Studio Designs

Unprofessional & Non-committal

I engaged Studio Designs for cabinetry work at my property following a recommendation from interior designer and project manager Heather Hensley, who indicated she has a close working relationship with them. Based on this, I proceeded with confidence in their services. From early on, there were delays in manufacturing which raised concerns, and unfortunately those concerns persisted throughout the process. Upon delivery, it became apparent that the cabinetry fell significantly below what I would consider a reasonable professional standard. The units appeared poorly constructed, with numerous visible defects. These included cupboards that were not square, misaligned doors and drawers (many of which did not close properly), cracks, chips, gouges in the wood, and inconsistent finishes across units. Curved shelving was particularly concerning, with visible gaps and signs of instability. It also became apparent during the process that the work had been outsourced to a third party, which had not been clearly communicated to me at the outset. Despite being invoiced by Studio Designs, the end product did not reflect the level of workmanship I had expected. Both Robbie and the project manager acknowledged that the initial installation was not up to standard, and the cabinetry was removed with the intention of being remade. While some units were remanufactured and others reworked, a subsequent inspection prior to reinstallation indicated that the overall quality still fell short, with many of the same issues persisting. Despite the disruption caused, the outcome did not reflect a meaningful improvement. Additional concerns included the use of incorrect or inconsistent hardware, excessive use of filler, panels separating, and cabinetry being installed on what appeared to be inadequate supports. The original quote specified Blum hinges; however, a different, lower-grade brand was installed. The cupboards were also painted on-site, which resulted in damage to surrounding areas, including drywall and wooden flooring that now require repair. Due to the ongoing defects, delays, and lack of a satisfactory resolution, I ultimately terminated the engagement before completion and requested a refund. This request was declined. I was also informed of additional storage-related costs, which I do not consider justified given the circumstances. As a result, I have been left without functional cabinetry and have had to adapt my living arrangements accordingly, which has been both inconvenient and disruptive on a day-to-day basis. This was a substantial project involving a significant financial outlay, and the overall experience — from workmanship to project handling and resolution — has been deeply frustrating. Based on my experience, I would recommend exercising caution before engaging Studio Designs. I have sought legal advice in relation to this matter, and a Letter of Demand has been issued.