about us and our goals

Gratefully celebrating over 40 years, Design Solutions Inc. is recognized nationally and in Annapolis, MD as a lasting leader in the kitchen and bath industry. Founding director Joni Zimmerman has a devoted client base in Annapolis and throughout Maryland and the DC metropolitan areas as well as consistent referral business. What makes us different? Our unwavering desire to create unique, inspiring spaces - bringing extraordinary of ideas to life.

Our goal to lead in kitchen & bath creativity and formulate individualized plans for our clients keeps us continuously searching for cool stuff and quality craftsmen. Aware of the trends but not bound by them, our philosophy of classic design, with a twist, results in timeless spaces, inspired by fresh materials and forward-thinking elements for planning, keeping the studio stocked with color, texture and unique samples. Cabinet offerings include a diverse selection of high quality, custom and semi-custom cabinetry along with cabinet lines suited for quick turnaround and tight budget projects. Countertop materials, tile selections and hardware play an equally important part in the overall development of the final look - As creatives, we are hard pressed to leave any elements undiscussed and look forward to helping clients to bring their entire vision to life.

We love a challenge! And take great pride in developing a plan to include useful & functionally elegant needs and wants, as varied as our clients and their spatial constraints. The Principles of Relational Design fuel our approach. Through detailed discussion and evaluation, we consider how the kitchen(or other space) relates to the rest of the home, the outdoors, family lifestyle patterns and activities. Client involvement is encouraged and needed in devising a plan that satisfies practical requirements as well as reflects an aesthetic harmonious with the mood and architecture of the home.

Throughout the years and an ever-changing economy and landscape, DSI has maintained our good reputation, remaining flexible and collaborative in both business structure and industry supportiveness. Experienced in working with architects, builders, interior designers and other industry professionals, DSI plays an integral part in the entire scope of kitchen and bath projects including new construction, renovation and additions, providing design places and consultation as comprehensive or as minimal as required.

Emerging in mid 2020 in a new Annapolis, MD location, the designers at DSI continue the tradition of full design sales and service of kitchens, baths and space planning for the overall home. Invoking a boutique experience, the studio strives to be a source of inspiration for professionals and homeowners alike.

We welcome all dreamers with a promise of classic design, with a twist.

Joni Zimmerman Nilsson

Founder, President and Artistic Director Joni is the driving force behind Design Solutions, Inc. Her forward vision in both design and business operations has earned the company its excellent reputation, recognized in Annapolis, MD and beyond.

She began her career in Kitchen Design in 1979, leading the industry as an instructor, speaker and writer, with numerous published works and design awards. She draws upon a background in design and architecture, as well as psychology and human dynamics, to create spaces that truly work for the client. Unique spatial challenges are one of her specialties.

Outside of the studio, Joni spends time with her husband, Dave and furry 'children', Bruno and Shinju, at home in Talbot County. They fish, crab and entertain, celebrating life and faith with family, friends and neighbors. Joni makes beautiful jewelry, loves to cook, enjoys painting, drawing, sewing and a good book.

Andrea C. Wheeler

Eliot Rowe

Engineer and Technical Draftsperson Prior to working full-time as a technical advisor, Eliot spent 15 years as a high-end cabinet maker for both residential and commercial application. His love of woodwork began by spending time with his grandfather in the workshop. When not drafting, you might catch Eliot touring the open road in his yellow sports car, top down, loving the breeze.

What sets you apart?

We make our clients complicit in the design process, listen well, build long lasting partnership, push the creative edge, keep it fresh + always innovative, approach every project differently - unique is the norm, attend to every detail, commit to the highest quality in product + design, honestly pursue results in keeping with client expectations + budgets.

2014 Home and Design Designers Choice Awards

2013 Annapolis Home Magazine - Distinguished Design Service Award

2012 Baltimore Washington Chapter of NKBA - Hall of Fame

1997 NKBA - 1st Place Large Kitchens