Seymour Design Group - Anchorage, Alaska

Carrol Chandler

I was not as wise as Danny Smith in his review of a year ago and I entered into an agreement with Seymour Design Group. Mr Smith's review says it clearly and concisely, and I could not agree more. According to Mr Seymour, because I terminated his participation in my project--after four plus years, both the builder and I were at fault for what I consider to be his lack of responsiveness and his less than satisfactory work. He further implied that without his continued participation during construction, he was relieved of further responsibility for his plans. I contracted for a set of build-able plans, not a set of plans to be corrected by the planner as we build.

Kathi Gallagher

I am very easy to please and easy to get along with. I only ask that my requests be heard and stick to agreements. I hired Dave to design a cabin for me. I gave him $1000 retainer. After almost 6 months I still had no plans or designs. Furthermore, I asked for several things in my design. I needed the building to face the lake. I wanted a half loft that started at the front of the building. I needed the shape of the building to be a long rectangle to fit the building site. Dave called and said he had preliminary drawings for me to look at. When I got there, none of my stipulations were in the design. The design appeared to be a canned cabin design, not one that was made specifically for me. Additionally, they were merely sketches on a piece of paper. Long story short, I asked for my money back and was told by Dave that the retainer was nonrefundable. In the end, he told me he would return $500 and give me the portion of the plans he had completed for me. He returned the $500 to me but then told me he would not give me the plans because that retainer fee was only for time spent on the project, not for the plans. I then asked him how much money one must spend on time before they are able to get plans. He sent me plans but they were the original design he did. There had been no changes to it So they are totally useless for my building site. Additionally, he attached an invoice for $125. He stated that was his payment for sending me the plans. I told him I was not going to pay that invoice because it’s ludicrous. He then resorted to calling me a spoiled brat among other things which you can see in his response posted below.

I would definitely steer clear of hiring Dave Seymour.

Dave Seymour’s email to me:

“So, just as I thought, this is all about Kathi. You don’t really care about anyone else as long as you get what you want. I knew you wouldn’t pay me when I sent the invoice because you don’t do the right thing, just like I knew. You are a
spoiled brat who thinks the world owes her a living. I work hard for the money I get, and the majority of my Clients appreciate what I do, but every once in a while I get someone, like you, who wants something for nothing. You have rationalized the situation so that you think you are in the right.

Not worried about the money, I really don’t care, just wanted to see what you were all about. Please don’t darken my door again, and tell all your friends who think like you to stay away from me, too. I’ve wasted enough time on you.”

RUN... run away as fast as you can. There are many solid designers out there who will produce for you. Dave Seymour isn’t one of them.

Danny Light

I'm pretty easy to please. Make an agreement with someone, do what you say you will, and your word is your bond. This guy has a 3 page contract full of language that borders on being a veiled threat. He upsells what he will do, and is a suck up until it comes time to deliver. Then the excuses start (says he's got way more time into this than he's been paid for), he can do this or that to improve it, the builder contractor is out to screw you and I am your best advocate, his additional design work ($100/hr.) will save you money. Like a lame used car salesman, he just goes on and on. I'm glad I didn't enter into an open ended agreement with Seymour Design Group. One last thing, the photo for his company on Google is not his place of business.