We chose to switch custom cabinetry suppliers at the final drawing stage. This decision was not made lightly and had nothing to do with the quality of product but everything to do with the behaviour of Andrew.
It is beyond any logic why Andrew steadfastly refused to accommodate a custom request given the unique situation we faced with the limitations of our flooring choices and challenges of dealing with a century home. Does this company not purport to be a custom cabinetry designer? The only reason given was that it wouldn't look as nice. Is it not my ultimate choice, as the customer, of what I will and will not accept as a design work around? But more egregious was the lack of integrity in dealing with the issue. Andrew was verbally informed by my designer in early March that this accommodation would be required. Further, he was informed in writing with a drawing of the requirement on March 17th. At no time between the verbal/written notice and the receipt of the final drawings on March 31st did Andrew inform my designer of his issue with the request. This lack of transparency and failure in collaboration and communication is unacceptable to me. I will not deal with an individual who so blatantly has disregard for his clients requirements nor the company that supports this behaviour.
This issue was not the only time Andrew tried to circumvent my designer's role in my renovation. Behaviour, again, that is unacceptable but was given a pass at the time with a hope that it was not going to happen again. I can only guess that he is incapable of collaborating with another designer as well as an old house that offers its challenges.
Escalation to the owner resulted in a response that we need to keep the integrity of our process in tact and that they hadn't modified a design like our request. Three other high quality and reputable custom cabinet makers quoted that the modification requested is easily accomplished and that they had done it before.
I am truly fortunate to deal with a designer and builder of such integrity and capability that they were able to offer me an alternative high quality cabinetry solution which has a better design in the same timelines within an incredibly short period of time. No fuss over the customization and design recommendations that will provide better utilization in both the kitchen and family room.