Complaint Review: Blue Design Studios Inc. Conrad Sanchez - Modesto California

re: Blue Design Studio, Conrad Sanchez, Designer I am a licensed architect and worked as part of Conrad Sanchez's staff, from Spring 1999 through January 2004. Doing computer drafting, 3d modeling, and trying to make sure these innovative modern, sparse, clean-edged designs were buildable, detailed correctly, didn't leak, and met Code. When I joined in Spring '99, the firm was known as Wessenberg/Sanchez Architecture. Until August, when the senior architect, Mr. Wessenberg, left and the firm after a falling out (over someone being late). The new firm, started by Sanchez, became Blue Design Group with the all-RED logo. Another architect, Harvey Sanchez, often participated in Projects. Although he didn't have a lot of formal training, and became an architect only because the state of California "grandfathered" the old "Building Designer" licensees into the Architect classification, Harvey had a wealth of experience and creativity and added greatly to his son, Conrad's development and expertise. I know little of Blue since the move to Napa Valley, but you might want to see the July issue of Architectural Digest at: (((Redacted))) or Conrad's web site at: http://www.bluedsi.com/home.html Conrad has an exaggerated artist's temperament, perhaps victim of the highs and lows of enthusiasm of projects, finances and artistic inspiration, but he almost always acts in the Client's best interest. In fact, he admitted that it is often difficult to make a profit in this business, because you have to emphasize with the Client's point of view so much (to understand their needs), that it becomes difficult to take enough money from them to pay the bills. To do a proper set of Plans, calculations and engineering, it often takes tens of thousands of dollars. While a typical meeting with a Client may last about two hours, the decisions and changes to the Plans often take weeks of staff hours. Conrad had been warned not to call himself an architect. Perhaps it was not right for Blue Design to be listed in the Yellow Pages under "Architects" when it had no responsible architect on staff at that time. But, please be aware that the firm was always changing. In my time under Sanchez, the firm went from well over a dozen to three or four people, up and down. The employees used to call them "Fires", as the sudden reorganizations, layoffs, compulsory status as consultants, rehiring as employees, sudden growth, movement, et cetera took its toll. I survived several fires myself. This was a design oriented firm, not an old stoggy conservative, uninspired, unsympathetic group. At least in my experience. He may act as an eccentric genius at times, always late, but he means well... Gary CLICK here to see why Rip-off Report, as a matter of policy, deleted either a phone number, link or e-mail address from this Report.

I am a builder who has known Conrad Sanchez and worked with him professionally for over 10 years. During my association with Conrad I have been the general contractor on many of his projects, including eight high-end luxury homes, various residential remodels, and several commercial spaces, all containing his architectural vision and design. I have always known Conrad to be an honest man who is not about cheating people. If there was a misunderstanding between Conrad and his client, I'm sure it was not Conrad's intent to deceive, nor was it in his character to avoid following through with his contracted design services. Regarding Conrad's architectural abilities, he is extremely talented and possesses exceptional design and conceptual creativity. His ability to design aesthetic, innovative, proportionally correct, and functional homes again and again is a credit to his creative talent. Conrad's architectural style, however, may not be universally desirable, and anyone seeking his services should first gain a conceptual grasp of his work. Better yet, a new client would best be served by having a sincere desire for their project to employ his talent and vision before they hire him. One wouldn't hire a fine tailor if they just needed a pair of jeans.

I have dealt with Conrad Sanchez and found him to be an extremely talented designer. Just look at his portfolio of work and published designs (Architectural Digest July '08) The complaint is a typical case of buyers remorse from an uninformed and ignorant consumer failing to understand what he was contracting for. A designer gets paid for his ideas and if you have not researched his previous work enough and seen examples of his previous work you may be disappointed when you see what he conceptualizes since This may be totally different from any ideas that you may have about your project since you did not spend enough time familiarizing yourself with his work. At this point the designer has already spent his time on your project and is entitled to the fees for that phase of the work. You have the option of not proceeding further but not of asking for a refund. I suggest that this customer look at the large volume of design work and satisfied customers Conrad Sanchez has and rethink his project. Maybe he should have hired a draftsperson not a designer.

This is a rebuttal regarding Conrad Sanchez from a person named Sean, in Modesto, CA. In 2000 we interviewed several people (firms) to design a house that we were going to build. All of the architects told us all of the things that we couldn't or shouldn't do regarding the design. We have a unique spot and wanted to do something unconventional and special. Upon meeting Conrad for the first time he said "If you want a traditional house, I'm not your man". Conrad was the only one who had the vision to incorporate some of our ideas, as well as many innovative ideas of his own. He was so excited for this challenge. He told us up front that he was not an architect. You don't have to be an architect to design a house. Finally, we ended up with a very unique home using materials that we thought we would never be able to afford. We also thought his service was reasonable, especially considering the creative talent he has. Ron

This is a rebuttal regarding Conrad Sanchez from a person named Sean, in Modesto, CA. In 2000 we interviewed several people (firms) to design a house that we were going to build. All of the architects told us all of the things that we couldn't or shouldn't do regarding the design. We have a unique spot and wanted to do something unconventional and special. Upon meeting Conrad for the first time he said "If you want a traditional house, I'm not your man". Conrad was the only one who had the vision to incorporate some of our ideas, as well as many innovative ideas of his own. He was so excited for this challenge. He told us up front that he was not an architect. You don't have to be an architect to design a house. Finally, we ended up with a very unique home using materials that we thought we would never be able to afford. We also thought his service was reasonable, especially considering the creative talent he has. Ron

This is a rebuttal regarding Conrad Sanchez from a person named Sean, in Modesto, CA. In 2000 we interviewed several people (firms) to design a house that we were going to build. All of the architects told us all of the things that we couldn't or shouldn't do regarding the design. We have a unique spot and wanted to do something unconventional and special. Upon meeting Conrad for the first time he said "If you want a traditional house, I'm not your man". Conrad was the only one who had the vision to incorporate some of our ideas, as well as many innovative ideas of his own. He was so excited for this challenge. He told us up front that he was not an architect. You don't have to be an architect to design a house. Finally, we ended up with a very unique home using materials that we thought we would never be able to afford. We also thought his service was reasonable, especially considering the creative talent he has. Ron

I have designed a couple of projects with Conrad and his company when they were much larger and when then became smaller. He is one of the greatest design minds in the business and has recently designed a spectacular home for me. I know what you mean about his style as it can sometimes seem rushed. I felt that way until I realized that he is as excited about designing my home as i am and when his design juices get flowing he doesnt want to stop and have his ideas get stale. The initial design work that he does is typically brilliant and often throws his customers for a loop as he can get so far outside the box that it can give rise to pause. i had that experience as well but decided to trust in his skills and go forward each time. i am very happy that I did. I cant imagine him keeping money if you didnt like it unless you somehow encouraged him to continue for several meetings. Whatever the situation was for you, I can only say that my experiences with his design firm have been excellent and the work product is unmatched in creativity and function. I've seen over a dozen of the homes he has designed and everyone of thew is a jaw dropper. I find it hard to believe that he deserves this kind of hurtful press. As far as him showing up late......we all have certain things that make us unique. Tim

I currently work for Blue Design Studios, Inc. In response to this report I will report what I know to be true. After talking with the client, we reduced our fee to try to get the job and make the client happy. This is pretty normal of all businesses in this economy. I attended one meeting with the client and our draftsman to give the client the contract and answer any questions he may have. About 98% of the questions he had were personal questions and not business questions. We tried to answer without giving to much information as again, these were personal. Once he found out I had my degrees, he went right on to focusing on the draftsman. Our draftsman is not a high school drop out. How and where he was educated is his business and he does not have to share that info if he doesn't want to. I feel it is wrong to report something like that when it isn't true. No one in our company ever claimed to be a licensed Architect. The client knew this before contracting with us. So if this was a major issue he shouldn't have signed the contract or paid the deposit. He requested week a week to have his lawyer look at the contract and to check our references, and we did not misrepresent ourselves. Yes, in this economy we have had to down size. We are a 3 person team that is doing everything we can to stay open until things improve. This is not a negative thing. I wish that client the best of luck with his project.

The following is a response to each of the comments from Sean regarding my company Blue Design Studios,inc and Myself, Conrad Sanchez; We are in fact listed in the yellow pages under "Architects" as we have to consulting Architects on staff as needed for projects that require an Architects involvement and stamp. Mr. D----- asked if we were licensed in our initial meeting and we told him that for a residential remodel and addition or any residence for that matter that a licensed Architect is not required. He was satisfied with that answer and we went forward giving him a list of at lest 10 different references to follow up on regarding our work and character. As far as showing up late for the meetings that part is true as I am known for being late (perhaps I should have stated that when I first met with him). After our initial meeting we finally met again he agreed to our fee and the scope of work and paid us the $6,000 retainer. In fact he had about a week to have his attorney look over the contract, follow up on our references and view our website. Before we started any design we had a meeting with Mr. D------ and his wife to gather programing information and to collect magazine cutout's of images and styles of the the things they would want in their house. The program was very aggressive as they were wanting more than seemingly possible, as the lot was only around 5,000 sq.ft. and on a corner leaving very little space for a 8'X70' long pool that was mandatory by the client. You can reach Blue Design Studios @ [email protected] and request a copy of the drawings, list of wants and needs from the client and the images they left us to base our design on or you can visit our website @ www.bluedsi.com. I would like it to be shown that while we were in our meeting showing the plans, that consisted of floor/site plan and a computerized 3-D model, that Mrs. dooley would have to excuse herself every 10 minutes to handle some emergency with a friend. I offered to reschedule the meeting for a more convenient time but they insisted that it was not necessary. During her phone calls Sean told us that we needed to help him talk his wife into the design because he loved it and said that it met all of their needs and that she did not fully understand the design (it would be hard for anyone to understand the drawings that is not focused due to constantly being on the phone). It was clear during the meeting that Mr. and Mrs. D------ were not on the same page as they could not agree on what they wanted or said they wanted. I am sorry that it happened like this, perhaps they were just not ready to tackle a project as aggressive as this one, but regardless of what they say I feel we did our job and therefore should not to have to give a refund. It should be made clear that we offered to modify or clarify the drawings further at no additional expense but I think they realized that theywere over their head and either could not afford to do the project or could'nt agree on what they wanted in any caes it would be interesting to see if they intended to do anything at all. I guess only time will tell. Conrad Sanchez Sonoma, Ca U.S.A We will be happy to give anyone who request, a list of our satisfied clients , cosultants and personal freinds who can vouch for and character and design abilities