OUR VISION
THOUGHTFUL DESIGN, TAILORED LIVING
We’re a small, collaborative team specializing in custom home design. Every project begins with listening - because your home should reflect your lifestyle, values, and vision. From first sketches to final details, we work closely with you to create spaces that feel intuitive, personal, and beautifully livable.
Based in Calgary, Claire Steinmann and Deana Lewis are the DESIGNhaus collaborative duo with a shared passion for designing spaces that are not only aesthetically beautiful but deeply functional. Each brings a unique skill set and creative perspective, and together, they push ideas forward - building on each other’s strengths to craft truly personal and well considered homes.
The DESIGNhaus core philosophy centres around the people who live in the spaces they create. Claire and Deana work closely with clients to understand not just how they live, but who they are - as individuals, as family members, as people with stories, routines, and dreams. They believe great design goes beyond form and function - it’s about choreographing a living experience, and creating a space where life unfolds naturally, comfortably, and beautifully.
OUR TEAM
Creative Partner
Claire Steinmann B.A., M.Arch
I bring a unique and impactful perspective to architecture, drawing on my background in both psychology and design. With a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology and a Master’s in Architecture, I approach each project with a deep understanding of how people live, feel, and connect to space.
My work across residential projects in Western Canada is recognized for its thoughtful detailing and bold solutions. I have a keen eye for balancing form and function in fresh and innovative ways—consistently pushing creative boundaries while staying grounded in the lived experience of my clients.
My approach is further shaped by hands-on experience in construction—from foundational work to detailed finishing and construction management. This firsthand knowledge allows me to design with both creativity and constructibility in mind, bridging the gap between concept and craftsmanship.
Creative Partner
Deana Lewis, B.E.D.S, M.Arch
With a Bachelor’s in Environmental Design and a Master’s in Architecture, I bring a blend of technical mastery and sensory intuition every project. Throughout my career—both leading my independent practice and collaborating with some of Calgary’s premier design firms—I have come to view architecture and interiors not just as structures, but as a single, unified canvas dedicated to the resonance of space.
I look at environmental design through a salutogenic lens, decoding how our sensory receptors subconsciously interact with our surroundings. By intentionally balancing materiality, acoustics, and light, I focus on how a room physically feels, creating tailored environments that quietly soothe or stimulate the human nervous system.
This design approach relies on deep client dialogue and a genuine curiosity about behavioral patterns. Before drawing a single line, my process focuses on uncovering the root of your actual lifestyle needs, translating your subconscious daily habits and psychological requirements into intuitive spatial realities.
TESTIMONIALS
Meet Chewy – Chief Cuddle & Creative Consultant
Chewy is the heart and fluff of the office, offering perfectly-timed breaks and an endless supply of cuddles. Known for his warm hugs, silly expressions, and unmatched talent for boosting morale, Chewy brings joy, laughter, and a little emotional therapy to the workplace. But he’s more than just a cuddle pro... Chewy is also a trusted (and totally non-judgmental) sounding board for design ideas and bursts of creative energy. Whether you’re pitching a wild concept or just talking through a rough draft, he’ll listen intently, tilt his head thoughtfully, and remind you that no idea is too weird when you’ve got pawsitive support.
Pepper is our resident Great Dane puppy and unofficial mental wellness coach. With a calm, gentle presence and just the right dose of unexpected zoomies, she brings the perfect balance of relaxation and playful energy to the office.
Whether she's lounging like a pro during meetings or springing into action for a much-needed walk break, Pepper keeps spirits high and stress levels low. Her giant paws and even bigger heart remind us to pause, breathe, and play even on the busiest days.
Because every office needs a little spunk and a whole lot of love.
Meet Pepper – Chief Spunk Officer