While not custom, I feel that I got good bids from the Home Clearance Center (I know, cheesy name). They carry Diamond, Showplace, Bertch Legacy and DeWils (oh, and two more affordable lines: Aristocraft and Mastercraft?). MUCH better prices than my HD quote. They are on Evans west of Santa Fe. I can't recommend a particular designer because I went in pretty much knowing what I wanted, so I didn't really get or need a lot of design help. The owners have two stores, one of which has only the two lower end lines and caters more to flippers, etc. The two stores are close to each other, both on Evans. The one I recommend is on the NORTH side of Evans. I linked the website below. And Segbrown's kitchen from Aspen Leaf Kitchens is absolutely gorgeous! Here is a link with photos of her kitchen: http://ths.gardenweb.com/forums/load/kitchbath/msg1213550215424.html Good Luck! Here is a link that might be useful: Home Clearance Center in Denver

I know the best and it's Ayr Custom Cabinetry in Nappanee, Indiana. Amish company, beyond your wildest imagination in attention to detail, smarter than you, and search here on Garden web for 'loves 2 cook 4 six' or something like that. Ayr did loves kitchen and they don't know the meaning of 'we can't, don't do that'---they just say yes, of course. They are just starting to produce my cabs, which have been in my pipeline for more than 3 years. I cannot show you. Check their site, 'ayr cabinetry or cabinet, but that doesnt really show or tell you much. I have visited cab cos. with slightly fancier websites, whose quality isn't in the same sphere as Ayr's. They are by far the nicest people to deal with, but setting that aside, the quality of their work far, far surpasses anything else from nice or mean people. Evaluating quality alone, Ayr is best. Saints or serial killers, Ayr produces the best, smartest cabs ever. The only direct comparison I have not yet made is v. Mick DiGiulio, and he is Plain and Fancy or what's that British unfitted company, but for your benefit, see what Ayr can do. Ranks quality wise, better than the priciest. They are smart. I am thrilled.

I think this website may interest you, my electrician swears by him,said he shopped around and he gave the best price and craftmanship they have a few show rooms but the main one is in Wrigleyville. the company is Builders Supply Cabienets website is info@buildmykitchen.com good luck

I'm not sure how much more expensive the "doohickeys" make the cost, b/c we have a doohickey-less kitchen. So I don't think I can be too helpful with information. Back when I was calling around, I found a number in the Good Service Guide for a high end cabinet maker described as "formerly available only to the trade." So out of curiosity I gave him a call. I simply said that I was beginning to price cabinets, and that I would be using a simple shaker style, and could he please give me just a very rough idea of whether or not I could afford his work. He estimated about 1000 per linear foot. I'm guessing that means just the boxes, sans doohickeys. For around 300 per linear foot, I spoke with "friends of friends..." These were typically "retired" gentlemen who had a passion for carpentry. Again, my cabinet needs are very, very simple. So that might make a difference. Then again, as long as one has the tools and experience, I guess it isn't a big leap from shaker style, to cathedral arches and corbels. My current guy is doing about 8 feet of cabinetry: 1 door unit, 1 door + drawer, one sink cabinet for Shaw's fireclay, one trash cab, and a dishwasher panel made to look like a drawer + door. He did the demo for me. The cabs will probably be unfinished, paint grade birch with plywood boxes. (Though sometimes he sounds like he might try to prime them if he has time.) His price is 3400.00 for this. So that's a little over 400 linear foot for the bare bones cabinets. I'll keep you posted on the work... Six figures just doesn't seem reasonable to me. But then, God is in the details, right? In that respect, I have a godless kitchen! :-) Francy