Business Details
Custom Home Design & Renovations in Victoria, BC
Step One Design is a dedicated custom home design firm committed to creating residences that harmonize with their natural surroundings while reflecting each client's unique vision. With over 25 years of industry experience, our team employs a methodical approach to analyze site-specific factors such as topography, natural light, and energy efficiency, ensuring technically sound and aesthetically striking designs. We utilize advanced 3D modeling technology to provide immersive visualizations, allowing clients to fully understand and refine their projects before construction begins. Our award-winning designs prioritize both functionality and beauty, with a focus on maximizing views, privacy, and long-term livability.Led by Michael Dunsmuir, a seasoned custom home designer, and Lisa Dunsmuir, an accomplished interior designer, we combine technical expertise with creative innovation to deliver tailored solutions. Our comprehensive design process includes site visits, preliminary concept development, and detailed construction documentation, supported by deep knowledge of local zoning regulations and building codes. We maintain transparent communication throughout every project phase, ensuring client needs remain central to every decision. Our reputation for excellence is built on decades of successful projects across Southern Vancouver Island, where we continue to push the boundaries of modern residential architecture.
Services
Custom Home Design
Interior Design
Additions and Renovations
3D Modeling
Energy-Efficient Design
Highlights and features
- We offer 25+ years of technical expertise in custom home design
- Our process includes immersive 3D modeling for design visualization
- We specialize in energy-efficient designs tailored to your property
- Our team maintains deep knowledge of Southern Vancouver Island regulations
- We prioritize transparent communication throughout every project phase
What people say
Award-winning designs
Personalized approach
Technical expertise
3D visualization
Energy efficiency focus
Services
Custom Home Design
We create bespoke residential designs tailored to your property's unique characteristics and your personal lifestyle needs. Our process combines technical analysis of site conditions with creative architectural solutions to maximize energy efficiency, natural light, and scenic views. Each project receives personalized attention through detailed 3D modeling and comprehensive construction documentation.
Interior Design
Our interior design services focus on creating functional, aesthetically pleasing living spaces that evolve with your needs. We specialize in optimizing room layouts, selecting materials and finishes, and integrating smart storage solutions while maintaining harmony with the home's exterior architecture. The process includes detailed material specifications and construction drawings.
Additions and Renovations
We transform existing structures through thoughtful additions and renovations that enhance functionality and modernize aesthetics. Our approach preserves architectural integrity while introducing contemporary design elements and energy-efficient upgrades. Services include space reconfiguration, exterior updates, and integration of new systems while complying with current building codes.
3D Modeling
Our advanced 3D modeling services provide immersive visual representations of proposed designs, allowing clients to explore spatial relationships and design choices before construction begins. This technology enables real-time adjustments to layouts, materials, and architectural features, ensuring complete client satisfaction with the final design concept.
Energy-Efficient Design
We incorporate energy-efficient principles into every design through strategic orientation, high-performance building materials, and passive solar techniques. Our approach reduces long-term operating costs while maintaining aesthetic appeal, including recommendations for insulation, window placement, and renewable energy integration tailored to each property's environmental context.
People
Michael Dunsmuir
Custom Home Designer
With over 25 years in the building industry, Michael combines technical expertise with creative innovation to deliver award-winning home designs tailored to each client's vision and property characteristics.
Lisa Dunsmuir
Interior Designer
An award-winning interior designer with 20 years of experience creating functional, aesthetically pleasing spaces that evolve with clients' needs through thoughtful material selection and spatial planning.
Questions
What types of home designs do you specialize in?
We specialize in custom West Coast contemporary designs that harmonize with natural surroundings while incorporating modern architectural elements and energy-efficient features.
How does your design process work?
Our process includes initial site consultation, 3D concept development, and detailed construction documentation, with continuous client collaboration to ensure designs meet both functional and aesthetic goals.
Do you handle renovation projects?
Yes, we specialize in transforming existing structures through thoughtful additions and interior renovations that enhance functionality while maintaining architectural integrity.
What areas do you serve?
We primarily serve Southern Vancouver Island, with extensive knowledge of local zoning regulations and building codes to ensure smooth project approvals.
How do you incorporate energy efficiency?
We integrate passive solar design, strategic insulation, and high-performance materials to create homes that minimize energy consumption while maintaining aesthetic appeal.
Reviews (5)
Canary Surfaces
Dec 26, 2020
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We highly recommend Step One Design! From high end to practical projects, Lisa will take great care of you. She is a great communicator and strives to truly listen to her clients and it shows. Her designs are dreamy. We love working alongside Lisa and her team. The Canary Team
Kam & Michelle Brar
Oct 14, 2020
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We have worked with Lisa and Mike on three separate occasions: two reno's to our Colwood office, and this past year, a complete reno to a half duplex for rental. On all three occasions, Lisa and Mike (we worked mostly with Lisa) did an amazing job of making the most of the spaces, providing helpful and practical suggestions, putting us in touch with professional sub-contractors, and suggesting lovely interior design choices which didn't break the budget.
It took us a year to figure out the layout for the half duplex as we worked with three different general contractors until we found the right one. Throughout, Lisa was extremely patient and never complained about going back to the drawing board numerous times. She treated the project no differently than her high end projects, even though it was just a simple half duplex reno. She even provided the final set of plans, the morning she was set to go on vacation! We give Lisa and Mike the highest rating possible. Whether your project is big or small, a new build or a reno, you will not go wrong by using their services! They truly care.
It took us a year to figure out the layout for the half duplex as we worked with three different general contractors until we found the right one. Throughout, Lisa was extremely patient and never complained about going back to the drawing board numerous times. She treated the project no differently than her high end projects, even though it was just a simple half duplex reno. She even provided the final set of plans, the morning she was set to go on vacation! We give Lisa and Mike the highest rating possible. Whether your project is big or small, a new build or a reno, you will not go wrong by using their services! They truly care.
Rodney Henderson
Aug 15, 2019
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Lisa came to our home on several occasions and we appreciated her ideas and professionalism. They came highly recommended to me from both clients and builders and they did not disappoint. Lisa was able to sense hesitations and rather than push she dug into the hesitation and listened to make sure that our needs were 100% addressed.
Randi Nesset
Jan 27, 2019
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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.
Telen Harper
Jan 20, 2018
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Lisa and Mike did a fantastic job for our kitchen reno and deck replacement. Well thought out details and space functionality. Friendly and helpful.
