Hi Nan,

It's so funny that I just happened to check the site today. I was actually going to do a search of our designer's name but saw your post. Don't worry, I won't rehash but here are the highlights:

We went to binding arbitration a few months ago. The arbitrator decided that she couldn't hold the designer financially responsible for the manufacturer's faulty work--even though she chose the mfgr, etc. And even though the designer admitted that they were Kreiss knock-offs, supposedly made by a Kreiss mfgr. but without Kreiss's knowledge. The arbitrator agreed with me that the furniture was not good quality so she ordered the designer to replace everything by this upcoming Wednesday, April 8th.

The designer gave every indication she was going to comply. She sent me an email telling me that she had submitted the dimensions, etc.

Last week I sent her an email making sure we were on schedule and letting her know I would be gone for a few days last week. Eventually I got a response from the designer: a vulgar email in which she cursed at me and told me to die--in an acronym. (Earlier that day I had found out that her website was not operating and her business phone had been disconnected.)

So, yes, I will have outdoor furniture for this summer but only because I will be going shopping for it on Thursday--once she doesn't deliver on Wednesday.

And in the meantime the Northwest Society of Interior Designers has been contacted by a few more people who have been ripped off by her. There are six of us so far that we know of. We're all tempted to buy her expired domain name and post our stories, but why throw away more money on an obviously corrupt person?

Thanks for asking Nan. This has been a very good lesson for me--although it has made me become less trustful in my dealings with others, which I don't love. The bottom line is that I know I was right, and that I believe in karma. I'm confident that she'll get hers someday.

Whoa. Not a happy ending to this saga. I hope you find something quickly (and in stock!) so you can move on and enjoy your spring/summer. Put the focus on knowing that you gave her every opportunity for correction rather than the 'she'll get hers' aspect. I understand how you feel, really, but that's a negative thought process and you can move on faster without it.

Be sure and show pictures of your new purchase!

Why am I not surprised?

It is unfortunate that she decided to get ugly...very bad karma, indeed. I think I'd feel just a little bit better knowing I was not the only one. Not that I want others to suffer, but I often wonder, "Is it just me? Doesn't anyone else realize this person is a loop job?"

At least it is over.

Now, can we see that new painting? :-D

Don't think that I'm sitting here plotting here revenge. When I say "she'll get hers" I'm just expressing my belief that the universe will move in such a way that she will get punished one day for all her bad acts. Yeah, I guess it is a negative thought but, given what she's done, and that she continues to walk around with a clean conscience, I think it's okay to be negative for a little while longer. I'm still amazed that she's managed to snow everyone for so long, and that someone can behave this way.

As for the new purchase, DH and I have decided that quick and dirty is the way to go right now. Then, depending on how the economy goes, we'll re-visit our outside area again next year. But I'll try to post once we get something.

Wow! The new painting! I completely forgot about it. We haven't put it up yet--one more thing on our long list. But soon; very soon. I promise!

Thanks, Meg, for letting us know. Good luck!

Thanks for posting the final chapter to this saga. So basically you keep the defective furniture, since you paid for it and she's not going to replace it.

yes indeed, we'd love to see that painting !!!

I'm glad you will be putting all this behind you.

Unfortunately I don't have a full set of furniture because she only delivered the chairs. And those have cushions that feel like wood because her manufacturer used foam that is generally used for packing electronics.

During the arbitration hearing the designer made a big deal out of the fact that because I hadn't accepted delivery of the tables, they were in storage at her expense. When I realized that I would probably be keeping this cruddy stuff, I called the storage facility. Not only had they never seen my tables, but the designer owed them money for storage. She was just one big scam after another.

Wowww...I have a feeling you're only privy to the tip of the iceberg. This kind of behavior tends to run deep. Thank heavens you didn't hire her to do something really important like the whole house or your kitchen.

Oh Meg, I'm sorry this doesn't have a better ending. I don't know the ins and outs of arbitration but are there consequences for not complying with the arbitration resolution?
I'm glad you took action against her. You may have prevented other people from being duped by her.
So- enjoy the summer on what ever patio furniture you decide on. At least now you can let all this tension and frustration go and enjoy the day. Best wishes- Nan

Meg, Did you read that the Costco Home Stores are closing? Maybe you could find a recession budget patio set there.

This is such an interesting story, and I'm glad to know what happened, although I think Meg's been very patient in her dealings with a scam artist.