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Amsted Blog

Learn more about Amsted by reading our latest news or watching our informative videos. If you’d like Amsted’s latest projects and special announcements delivered directly to your inbox, simply sign up for our quarterly newsletter at the bottom of this page.

Celebrating our Ambassadors

March 16, 2025

On March 8th, we had the pleasure of hosting our second annual Amsted Ambassador Appreciation Event! We were thrilled to cheer on the @Ottawa 67s alongside some past clients, enjoying an exciting and action-packed hockey game! This event was a wonderful opportunity to catch up with past clients and show our gratitude. The Amsted Ambassador…

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Buying Canadian: Addressing Tariffs to Support Your Renovation

March 3, 2025

Navigating Tariffs in 2025: What Homeowners Need to Know Since the start of 2025, many homeowners have expressed concerns about how potential USA/Canadian tariffs could impact their renovation plans. The good news? As leaders in the industry, the Amsted team is already ahead of these changes. We’ve built strong relationships with suppliers, prioritize Canadian-made materials,…

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Amsted showcases innovative solutions for creating value with ADUs, enhancing living spaces and community development.

Upcoming Seminar: Creating Value with ADUs

February 23, 2025

Maximize the Potential of your Property: Creating Value with Additional Dwelling Units Join architectural designer Chris Mulholland for an educational presentation on how to unlock your property’s full potential by creating Additional Dwelling Units (ADUs). If you’re looking to increase your property’s value, optimize your space, or create income-generating units, this online seminar will provide…

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Upcoming Seminar: Craft a Home that Brings Your Dreams to Life

February 14, 2025

🔨 Craft a Home that Brings Your Dreams to Life! 🏡 Are you dreaming of building a custom home but don’t know where to start? Join us for this exclusive seminar! Choosing to build a custom home is a significant financial and time investment. The journey can be full of hurdles, from zoning laws to…

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Amsted 35 For 35 recap: A collage of various activities, including team events, community service, and outdoor gatherings, celebrating Amsted's 35th anniversary.

#amsted35for35 Recap

January 29, 2025

To commemorate our 35th anniversary, Amsted wanted to give back to the communities that have supported us throughout the years and that we’ve been proud to be a part of. That’s why, at the start of 2024, we committed to completing 35 acts of service—one for each year of our history (just as we did…

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Celebrating 35 Years: A Look Back at 2024

January 29, 2025

2024 was a milestone year for Amsted Design-Build as we celebrated our 35th Anniversary! It was a year filled with reflection, celebration, and gratitude as we honored those who have been a part of our journey and contributed to our success. We want to share some of the highlights from this unforgettable year, and extend…

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On Location at the Ottawa Home & Remodelling Show with CTV News

January 24, 2025

Did you see our Director of Construction, Lindsay Haley, on CTV News Ottawa today? 👀 Don’t miss out—join us at the Ottawa Home & Remodelling Show happening Jan 23-26 at the EY Centre! Stop by our booth, #1420, and get inspired for your next home project! Click below to watch the full segment, where Lindsay…

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Discover this year’s trends

January 20, 2025

AllThingsHome.ca recently canvassed local housing experts, including our own Director of Design and Sales, Saverio Marrello, looking for what’s to come in the housing market, renovations, design and decor in 2025. “We expect to see the interest in additional dwelling units continue to rise as homeowners seek solutions for multi-generational living, rental income or more…

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Kickstart your Home Reno in 2025

January 16, 2025

Kickstart Your 2025 Renovation with us! Happy New Year from the Amsted team! As we enter the new year, we’re excited to help you get started on your next home project. Whether building a custom home, planning a kitchen makeover, or contemplating an addition, we’re here to guide you through every step. Below you’ll find…

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Grit, Vision and Talent: A Profile

December 20, 2024

Recently, Amsted Owner Steve Barkhouse, was profiled by his alma mater, Lakehead University. In this special feature, Steve reflects on his journey from business student to the successful founder of Amsted Design-Build. The article explores how his time at Lakehead shaped his career and the values that have guided Amsted’s growth. It’s a testament to…

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The Amsted Team stands together on a red carpet at the GOHBA Awards, capturing a moment of success and unity in a glamorous setting.

Celebrating the GOHBA Housing Design Awards!

November 21, 2024

Amsted Design-Build is thrilled to announce our success at the 2024 Greater Ottawa Home Builders’ Association (GOHBA) Housing Design Awards Gala, where we were proudly honoured with three prestigious awards. Being recognized amongst our peers in such a competitive industry is especially rewarding and a true testament to our team’s commitment to excellence and passion…

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November 11, 2024

We are proud to announce that we have been named one of Ottawa’s Best Places to Work in 2024 by the Ottawa Business Journal and the Ottawa Board of Trade! Amsted Design-Build was ranked #10 out of the top 20 Places to work in Ottawa. This recognition is particularly meaningful to us as it reflects…

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OHBA Wins!

November 11, 2024

On September 24th, Amsted was honoured to be presented with TWO awards at the Ontario Home Builders’ Association (OHBA) Awards of Distinction. For the second year in a row. Amsted was proudly named Ontario Renovator of the Year. This accomplishment is a testament to our unwavering commitment to excellence, innovation, and the highest standards of…

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Camp Smitty 2024

October 11, 2024

The Amsted team was thrilled to return for the 18th year for our annual weekend dedicated to making repairs and enhancements at Camp Smitty. This weekend is one we eagerly anticipate each year, and it continues to grow in both participation and impact. Over the years, our commitment to Camp Smitty has led us to…

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RenoTour – Beautifully Accessible

September 23, 2024

Amsted is proud to be featured as one of nine homes on the 2024 RenoTour Parade of Homes. The RenoTour Parade of Homes is an exciting event that offers you the opportunity to tour a curated selection of exceptional home renovation projects and custom-built residences. Organized by the Greater Ottawa Home Builders’ Association (GOHBA), this…

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Come see the Reveal!

September 16, 2024

Come see the reveal! Join us as we highlight this home, and its recent exterior renovations performed by the Amsted Team. Come learn more about the Design-Build process from concept to construction and see the before and after transformation. Our team will be there to answer all your questions.  This renovation features many exterior updates…

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Your Guide to a Successful Renovation

September 11, 2024

UPCOMING SEMINAR Your Guide to a Successful Renovation With 35 years of experience, Amsted Design-Build is known for creating successful renovation projects from design through to construction. If you’re planning an upcoming home improvement project, let us help you overcome the unknowns with our upcoming seminar: Your Guide to a Successful Renovation. In this interactive…

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Accessible & Adaptive Renovations: Design Solutions for All

September 11, 2024

UPCOMING SEMINAR Accessible & Adaptive Renovations: Design Solutions for All Join us for an informative seminar on creating accessible homes. With over 35 years of experience, Amsted Design-Build has been at the forefront of home design, recently earning the 2023 GOHBA Housing Design Award for Best Adaptive and Inclusive Design. During this seminar, Adaptiv Certified…

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Amsted is a GOHBA 2024 housing design awards finalist.

GOHBA 2024 Finalist

August 25, 2024

We are incredibly proud and excited to announce that Amsted has been named a finalist in 8 categories for the 2024 Greater Ottawa Home Builders’ Association Housing Design Awards. ⁠This year’s finalists include:⁠ 🌟Into the Woods – Custom Home (3000 sq.ft. or less)⁠ 🌟Living in Colour – Custom Urban Home (2800 sq.ft. – 3800 sq.ft)⁠…

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A group of people stands together for a photo in front of the "Amsted Chamber Finalist" sign, highlighting their collective accomplishment.

Brockville Business of the Year Finalist

July 29, 2024

Amsted Design-Build Proud to Be Named Business of the Year 2024 Finalist by the Brockville Chamber of Commerce Amsted is proud to announce that we have been named a 2024 Business of the Year finalist by the Brockville Chamber of Commerce. This marks the second consecutive year that we have received this prestigious nomination and…

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Steve Barkhouse Receives Algonquin College Fellowship Award

July 8, 2024

Strengthening community has always been at the heart of Amsted’s values for the past 35 years. It is with great pride that we announce co-owner, Steve Barkhouse has been awarded the Algonquin College Fellowship Award. This honour has only been presented once before in the College’s history and recognizes exceptional individual community members who have…

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Crafting a Perfect Urban Home

June 24, 2024

Project Highlight: Living in Colour Creating a custom home on a limited urban lot is a unique challenge, but one that we embraced with strategic design choices and innovative solutions. Located in Ottawa’s Golden Triangle neighbourhood, this custom home showcases how thoughtful planning and precise execution can transform a small plot into a spacious, functional,…

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#Amsted35for35

June 14, 2024

Celebrating 35 Years with 35 Charitable Acts It can not be said enough that Amsted would not be where we are today without the support of our incredible team members, valued trade partners, and cherished clients. From Ottawa to Brockville, and everywhere in between, homeowners in these communities have given us 35 great years. At…

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Seen about town: Celebrating 35 Years

May 31, 2024

Proud Clients Display Lawn Signs in Support of 35 Year Milestone As we mark a significant milestone this year, our 35th anniversary, we wanted to celebrate in a way that acknowledges the heart of our success: our clients and their homes. To do this (and like we did at our 25th anniversary), we launched our…

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