Sierra Design Studio

"Be forewarned....My experience of ordering custom furniture was HORRIBLE, primarily because of Robin, the owner. It took months and many call/emails (initiated by me) to simply place a 3 piece custom furniture order. Did they not want/need business? Then when the furniture arrived, they tried to pressure me to let them deliver it when I was not there (Robin's preference, I was told). Fortunately, I insisted on approving it in person because it arrived with some serious manufacturing defects (see arms below). Had I not been there, they would have installed it and disposed of my old furniture, leaving me in an impossible situation with rentals booked over the holidays. At first, Robin tried to convince me that the uneven stitching would "steam out" and "be OK" - this without inspecting the flaws in person. She was "in Bishop" and couldn't be bothered to drive up to meet with me in person. I guess ultimately she agreed when she saw it herself, because it was sent back for repairs, but she never acknowledged the legitimacy of my concerns or the inconvenience. More than 2 months later, when the pieces arrived back in Mammoth, scheduling delivery was again a nightmare. Although we'd communicated our schedule more than a month in advance, Robin did not attempt to schedule a crew until a day or two before the delivery date. We took a day off work and drove up from LA, only to find out when we arrived that they didn't have a delivery crew. There were MANY last minute text messages conveying changes/cancellations. Bottom line, the 8 am Friday delivery time turned into MAYBE sometime over the weekend, and finally 430 pm that same day. Her explanation? "We're doing the best we can during these trying times" via text. Do platitudes suffice when attempting to cover up incompetence and unprofessionalism? I should add that I firmly conveyed my frustration throughout the ordeal, but I never spoke to her or any of her employees in a harsh manner and did not quibble about the price I was charged (which was on the high end of fair). I simply demanded, calmly, that the errors be corrected, and that I was willing to wait. Adding insult to injury, I received a final invoice BEFORE the furniture was delivered (I did not pay until after delivery of course) as well as an ADDITIONAL invoice after the delivery charging an extra fee of $150 for removal of my old furniture (Note that the original invoice INCLUDED a fee for furniture removal - Thank God I'd asked that that be included in the original invoice when I placed the order!) Pointing out that the removal of the furniture was included, I replied in no uncertain terms that I would NOT pay additional charges that had not been discussed and agreed upon. The bookkeeper was very apologetic and blamed it on the "new girl" (who was lovely). I'm sure the additional charge was initiated by Robin as it was clear that everything is dictated by her, even though she never responded to my request to meet in person to discuss any of it. Instead she communicated mostly by text. She was always out of town - first time, in Bishop and couldn't be bothered to drive up when I was in Mammoth, or in Texas during the second delivery. Despite Robin's egregious attitude, the delivery crew and staff were extremely nice and accommodating. Although they handled the situation professionally, it's clear that they tip-toe around their boss. The "new girl" had to ask Robin's permission to close the shop to be on site during the final installation - had I not insisted, no representative from the SDS would have been on site. Apparently there is high turn-over of staff. Not surprising! Ultimately the pieces look nice in my space (my good choice - no design input from the Studio) but overall the experience of dealing with Robin and SDS was a nightmare and extremely unprofessional. Robin simply does not care about her customers or their experience, and has no understanding of customer service."

"super fun store; excellent collection of art objects, clothes, candles, on and on...everywhere you look it is visually fun to be there. Even toys, throws, gifts, furniture. (Beautiful aquarium. ) Browse amidst color, texture, imagination in warm ,friendly surroundings."

"Sierra Design is very eclectic furniture store for all your Mammoth home furnishing needs. If you’re in need for that “certain” piece of decor to complete your cabin, home or condo design, you will find it at Sierra Design."

"Sierra Design Studio is the best place to source the designer style with a rustic flair furnishings and accessories in the Eastern Sierra. The owner has a keen eye for unique items that you will not find elsewhere. When you visit her wonderful collections, you will always find something special that you LOVE!."

"This is where designers and discerning clientele of Mammoth Lakes would fall in love. Owner Robin has an eye for quality and detail. Thanks for the thoughtful gift wrapping. If you want to make your new home in Mammoth yours, this is the place. Whether its your mansion on the ridge or your quaint cabin at June Lake, Sierra Design is at the pinnacle of class. Many original items by local artists in town and imports as well to suit the specific needs of the "stars" living, visiting and flourishing in this exclusive town. Thanks to Robin and your staff. Love our furniture."