Andra Birkerts Design

I hired Andra B. D. largely due to the reviews I read on Houzz.
Background and what worked — The project was for a master bedroom to be redesigned in terms of furniture and soft furnishings only. It was completed largely on time with most of the delays only due to furniture delivery from overseas. About roughly 15% (of value) of the furniture recommended by the firm actually met the aesthetic and practical requirements of the room.
What did not work — I felt the design work lacked creativity and fell short in practical as well as aesthetic considerations. It also was an unpleasant surprise that most of the initial budget for design, development and implementation was used up in the design stage itself given the quantity and quality of output.
In their initial presentation I was shown two largely similar design themes of one monochromatic look. Since this was my first time using an interior design firm, I trusted them that the subtleties would lie in say — luxurious texture or use of unique materials to justify the hiring of an experienced designer. Maybe there would be an aha! down the line. Practical considerations were communicated to them such as its a bedroom therefore the curtain treatments should block the light, the bed should be solidly made etc. Aesthetic considerations were also communicated such as nicer finishes were needed, furniture should have something special in terms of design etc. Otherwise why hire somebody ?!
Their actual design picks were pedestrian and fell short of expectations. Consequently I ended up doing the bulk of the research as well as visiting local showrooms to find the right furniture (roughly 70% of value). Some other smaller pieces of furniture that I did leave to them to decide and purchase I am currently looking to donate (15% of value). Returning does not seem to be an easy option through them.
The curtains installed made the room look like a hospital room. They let in all the early morning light that we get in the Northeast making sleep difficult. An odd episode with window darkening drapes proved that they did not work with the customized drapes already installed. Now I have replaced them all at additional expense.
Unfortunately truthful feedback and questions on invoice amounts led to a breakdown in communication early on. I am very disappointed with their work and am now correcting their design mistakes as I don’t want to have to live in one.