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Full Service Product Design and Engineering Firm

Design 1st is a full-service industrial design and engineering firm that develops physical products from concept through to volume production.

  • Min project size
    $25,000+
  • Hourly rate
    $100 - $149 / hr
  • Employees
    10 - 49
  • Locations
    Ottawa, Canada
  • Year founded
    Founded 1996
  • Languages
  • Timezones

2 Languages that we service

  • English
  • French

1 Timezone that we service

EST
Eastern Standard Time (EST)

1 Locations

  • Ottawa , Canada

No have been added yet...

    Pricing Snapshot

    Min. project size $25,000+
    Avg. hourly rate $100 - $149 /hr
    Rating for cost 4.5 /5

    What Clients Have Said

    Design 1st offers competitive pricing and good value for cost, with projects ranging from $100,000 to over $1.5 million. Clients appreciate their responsiveness and project management, though some noted challenges with budget clarity and project timelines.

    This summary is based on verified Clutch reviews.

    Most Common Project Size

    $200,000 - $999,999 based on 10 reviews
    < $49,999 $50,000 - $199,999 $200,000 - $999,999 > $1,000,000
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    Design 1st Review Insights

    Overall Review Rating

    4.8
    • Quality 4.7
    • Schedule 4.4
    • Cost 4.5
    • Willing to Refer 4.9

    Top Mentions

    Review Highlights

    • Innovative Problem Solvers

      Design 1st's innovative approach to problem-solving is frequently noted. Clients value their ability to provide creative solutions and adapt to new challenges, which helps in achieving project goals effectively.

    • Diverse Industry Experience

      Design 1st's experience across various industries, including biotech, mining, and personal care, is seen as a strength. This breadth of experience allows them to bring fresh perspectives and solutions to projects.

    • Comprehensive Service Range

      The company offers a wide range of services, from concept design to manufacturing support. They are recognized for their ability to handle design, engineering, and production needs, providing a one-stop-shop experience.

    • Strong Engineering Expertise

      Design 1st is praised for their engineering skills across various projects, including environmental services, life sciences, and financial industries. Clients appreciate their ability to solve complex engineering problems and deliver functional prototypes.

    • Budget and Timeline Challenges

      Some clients experienced challenges with budgets and timelines, noting that projects occasionally exceeded initial estimates. This suggests a need for clearer initial project scoping and budgeting.

    • Effective Project Management

      Most clients commend Design 1st for their project management capabilities, highlighting their responsiveness, timely deliveries, and clear communication. Weekly meetings and updates are common, ensuring projects remain on track.

    Design 1st Reviews

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    All Filters

    Product Design Services for Mining Technology Co

    • Other Design
    • $200,000 to $999,999
    • Feb. 2017 - Ongoing
    5.0
    Quality
    5.0
    Schedule
    5.0
    Cost
    5.0
    Willing to Refer
    5.0

    "We've been very pleased with the team at Design1st."

    COO, GeoSight
    Anonymous
    • Energy & natural resources
    • Ottawa, Ontario
    • 1-10 Employees
    • Phone Interview 
    • Verified

    Design 1st provided design services to support the development of a new product for a mining technology manufacturer. After creating concept designs and prototypes, they supported assembly and manufacturing.

    Engineering Consulting & Prototype Design for Manufacturer

    • Engineering Manufacturing Consulting Product Design
    • Confidential
    • July 2023 - July 2024
    5.0
    Quality
    5.0
    Schedule
    4.5
    Cost
    4.5
    Willing to Refer
    5.0

    "Their innovative approach to problem-solving and passion for engineering and design was impressive."

    Engineer, Tisch Environmental
    Gabriele Tisch
    • Manufacturing
    • Cleves, Ohio
    • 11-50 Employees
    • Online Review 
    • Verified

    A pollution-monitoring equipment manufacturer hired Design 1st to provide engineering consulting and design services. The team was responsible for creating an air sampler mechanism.

    Product Design for Walking Aid Device Manufacturer

    • Manufacturing Consulting Product Design
    • $10,000 to $49,999
    • Jan. 2024 - Ongoing
    5.0
    Quality
    5.0
    Schedule
    5.0
    Cost
    4.0
    Willing to Refer
    5.0

    "Design 1st is very intuitive, innovative, and detail-oriented, and their approach is very customer-oriented."

    Marketing Manager, Walking Aid Device Manufacturer
    Anonymous
    • Consumer Products
    • San Francisco, California
    • 1-10 Employees
    • Phone Interview 

    Design 1st has helped a walking aid device manufacturer design their product to bring their vision to reality. The project has included feasibility assessment, 3D modeling, computer simulation, and prototyping.

    Product Design & Prototyping for Life Sciences Company

    • Engineering Manufacturing Consulting Robotics Process Automation
    • $200,000 to $999,999
    • Oct. 2022 - Ongoing
    4.5
    Quality
    4.0
    Schedule
    4.0
    Cost
    5.0
    Willing to Refer
    4.5

    "They did a great job dealing with design changes to meet our customers' needs."

    CEO & Founder, Swabbot Solutions, LLC.
    Rick Mineo
    • Pharmaceuticals
    • Raleigh, North Carolina
    • 1-10 Employees
    • Online Review 
    • Verified

    Design 1st has created conceptual designs, prototype designs, and manufacturing designs for two products of a life sciences company. These products are a vessel entry solution and an automated swabbing device.

    Clutch verification provides an additional layer of data to help you make the right purchasing decision of business services.

    Learn More
    Verified Client Reviews
    13
    Overall Review Rating
    4.8
    Source
    Clutch
    Last Updated
    February 5, 2025

    Business Entity

    Business Entity Name Design1st Inc.
    Source Government of Canada Federal Corporation Information
    Jurisdiction of Formation Canada
    Date of Formation December 16, 1996
    Status Active
    Last Updated June 29, 2021
    ID 885857995RC0001

    Credit Report Results

    International Credit Risk Assessment Very Low Risk
    Source Creditsafe
    Last Updated January 1, 2022
    Learn More About The Clutch Verification Process

    Locations (1)

    31 - 40

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