We worked with Steve at Seed Studio on a full redesign of our property, including front, back, and…read moreside yard landscaping, a new driveway, fencing and gates, multiple decks, a patio, an outdoor kitchen, and a built-in hot tub. We do like the final layout and appreciate how efficiently he used the space on our narrow lot.
However, there were several significant issues with the process that would keep us from working with him again or recommending him to others.
Design Process & Deliverables
The final plans were clear and professionally drafted from a contractor's perspective, but they were essentially blueprint-style drawings.
We understood going into the project that we would not be receiving full 3-D renderings. However, Seed Studio's website features conceptual sketches and visual representations of designs, which led us to expect that we would receive something similar to help visualize the finished project. Instead, we received only technical plans. For the fees charged, we expected more client-friendly presentation materials and drawings.
We also found Steve somewhat unreceptive to feedback once he had settled on a design direction. While he listened to our input, it often felt as though he already had a vision for the project and was not particularly interested in incorporating significant client preferences that differed from that vision.
One surprise was the budget. The materials and design choices ultimately specified in the plans ended up costing nearly double the budget range we had initially discussed. We understand that pricing can evolve during a project, but the final design moved so far beyond our stated budget that we would have appreciated more proactive guidance and discussion along the way.
Additionally, many of the materials Steve specified were expensive specialty products with long lead times. While they may have been attractive design choices, they added significant cost and complexity to the project. Both contractors we worked with struggled to install certain materials without damage, which created additional delays, expense, and frustration.
Contractor Recommendations
Steve strongly encouraged us to use a particular contractor from Redwood City, explaining that he wanted to use them more frequently on his South Bay projects. Based in part on his recommendation, we moved forward with them despite some reservations.
Unfortunately, that relationship did not work out and we ultimately had to terminate them from the project. While the contractor's performance was certainly their responsibility, we were disappointed that Steve was largely unwilling to become involved when serious issues arose, despite having advocated for them so strongly.
Afterward, Steve recommended another contractor whom he regularly works with. They were more familiar with his designs and initially things progressed more smoothly but then we also experienced damage and delays with them.
Construction Oversight & Client Support
What ultimately disappointed us most was not just the contractors themselves, but Steve's lack of involvement once construction began.
The project that was initially expected to take roughly a few months stretched into over 1 year. During that time there were significant delays, damaged materials, scheduling issues, and long stretches where progress slowed dramatically.
We were not expecting Steve to manage construction or solve every problem. However, given the size of the project, the substantial design fees, and the fact that both contractors had come through his recommendations, we expected at least occasional check-ins or some level of interest in how the project was progressing.
Instead, it felt as though once the design work was completed and final payment was received, his involvement effectively ended. He never checked in, asked how construction was going, or showed interest in seeing how his design was being executed. While ongoing support may not have been formally included in his scope of work, we found the lack of engagement surprising. Most homeowners would reasonably expect their designer to have some interest in the success of a project that represents their work and reputation.
Overall
We are happy with the overall design concept and how our narrow lot was ultimately utilized. However, the experience getting there was far more stressful, expensive, and time-consuming than we expected.
If you decide to work with Seed Studio, our advice would be:
* Be very clear and firm about your budget and monitor design decisions closely.
* expect only blueprint-style plans without additional visualization materials.
* Do not expect ongoing involvement or support once construction begins.
- independently vet contractors regardless of his recommendations
