Meet Frank “Trip” Butler of Design First Denver, LLC

Today we’d like to introduce you to Frank “Trip” Butler.

Hi Frank “Trip”, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
Design First Kitchen and Bath: A Story of Vision, Service, and Innovation

With a degree in Architecture and a decade of service in the United States Marine Corps—achieving the rank of Captain in the field of Combat Engineer—I transitioned into the construction industry in Key West, Florida. There, I worked as a Construction Project Manager, focusing on large-scale residential and commercial developments.

During a visit to Breckenridge, Colorado, I felt inspired to make a change. A business partner and I acquired an established kitchen and bath design company and immersed ourselves in the Summit County community, living and working there for 15 years. Over time, I honed my expertise in the kitchen and bath design field and helped evolve our business to meet the growing needs of the region.

As our business grew in Breckenridge, I made the decision to spin off to the Greater Denver area. In 2013, I relocated to Centennial, Colorado, to introduce my company Design First Kitchen and Bath.

Design First Kitchen and Bath was founded with a commitment to innovation and client empowerment. Unlike the typical kitchen and bath design companies on every corner, our firm redefined the model to focus solely on tailored “design-first” services. We serve a diverse clientele—DIYers, homeowners, and licensed contractors—providing detailed 3D plans and elevations that help ensure budget control and design clarity from the start.

Every client receives a comprehensive spreadsheet outlining the exact materials required for their remodeling project. This transparency empowers them to either purchase the materials through our trusted suppliers or coordinate with a general contractor. With detailed plans in hand, clients can confidently seek bids from contractors and trades—based on actual specifications, not vague concepts.

Design First clients can also order cabinetry directly through us, ensuring seamless coordination between the designer, contractor, and trades involved.

We’re proud to operate as a focused two-person design team, driven by precision, collaboration, and an unwavering dedication to delivering a perfect outcome for each customer.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Starting a new business during the slow economic recovery of the early 2000s posed significant challenges. Relocating and laying the foundation for a fresh venture required determination, strategic thinking, and adaptability. I made a point to engage actively with civic and industry organizations—both to build meaningful connections and to stay informed on trends and opportunities. At the same time, we were continuously researching and refining advertising approaches to attract and retain new customers in a competitive market.
All of this unfolded while raising a young family. Balancing entrepreneurship with a full calendar of family activities demanded thoughtful prioritization, but it also reinforced the importance of maintaining a strong, happy household alongside professional growth.

We’ve been impressed with Design First Denver, LLC, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
With over 30 years in the remodeling industry, we’ve built our business around a steadfast commitment to the client’s outcome. Remodeling can be an unpredictable field, often marked by unprofessional practices and unclear expectations. That’s why we position ourselves as the client’s advocate—offering not only guidance, but also assurance throughout the entire process.

Transparency is at the heart of what we do. We ensure our clients understand what the journey ahead entails, including accurate cost estimates before any decisions are made. We connect them with vetted professionals and companies who are both knowledgeable and trustworthy.

We partner exclusively with suppliers that offer quality products at a fair price. If a provider fails to meet our standards even once, they’re removed from our network—we won’t recommend them to future clients. Many of the tradespeople we work with have been part of our team for over 12 years and consistently deliver exceptional craftsmanship. Likewise, the material vendors we represent stand by their commitments and deliver as promised.

We’d be interested to hear your thoughts on luck and what role, if any, you feel it’s played for you?
Luck has certainly played a role in my journey—most notably in the form of meeting and partnering with a remarkable woman who shares my entrepreneurial spirit and dedication. She became the “other half” of our design team and was instrumental in helping build the business from the ground up. Her strength lies in business organization and strategic execution, and together we formed a balanced and effective partnership that laid the foundation for our success. While hard work and vision drove much of our progress, having the good fortune to collaborate with someone so capable and committed was a pivotal turning point.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://designfirstkitchenandbath.com/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DesignFirstKitchenandBath
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/frank-trip-butler-1151aa4/