About Us |
We take the time to get to know our clients.
First Step Design is a full service home design firm that is registered with Ministry of Housing in Ontario (BCIN). Our business is a professionally recognized design firm specializing in home design construction. We are located in Newmarket with a second location opened in Toronto. We work on projects throughout the Greater Toronto Area.
Contact us for your complimentary design consultation. Together we can take the first step to making your visions become reality.
About Us
Cindy McPhee
Principal Designer/President
Cindy McPhee has been working in residential design since graduating with Honours from the Architectural Technology Programme at George Brown College in 2000. After graduating with an Award of Excellence she learned that her passion lay in home design.
By devoting herself to excellent attention to detail and creative designs at Hunt Design Associates, she was promoted to Design Studio Manager. Cindy then worked with Wayne Swadron, Architect, in Toronto. As a central figure in the development and design of luxurious residential projects, Cindy’s outstanding ability to translate creative personal visions into pragmatic architectural designs provided the team and their clients with unparalleled finished results.
Cindy is an Architectural Technologist and is an accredited member with the Association of Architectural Technologists of Ontario (AATO). In spring 2015 Cindy established First Step Design, and we incorporated in 2018. She brings with her all of the indispensable knowledge and skills gained and is enthusiastic about working with you on your custom home design.
Michelle Morin
Business Manager/Partner
Michelle manages the business processes at First Step Design. She provides exceptional and professional business management to the firm. She is a graduate from the University of Toronto with a degree in Bachelor of Arts and from Seneca College with Business Administration degree in Human Resources Management. Cindy and Michelle are twin sisters. In their spare time, they love spending time with their families, especially traveling to sunny destinations.
Let’s talk about your next project.
What is an Architectural Technologist?
Combine the creative skills of an architect with the technical capabilities of a draftsperson and the detail-orientation of a project manager, and you’ve got an Architectural Technologist. As specialists in the science of building, Architectural Technologists execute the safe design and management of construction projects. Besides providing technical drawing for architects and civil engineers, Architectural Technologists are trained to be just as comfortable with working with 2D- and 3D-design and drafting software as they are in getting their hands dirty—assisting clients with material specifications and finish selections or attending zoning hearings on their clients’ behalf. Architectural Technologists are also authorized to sign and seal blueprints and architectural specifications to build, expand, rebuild, renovate or modify various types of buildings. Accredited professionals (like First Step Design’s Cindy McPhee) work in a variety of positions across the industry, including as designers, project managers, chief building officials, municipal plans examiners, building inspectors, specification writers, and general contractors.
