WHO ARE WE?

Grassroots is an Ottawa-based design and build company who specializes in small spaces and older homes. Did we mention we’re also award winning? We deliver beautiful living spaces designed for every lifestyle.

Grassroots is a team effort. We work closely with our clients to help set design goals that are beautiful and functional. Our designs aren’t just for photographing, but for living in- though they do make a pretty awesome picture.

We know renovating isn’t always fun, but we are!  So whether this is your first time working with a designer or you’re a seasoned vet, we strive to make you feel comfortable from start to finish. We never forget that it’s not just another job, you are inviting us into your home.

Our Vision

Women supporting women

WOMEN SUPPORTING WOMEN

Advocate and support women working in the construction industry.

fair pay

FAIR PAY

We pay our team fair wages.  No one can take care of your home if they don’t themselves make a living wage.

Great Design

GREAT DESIGN AT ALL COSTS

Good design choices often cost the same as bad design choices. It is just a matter of knowing where to look.

Our Values

Trust us!

HONESTY & INTEGRITY

We will not misrepresent the cost of a renovation to the best of our available knowledge. We can’t see through walls but our experience will allow us to give clients a realistic sense of what work will cost.

Our dedication

PASSION & QUALITY

We don’t take ourselves to seriously, but we take the work seriously! We want you to be in love with your new space.

local partners

LOCAL PARTNERSHIPS

Wherever possible, we try to support our local community. Whether buying paint, ordering countertops or furniture, we try to buy from local suppliers.

Our Founder

Emma Doucet, Founder and Principal Designer at Grassroots

Emma Doucet

Founder and Principal Designer

Grassroots Founder and Principal Designer, Emma Doucet opened the company in 2012. Her passion for design was born from an uncontrollable urge to constantly re-decorate everything around her, and her passionate dislike for beige, which, at the time, seemed to be everywhere ;). She was worried if she didn’t turn this into a profession she would bankrupt herself. Her design aesthetic aims to combine function with beauty, believing these never have to be compromises. Emma finds inspiration in bold colours, unusual patters, adventurous furniture pairings and natural materials.  

Emma’s designs are shaped by each family’s life in all their different shapes and sizes.  Your space need to be able to grow with you throughout the various stages of your life. Emma aims to help you represent your story in your home.  Homes can evolve over time to map out our personal histories, and what better way to come home at the end of the day.

Born and raised in Ottawa, Emma’s lifelong mission is to dispel the myth that Ottawa is boring, conservative and un-stylish city, one reno at a time!

Our Team

Emma Doucet, Founder and Principal Designer at Grassroots

Sarah Stott

Senior Designer & Project Coordinator

When it comes to transforming spaces and making the impossible happen, Sarah is the designer you want on your team. No tricky space is too complicated, no challenge too big- Sarah has a knack for turning tough design puzzles into sleek, functional masterpieces. From initial brainstorms to the final design reveal, she ensures everything runs like clockwork, blending innovation with practical execution. Sarah has a love for whimsical floral prints and bright colours and encourages her clients to embrace their individuality in every design. She believes that your home should be a sanctuary that inspires and uplifts. 

Beyond her design expertise, Sarah is also a project management superhero, making sure timelines are met, teams are in sync, and everything runs like a well-oiled machine. With 12 years of experience under her belt, she knows exactly how to blend vision with reality without missing a beat. If you need bold ideas and flawless execution, Sarah is the one who’ll bring the vision to life with flair and fun!  

Emma Doucet, Founder and Principal Designer at Grassroots

Alica Westendorp

Junior Designer

As a Junior Designer at Grassroots Design and Build, Alica thrives on the intersection of creativity and technical precision. With expertise in design modeling software and 3D rendering, she transforms concepts into immersive visual experiences, helping clients see their spaces before they’re even built. Armed with a bachelor’s degree in interior design, Alica approaches every project with a fresh perspective, balancing aesthetics with functionality. She believes great design isn’t just about how a space looksit’s about how it feels and functions in everyday life. Whether refining layouts, playing with textures and finishes, or perfecting lighting and spatial flow, she’s always searching for ways to elevate a design from ordinary to extraordinary. Alica loves collaborating with clients to bring their unique style to life, translating ideas into thoughtful, beautifully executed spaces. Always eager to expand her skill set, she embraces new challenges that push creative boundaries and redefine possibilities in design. 

Emma Doucet, Founder and Principal Designer at Grassroots

Andrew Demos

Construction Manager

With over 20 years in the construction industry, Andrew DeMos brings a wealth of hands-on experience to his role as Construction Manager at Grassroots. After running his own business, Knoll Haven Construction, for 10 years, Andrew has developed a strong expertise in everything from preparing estimates and managing materials to making sure every project meets the highest quality standards. 

Andrew specializes in kitchen and bathroom renovations, along with full home remodels, and is dedicated to delivering top-notch results for every client. His passion for construction shows in his attention to detail and commitment to making sure every project runs smoothly from start to finish. He’s excited to work with the talented, artistic team at Grassroots to create more creative and fun spaces that truly inspire. 

Emma Doucet, Founder and Principal Designer at Grassroots

Christiane Farah

Executive Assistant & Office Coordinator

Meet Christiane, the Ultimate Office Wizard at Grassroots Design & Build!  

As the Executive Assistant & Office Coordinator, she keeps the Grassroots engine running smoothly—think of her as the glue holding everything (except the drywall) together! Highly organized, tech-savvy, and a certified Microsoft Office ninja, she can handle just about anything you throw her way (except a power drill!).   

Christiane holds a Master’s degree in Business Administration, she brings serious brainpower to the table, making sure operations run efficiently and everything is handled with a strategic touch. From screening new client requests and scheduling appointments to placing orders and helping with Farrow & Ball paint and wallpaper sales, she keeps things on track like a pro. 

She also works her magic behind the scenes of our social media, keeping our feeds looking stylish and up to date. 

Emma Doucet, Founder and Principal Designer at Grassroots

Tracey Lough

Bookkeeper

As the Bookkeeper at Grassroots Design, Tracey Lough is the one who makes sure the numbers always add up, keeping the financial side of things on track while the creative team works their magic. With 5 years of experience, including a year at Grassroots, Tracey may not be picking out color palettes or designing rooms, but she thrives in the vibrant, creative atmosphere. Her expertise ensures invoices are sent on time and the books stay balanced, all while she quietly works her financial magic behind the scenes—no paintbrush required! 

Let’s talk about what we can do for you.