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About The Design Studio — Ranked №4 Countertop Fabricator and Installer in Cedar Rapids, IA
48.15
total score
The main rating value calculated from more than 30 indicators.
Exact value: 48.152328 out of 100.
According to The First National Ranking of Stone Countertop Fabricators and Installers in the U.S.
The Design Studio, founded in 2007, ranked number 4 in Cedar Rapids, IA in the U.S. company ranking by Countertops Contractors Ranking — the first national independent ranking of stone countertop manufacturers and installers.
We included The Design Studio among the top U.S. contractors after a thorough, multi-level manual selection process, backed by extensive research into customer reviews, ratings, and service quality.
The Design Studio: Total Score & Key Ratings
The Total Score of 48.15 out of 100 achieved by The Design Studio in our ranking confirms its well-deserved position. This score is based on an analysis of customer reviews from the most popular review platforms in the U.S., as well as an evaluation of 10 key customer service parameters conducted through mystery shopper research. In calculating the Total Score, we relied on the Customer Feedback Score — The Design Studio has a rating of 2.7 out of 5 — and our team’s Mystery Shopper Score, which stands at 2.95 out of 5.
You can read detailed information and evaluations from our independent research of The Design Studio’s work in the Mystery Shopper Report section, covering each of the 10 research points, as well as in the FAQ section on this page. On this contractor’s page, you can also read customer reviews — but most importantly, you can use our platform to contact The Design Studio directly: call them, send a message via Facebook Messenger, or submit a request to receive a free project estimate and a consultation with their specialists.
General information about The Design Studio
Project is effective if staff uses an individual approach to clients. Designers control each stage of order implementation. Kitchen marble countertops look good in different style solutions. Estimates are prepared free of charge. It is possible to request cost adjustment depending on allocated budget. Space should reflect individuality of the owners. Products made of natural stone help to emphasize the interior uniqueness. The Design Studio is a fabricator who can be trusted. We aggregator https://countertopscontractors.com put it in our catalog after studying customer reviews.
Disclaimer:
The materials on this page are the result of independent research by Countertops Contractors as part of The First National Ranking of Stone Countertop Fabricators and Installers in the U.S. The evaluations are based on our methodology and Mystery Shopper approach: we called companies, requested estimates for a standardized project, and recorded their responses. Terms and reactions varied; the conclusions reflect only our experience at the time of the review. The final scores are a professional opinion, not a statement of fact: we do not guarantee that your experience will be identical, nor are we responsible for any subsequent outcomes of your interactions with contractors.
When using our materials, especially unique mystery shopper evaluations and structured contractor data, please credit countertopscontractors.com. This helps develop the project, increase industry transparency, and maintain the independence of the research.
More info
Customer Feedback Score
2.7
The weighted average of all reviews from Google, Yelp, Facebook, and CoCo, factoring in the number of reviews for each source.
reviews: 7
Google
2.7
reviews: 7
YELP
n/a
reviews: n/a
Facebook
n/a
reviews: n/a
CoCo
n/a
reviews: n/a
Mystery Shopper Report
2.9
The mystery shopper rating is calculated as a weighted average of the indicators, which you can find out about below. Exact value: 2.947757 out of 5.
criteria: 10
Staff friendliness
1
Poor
Staff friendliness
We rate the staff friendliness of The Design Studio as Poor.
Based on our mystery shopper research, the staff at The Design Studio showed minimal interest in interacting with the client. Communication was neutral and lacked engagement or effort to assist. This evaluation places them in the Poor category.
Important:
Our rating is based on the personal experience of our mystery shopper with The Design Studio’s staff. This rating may vary for other clients depending on the specific staff member or situation. We recommend contacting The Design Studio directly to better understand their approach to customer service.
Staff Expertise
3
Good
Staff Expertise
We rate the staff expertise of The Design Studio as Good.
The staff member from The Design Studio who spoke with our professional mystery shopper demonstrated good knowledge of the product or service, providing answers to most questions. Their level of preparation met industry standards and provided sufficient confidence to the client. We placed them in the Good category.
Important:
This rating reflects the professionalism of the specific staff member who interacted with our mystery shopper. The expertise of other staff members at The Design Studio may vary. We recommend contacting the company directly for more comprehensive information.
Company Age
3.4
Established
Company Age
The Design Studio is an established company, operating since 2007.
According to our research, The Design Studio has been in business since 2007, placing it in the Established category. Such a track record demonstrates a stable reputation and professionalism, making the company a reliable choice for clients.
Important:
This information is based on data collected by our mystery shopper. We recommend contacting The Design Studio directly to confirm the accuracy of the details.
Own Office
5
Has Office
Own Office
We note that The Design Studio has a dedicated office.
Our research revealed that The Design Studio operates from a dedicated office. This demonstrates the company’s serious approach to business and provides added convenience for customers. Having an office is often perceived as a sign of professionalism and stability.
Important:
This information was gathered as part of our mystery shopper research. We recommend contacting The Design Studio directly to confirm the latest details.
Own Production
5
Has Prod
Own Production
We note that The Design Studio has its own production facility.
Our research revealed that The Design Studio operates its own production facility. This allows the company to maintain full control over the quality and timeline of their products while responding efficiently to client requests. Having in-house production is often seen as a sign of reliability and high professionalism.
Important:
This information was gathered as part of our mystery shopper research. We recommend contacting The Design Studio directly to confirm the accuracy of this data.
Veterans Discount
1
None
Veterans Discount
The Design Studio does not offer discounts for veterans.
Based on our mystery shopper research, we found that The Design Studio does not provide special discounts for veterans. This may be due to the company’s policies or a lack of demand for such offerings.
Important:
This information is based on data collected by our mystery shopper. Company policies regarding discounts may vary. We recommend contacting The Design Studio directly for confirmation.
Production time
1.4
Very Slow
Production time
We rate the production time of The Design Studio as Very Slow.
Our research revealed that The Design Studio quoted a project completion time of 28 days, which significantly exceeds the market average. This delay may be due to a lack of materials in stock and long delivery times. We recommend confirming all details and timelines with The Design Studio before starting a project.
Important:
Our evaluation is based on information provided by The Design Studio during our mystery shopper research. The timeframes quoted to our mystery shopper may differ for other clients depending on the complexity of the project and the company’s current workload. We recommend confirming details and timelines directly with The Design Studio.
Deposit Level
2
High
Deposit Level
We rate the deposit level of The Design Studio as High.
Our research found that The Design Studio requires a deposit of 75% of the total project cost, placing them in the High category. This may reflect the company’s confidence in their professional services and project execution. We recommend discussing the terms of payment directly with The Design Studio.
Important:
Our evaluation is based on data collected through our mystery shopper research. The terms offered to our mystery shopper by The Design Studio may vary for other customers depending on the situation. We recommend confirming the details and obtaining a formal proposal directly from The Design Studio.
Quote Time
1.3
Very Slow
Quote Time
We rate the quote preparation speed of The Design Studio as Very Slow.
Our research revealed that The Design Studio provided a quote with significant delays. This performance places them in the Very Slow category. We recommend discussing quote preparation timelines with The Design Studio in advance to avoid misunderstandings.
Important:
Our evaluation is based on data collected through mystery shopper research. The quote preparation time experienced by our mystery shopper may differ for other clients depending on the company’s workload and project specifics. We recommend confirming details and timelines directly with The Design Studio.
Affordability
4.5
Low
Affordability
We rate the price level of The Design Studio as Low.
Our mystery shopper research revealed that The Design Studio offers one of the most affordable pricing options in the city. For the requested item made from Calacatta Idilio quartz, the company quoted a price of $91.89 per square foot, while for Carrara Morro quartz, the price was $91.89. These prices fall into the Low category, making The Design Studio an excellent choice for budget-conscious customers.
The total price for the finished and installed product measuring 83.4 square feet was $7664 for Calacatta Idilio quartz and $7664 for Carrara Morro quartz.
Important:
Our evaluation is based on data collected through mystery shopper research. The terms offered to our mystery shopper may vary for other customers depending on the situation. We recommend confirming the details and obtaining an updated quote directly from The Design Studio.
Company services
Kitchen
To order
Bathroom
To order
Outdoors
To order
Commercial
To order
Fireplaces
To order
Sill rail
To order
Additional benefits of The Design Studio
Small business
Wheelchair accessible entrance
Wheelchair accessible parking lot
Debit cards
Credit cards
In store shopping
Cabinet store
Reviews about The Design Studio
All (7)
Google (7)
Source:Google
Brandon Mikel
Date: 2024-05-03 13:03:56
I ordered a vanity from them October 2022 and have not received it despite a supposed 6 week lead time. They have not returned any emails or calls since January 2023. Do not order from them, if you can even get a hold of them.
Edit: I was able to get a refund of deposit from them September 2023 after much hassle. Still, do not order from them as they have no intention of fulfilling your order.
Read more
Source:Google
Coley Nauholz
Date: 2024-06-27 23:52:14
Doesn't pay for services rendered. Haven't heard back for 4 weeks.
Read more
Source:Google
Amy Lovseth
Date: 2024-06-26 16:50:55
Please do a lot of research before you give someone a downpayment for remodeling. At least check the BBB for complaints and get recent references.
I paid half down (over 12K) on November 14, 2023 for a project to begin in January 2024. With extremely minimal communication (2 e-mails in 4 months) and no work ever started, I kindly asked for a refund by April 22, 2024 and attempted many more contacts. All attempts to contact after March 19th went ignored. I contacted law enforcement on May 3rd. The owner finally replied after an officer contacted her.
With pressure from local law enforcement, it was 6 more weeks until I finally did receive a refund. While I'm very thankful to actually get my money back and finally be able to move on, I'm angry about the amount stress caused and sheer amount of time completely wasted. Much of the stress could have been avoided had the owner given me the respect of communication while she used my down payment as an interest-free loan. Now, I have to start completely over, except with trust issues for any business I work with in the future.
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Source:Google
Christopher Ellis
Date: 2018-01-18 16:54:47
In the midst on a painful renovation project with general contractors that had no idea what they were doing, Jessi and her team were more helpful than they needed to be. Easy to work with and extremely patient. The quality of Sticka Design's work is spot on. I would definitely work with them again and happily recommend them to others.
Read more
Source:Google
Amanda Wolf
Date: 2024-03-13 13:42:04
Jessi was helpful and on time in the beginning of planning. However, since we put down our deposit for 10k to order materials over a year and half ago we have seen nothing. No pictures nothing despite stopping by multiple times to see our product. We are only responded to after reaching out to her. I hope things will change and I can write a second review explain the work as been done and her communication with us improved. I just want to caution those who are looking to make this investment. The result so far as been a complete loss of investment and no communication unless we reach out. I am hopeful we will at least be able to retrieve our investment or get product worth that amount.
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Source:Google
Greg Ivory
Date: 2022-08-24 16:15:58
Jessi did an amazing job with our kitchen reno. Great communication, keeping us informed throughout the process. Highly recommend.
Read more
Source:Google
Kim Johnson
Date: 2023-07-13 12:47:58
Work is good. Reliability is terrible. We signed 1 1/2 years ago and still not finished with our bathroom/laundry room remodel. We have not seen anyone since early winter. They rarely return emails, calls, texts. They are not there when we “drop in.” If they do respond, it’s “call you tomorrow” or “still planning”.
Read more
Source:
FAQ About The Design Studio — Based on Independent Research
What materials can I order a countertop from The Design Studio?
During our independent research, we found that The Design Studio offers countertop fabrication using most of the popular types of natural and engineered stone available in the US. The most commonly used materials include engineered quartz, marble, granite, quartzite, soapstone, and onyx — these are the materials most frequently chosen by The Design Studio’s clients in Cedar Rapids, IA for kitchens, bathrooms, outdoor areas, and commercial spaces in 2025.
If a client requires a less common material, the desired stone is ordered from a supplier, allowing the project to meet the customer’s specific requirements. This approach enables the company to complete both standard and unique designer projects.
What types of spaces does The Design Studio fabricate countertops for?
According to our research, the company fabricates stone countertops for both residential and commercial spaces. The most in-demand options are, of course, kitchen countertops in private homes, bathroom vanities, as well as outdoor kitchens and BBQ areas. In addition to that, the company manufactures countertops for commercial spaces such as offices, retail stores, hotels, restaurants, and even medical facilities.
Thanks to its experience, The Design Studio is ready to fabricate and install stone countertops in virtually any residential or commercial space — even if the specific type of room wasn't mentioned among the most common ones.
What shapes of kitchen countertops does The Design Studio fabricate?
Our rating analysts thoroughly reviewed the portfolio of completed projects by The Design Studio, which features various types and shapes of stone kitchen countertops fabricated by the company. Among the completed projects are classic straight countertops, L-shaped and U-shaped corner configurations, kitchen islands, and countertops with a breakfast bar.
The examples we studied confirm that the company is capable of fabricating and installing countertops in virtually any shape — tailored to the kitchen layout, design objectives, and customer preferences.
What countertop design styles does The Design Studio most often implement in Cedar Rapids, IA?
Our research has shown that the company works with the most popular stone countertop styles in the U.S., including modern, traditional, transitional, minimalist, industrial, farmhouse, luxury, and coastal. These styles are currently in high demand among clients across the country.
Our analysts reviewed the company’s portfolio and customer feedback and confirmed that The Design Studio successfully handles a wide range of design tasks — from clean, minimalist solutions to luxurious interior compositions featuring expressive stone textures.
What is the service area of The Design Studio?
The company’s office is located at 716 Oakland Rd NE Ste 502, Cedar Rapids, IA 52402, but its work is not limited to just the city of Cedar Rapids, IA. Like many participants in our rating, the company accepts orders, provides on-site measurements, and installs stone countertops within a radius of up to 50 miles from its main location — including neighboring cities, suburbs, and residential communities.
If you’d like to confirm whether your location is covered, simply contact the company through our website: submit a request, give them a call, or send a message directly via messenger.
What types of clients does The Design Studio work with?
Like many participants in our rating, The Design Studio works with a wide range of clients — from private homeowners to professionals in the construction industry. Their clients include families planning a kitchen or bathroom renovation, contractors, developers, and owners of cafés, restaurants, hotels, and other commercial properties where stone countertops are needed.
For interior designers and contractors, The Design Studio often offers special partnership terms — such as discounts or priority fabrication timelines. To confirm the details, we recommend contacting the company through our website using any convenient method.
Does The Design Studio have its own countertop fabrication facility?
As part of our independent research, we attempted to determine whether The Design Studio has its own natural stone countertop fabrication facility. Our analyst contacted the company as a mystery shopper, but unfortunately, we were unable to obtain a clear answer — the calls and messages either went unanswered or did not provide the necessary information.
The absence of confirmed data about fabrication should not be seen as a negative sign. In our experience, it is not uncommon for companies to miss some incoming inquiries or choose not to disclose such details during initial contact.
Does The Design Studio offer any discounts on countertop fabrication in Cedar Rapids, IA?
According to our research, The Design Studio does not offer a veteran discount — this information was provided by a company representative during a conversation with our mystery shopper. However, like most companies in our rating, The Design Studio may offer personalized terms and discounts on countertop fabrication — especially during national holidays, seasonal promotions, or for large-scale projects.
We recommend confirming the details directly: submit a request, call, or message the company through our website — and be sure to ask about any available discounts. In many cases, contractors are open to discussing individual terms.
What is the price category of The Design Studio in Cedar Rapids, IA?
According to the assessment of our independent rating, The Design Studio in Cedar Rapids, IA falls into the category of contractors with an affordable price level. This conclusion was based on our independent mystery shopper research: our analysts contacted a company representative and requested a price estimate for the fabrication and installation of a countertop measuring 83.4 square feet (excluding old countertop removal), using two popular materials — Calacatta Idilio quartz and Carrara Morro quartz.
Based on the estimate received, the cost of the project using Calacatta Idilio quartz amounted to $7664$ at a rate of $91.89$ per sq. ft., and the cost using Carrara Morro quartz was $7664$ at a rate of $91.89$ per sq. ft. These prices turned out to be among the lowest of all companies in Cedar Rapids, IA, which allowed us to categorize The Design Studio as a contractor in the affordable pricing segment.
Please note that the data provided reflects the result of a specific request within the framework of our research and may differ for your particular project. We recommend contacting the company directly through our website — submit a request, call, or send a message — to get a personalized quote and confirm current pricing.
Can I get a free consultation and a free estimate for the fabrication and installation of a countertop from The Design Studio?
Yes, according to our research, The Design Studio offers free consultations and project estimates — this is standard practice across the industry. Like most contractors in our ranking, the company provides free on-site measurements, advises on material selection and configuration, and prepares a detailed quote for the fabrication and installation of your stone countertop.
To receive a consultation and a free estimate for your new countertop, submit a request on our website, call the company, or send a message via messenger.
What is the fabrication and installation timeline for a countertop at The Design Studio?
According to the results of our independent research, The Design Studio from Cedar Rapids, IA quoted a turnaround time of 28 business days for the fabrication and installation of a stone countertop. Acting as a mystery shopper, our analyst contacted the company with a request to produce and install a 83.4 sq. ft. stone countertop. A company representative stated that the project could be fully completed in 28 business days, which allowed us to classify the company as one with a long turnaround time.
It’s important to note that the timeframe provided to our mystery shopper may differ from what you’ll be quoted, as turnaround time depends on many factors — including the complexity of the project, the material selected, and the company’s current workload. We recommend confirming the actual timeframe directly by submitting a request, calling, or messaging the contractor through our website.
How long does it take The Design Studio to prepare a quote for countertop fabrication and installation?
According to our research, The Design Studio in Cedar Rapids, IA prepared the project estimate within 28 days. After a phone conversation, our mystery shopper sent a quote request to the company representative, based on a completed 83.4-square-foot countertop project, and received a detailed estimate for the fabrication and installation. This turnaround time allowed us to classify the company in the category with a very slow quote preparation speed.
Please note that estimate preparation times may vary depending on the company’s current workload, the complexity of your project, and the selected material. We recommend submitting a request, calling, or messaging the company through our website to receive a personalized quote and clarify the current turnaround time.
Does The Design Studio offer cutouts for sinks, cooktops, or other elements?
Yes, like most professional contractors in the market, The Design Studio performs cutouts and countertop preparation for various components — both standard and modern. According to our findings, these services are typically included in the overall project estimate. The standard scope usually covers cutouts for sinks (undermount, drop-in, or farmhouse) and holes for faucets or other plumbing fixtures. Additional cutouts — such as for cooktops, hidden or pop-up outlets, built-in wireless chargers, or other accessories — are discussed individually at the project planning and estimating stage.
It’s important to note that while the cutouts and countertop preparation are usually performed by the company, the installation of electrical and plumbing fixtures (such as faucets, outlets, or appliances) may not be included in their scope of work and could require licensed professionals. We recommend clarifying this point when placing your order.
To avoid misunderstandings, ask for a detailed estimate with a breakdown of all services: cutout pricing, installation, and any add-on options. This will ensure project transparency and help you clearly understand what you're paying for.
What guarantees does The Design Studio provide for its work?
According to our information and industry practice, The Design Studio, like most participants in the ranking, provides a workmanship warranty valid for 1 year from the date of countertop installation. This period is usually specified in the contract. We do not rule out that the company may have extended warranty terms (2 years or more), however, during our research, we did not receive confirmed data from the contractor regarding the duration and scope of its warranty.
The contractor’s warranty covers defects in fabrication and installation, such as uneven or separating seams, leveling and fastening issues, detachment or sagging of an undermount sink, flaws in edge finishing and cutouts, premature failure of seam materials, and cutouts that do not match the approved design. Warranty coverage does not include damage from use (thermal shock/burn marks from hot cookware, chips or cracks caused by impacts), stains and acid etching (for marble), wear due to insufficient maintenance or lack of sealing, natural characteristics of stone (veins, micro-pores, variations in shade/pattern within tolerances), shifts caused by base deformation, or any modifications performed by third parties.
The material warranty is provided by the manufacturer or the official stone supplier. Engineered quartz brands often offer a limited “lifetime” warranty for residential properties (subject to registration and compliance with care guidelines). For sintered surfaces, typical warranty periods range from 10 to 25 years. Natural stone usually does not come with a factory warranty — its quality of fabrication and installation is covered by the contractor’s warranty. The term and scope of the warranty depend on the project and materials — contact The Design Studio in any convenient way on this page to get the current terms.
Please Note
The answers in this section were compiled by the Countertops Contractors Ranking team and are based on both publicly available information and data collected through our independent research on The Design Studio. We strive to keep all information up to date, but some details may be inaccurate due to recent changes within the company or incomplete data in public sources.
If you notice any inaccuracies in the company description, please contact us to request a correction. Our analysts will promptly review your submission and update the information on this page if necessary.
The Design Studio is a trusted participant in our ranking, known for its exceptional quality of work and outstanding service.
Contact them today in the way most convenient for you to get a free estimate for your project.
We’d appreciate it if you let The Design Studio know that you found them through the National Ranking Countertops Contractors!