Matt had it wrapped up in about 2 months.  He was at our house almost every day, was in constant communication, and answered all of our questions and concerns (including the crazy ones) with professionalism and courtesy. Not once did he make us feel like we were bothering him or asking silly or stupid questions.  We had remodeled a house once and knew what to expect (and we really liked that contractor too, and would have used him again had we still lived in that area), but Matt's work exceeded our expectations.  We love the finished product and had a great experience with Design First.  We recommend them, and highly recommend asking for Matt to be your project manager.
  
 
  
 
 
 
  
 
 
 Steve Christ 
 
September 14, 2024
 
 
  
After interviewing a number of contractors, we engaged with Design First Builders on a home remodel project.  Every phase of the project has been very pleasant starting with the initial sales visit in our home.  Ryan was very knowledgeable and helped us develop a plan to move forward.  This meeting was followed by a visit to their showroom in Itasca that is very impressive and helps give you all kinds of ideas.  Once the project started, they were very professional to deal with and have a software program that tracks every aspect of things being done.  The construction foreman, Matt, that was assigned to our project was amazing.  He really knows his stuff, communicated exceptionally well and kept things moving along every day.  The actual people doing the work were also great and it was a pleasure having them in my house.  I plan to use Design First Builders for any other projects in the future.
  
 
  
 
 
 
  
 
 
 Kristy V 
 
September 10, 2024
 
 
  
The stellar team at Design First recently completed a kitchen, full bath, and powder room remodel for us which involved removing a load-bearing wall to open up the first floor as well as moving and updating utilities. In short, we couldn’t be happier with the results! From first contact through final walk-through, the team exhibited expertise and professionalism. Shout-outs to our initial contact, Jennifer Kruse who put us at ease right away and led us through concept design and budgeting; Linda Larisch and Mabel Nazario who finessed the architectural design and guided the selections process; and our construction Project Manager, Peter Figiel, who kept the project humming along and worked with us closely when questions or issues arose. The subcontractors he brought in were excellent as well—true craftsmen in cabinet installation and tilework. If we ever do another project, we’ll definitely be giving Design First a call.
  
 
  
 
 
 
  
 
 
 Ryan June 
 
August 28, 2024
 
 
  
Design First did a great job!  The before and after pictures below speak for themselves!  There were a couple bumps along the road with gaps in communication, but Design First always worked hard to make it right and that is par for the course with an addition to an old house on this scale.  We were very happy and would highly recommend working with Design First.
  
 
  
 
 
 
  
 
 
 Katrina Greenwood 
 
August 27, 2024
 
 
  
Everyone including Matt, Dariuous and Peter were great to work with and the finished product of my mudroom is exactly how I’d hoped it would be. Even when there were small  bumps in the road, Peter made it right. Thanks D1!
  
 
  
 
 
 
  
 
 
 Kyle Nelson 
 
July 30, 2024
 
 
  
Used DesignFirst when our downstairs flooded and we needed to replace the flooring and drywall. The way they managed the project from beginning to end was nothing short of professional. We were so happy with the work downstairs we returned to them later to remodel our sub-basement area. Danielle House helped us plan the renovations and handled any of our immediate questions and planning while Matt Smillie managed our project and kept on top of the day-to-day operations of the work while keeping us updated every step of the way! Nothing but positive things to say about our experiences with Design First. We’re running out of areas of the house to renovate but will continue to reach out to them should we need any future work done!
  
 
  
 
 
 
  
 
 
 Chris Hornish 
 
July 19, 2024
 
 
  
Design First did a fantastic job with our kitchen remodel. We started the design project well in advance of the construction work which allowed us a lot of time to fine tune the design details. Their design team was accommodating to all of our changes and gave us good ideas. Wendy, Aja and Matt were great. Once the construction started, we felt comfortable with how the project progressed. Our construction manager Peter was super communicative to us and very accommodating to our needs. He kept us well informed of issues as they arose and was honest about the best solutions for us. Our kitchen is beautiful and so happy with the final product. Definitely will use them again if we ever decide to do any more remodeling projects.
  
 
  
 
 
 
  
 
 
 Phyllis Woods 
 
June 29, 2024
 
 
  
We would like to thank the Design First team for helping us meet our goal in finishing our basement. Danielle House, Senior Architectural Designer met with us and provided a design that was beautiful. Our Project Manager, Peter Figiel was fabulous from beginning to end. He was informative, listened to our input and ensured deadlines were met. I cannot say enough about the entire Design First staff, the teamwork is outstanding, and they are very accommodating to their client’s needs.
The company is true to its advertising in providing top professionals and one-stop-shopping.

In summary, the finished project exceeded our expectations. They transformed our basement that we once called the “dungeon” into a beautiful area that includes all we wanted and more.

Thank you to the entire Design First staff for all that you do! A special thank you to Danielle House, Vanessa Briceno, Peter Figiel, Jon Weber, Aja Gutzman, and Linda Larisch for the success of this project.
Peter, we hope to work with you again!
  
 
  
 
 
 
  
 
 
 Get Lorganized, Lori Hazen 
 
June 28, 2024
 
 
  
Working with Matt Smilie and Design First was wonderful. Matt was very professional and a great communicator. We are thrilled with our new kitchen!
  
 
  
 
 
 
  
 
 
 Db S 
 
June 28, 2024
 
 
  
I am very happy with the new construction by Design 1st Builders.  Very good craftsmanship and all the workers were polite, and answered all my questions. I highly recommend the whole crew. Linda, Vanessa, Brian, Aja and Peter are fabulous.
  
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 Google rating score: 4.9 of 5, based on 171 reviews