I would like to share my experience with Archetype. I am an owner of a newly TOP condo at H2O Residences. I actually went to them in March 15 and met this designer under them called Kessey Ng. This designer actually just joined the Archetype for only 4 months and caused my whole renovation to drag on for 3 lengthy months due to his lack of professionalism and integrity. I later discovered that Kessey had actually resigned and setup his own ID Firm (Exquisite Home Design) hence he was half hearted in getting my project done despite promising the sky on how he would coordinate the whole project to ensure smooth final delivery. The long and short of it is that Kessey took our money in order to get his commissions and then try to absolve himself of his responsibility. The beast started to do disappearing acts for long stretches. I will do a separate post to warn the public about Kessey Ng's mode of operations. I have supporting emails and SMS to show exactly the type of dubious character that exists in the current renovation industry. Anyway, just when my wife and I were at our wit's end and going through the perpetual non-stop renovation nightmare, we decided to contact the owner of Archetype, Louis Chia himself for help...of course initially...we were expecting another fly by night contractor like Kessey Ng (Exquisite Home Design). However, my wife and I were very surprised when Louis told us that he would honour whatever touch up that needs to be done and jumped in himself. We were very impressed when Louis personally took over the entire project and follow up with the carpenter, glass makers, and electrician to resolve lighting issues, uncompleted carpentry work and cabinet and study area mirror/glass installations. For the part that Kessey wrongly designed such as shoe rack and wrongly constructed dining cabinet (due to Kessey's poor communication of specification), Louis actually agreed to refund the cash back to us to avoid further delay. This speaks volume of the honourable character of Louis. The speed at which he moves things also demonstrated the highly driven nature of the Director of Archetype. My wife and I were also thankful that Louis shared his expertise in correcting a poorly designed false ceiling placement by the previous designer, Kessey Ng for our Masterbedroom false ceiling works. The false ceiling design was originally very strange looking and an eye sore. Louis with his creative mind instructed his team on how to enhance it at no extra charges and the new look was completed within 2 days. We were also extremely grateful to Louis and his team for painting over the skirting of the rooms which was initially covered with poor quality laminate given by the developer. Even though only 1 room have peeling off issue, Louis actually got his team to re-paint it for the other bedrooms. As alluded to the above, I would actually highly recommend Archetype to my family and friends. I have deal with many contractors in my work before as well as previous jobs, and most of them are like the black sheep Kessey Ng. Honourability and commitment are rare virtues in the renovation industry these days. As long as Louis Chia still heads Archetype, I will strongly support and recommend them. Archetype has a fine team that will strive to deliver on what they have committed.
