I would like to share my experience with Archetype. I am an owner of a newly TOP condo at H2O Residences. I actually went to them in March 15 and met this designer under them called Kessey Ng. This designer actually just joined the Archetype for only 4 months and caused my whole renovation to drag on for 3 lengthy months due to his lack of professionalism and integrity. I later discovered that Kessey had actually resigned and setup his own ID Firm (Exquisite Home Design) hence he was half hearted in getting my project done despite promising the sky on how he would coordinate the whole project to ensure smooth final delivery. The long and short of it is that Kessey took our money in order to get his commissions and then try to absolve himself of his responsibility. The beast started to do disappearing acts for long stretches. I will do a separate post to warn the public about Kessey Ng's mode of operations. I have supporting emails and SMS to show exactly the type of dubious character that exists in the current renovation industry.

Anyway, just when my wife and I were at our wit's end and going through the perpetual non-stop renovation nightmare, we decided to contact the owner of Archetype, Louis Chia himself for help...of course initially...we were expecting another fly by night contractor like Kessey Ng (Exquisite Home Design). However, my wife and I were very surprised when Louis told us that he would honour whatever touch up that needs to be done and jumped in himself. We were very impressed when Louis personally took over the entire project and follow up with the carpenter, glass makers, and electrician to resolve lighting issues, uncompleted carpentry work and cabinet and study area mirror/glass installations. For the part that Kessey wrongly designed such as shoe rack and wrongly constructed dining cabinet (due to Kessey's poor communication of specification), Louis actually agreed to refund the cash back to us to avoid further delay. This speaks volume of the honourable character of Louis. The speed at which he moves things also demonstrated the highly driven nature of the Director of Archetype.

My wife and I were also thankful that Louis shared his expertise in correcting a poorly designed false ceiling placement by the previous designer, Kessey Ng for our Masterbedroom false ceiling works. The false ceiling design was originally very strange looking and an eye sore. Louis with his creative mind instructed his team on how to enhance it at no extra charges and the new look was completed within 2 days. We were also extremely grateful to Louis and his team for painting over the skirting of the rooms which was initially covered with poor quality laminate given by the developer. Even though only 1 room have peeling off issue, Louis actually got his team to re-paint it for the other bedrooms.

As alluded to the above, I would actually highly recommend Archetype to my family and friends. I have deal with many contractors in my work before as well as previous jobs, and most of them are like the black sheep Kessey Ng. Honourability and commitment are rare virtues in the renovation industry these days. As long as Louis Chia still heads Archetype, I will strongly support and recommend them. Archetype has a fine team that will strive to deliver on what they have committed.

Worst renovator I had seen in Singapore. All sweet talks by the woman IDs to get the contract, once client is trapped, worst workmanship provided.

I am the victim of such company, I have registered a police case against the MD and have proof for the same.

Company is doing renovation since October 2016, still handover not done, company also owes me money. Office locations changed, all my contact numbers are blocked on MD's mobile.

When I contacted through HDB telephone booth, MD says, company filed bankruptcy, asking me to go legal and sue the company as its private listed.

BEWARE OF SUCH RENOVATORS IN SINGAPORE, DONT FALL VICTIM TO SUCH PERSON.

He must be doing renovation business in some other name, some other location.

I can give all proofs, WhatsApp chats if anyone needs reference.

I am also another reno victim of archetype.The 2 registered addresses at opal crescent and kaki bukit are no more.

All the invoices are purposely addressed to the opal unit.

He tried to claim even more from me but I smelt a rat in time.

According to my lawyer he is a confidence trickster. Please do not sink into any contract with archetype.

Me too, I had registered a police case as well, but it isn't criminal case, so the police couldn't help us.

Yes, those liars have shifted and running business from different locations. BEWARE OF THESE IDs - BIEN BULLICER, BRITNEY NYE, DEWI ANGRENENI and the MD - LOUIS CHIA

Yes, their MD Louis Chia is an unethical conman. Conned us into signing a wolly wolly contract for A and A works to our house. The contract was lacking in details on the materials to be used, and the payment schedule also requested for payment for almost half of the contract price until the point of demolition of the old structure, but without any actual works done yet. Was defensive when we probed him for more details on the bill of quantities and the details of actual works to be done. Was also unprofessional in his interactions with us, accusing us of trying to delay when all we wanted was to get more clarity on the details of the works. 

He is now under investigation by the authorities for various violations. We have also taken legal action to terminate his contract. Unfortunately, we are not optimistic of getting back the 5 figure deposit he has conned us of unless we take him to court.

And we got to find out from a friend only later on that Louis Chia owed our friend money for a few projects that he had engaged my friend to carry out, and in the end refused to pay. If only we had found out earlier, we wouldnt have engaged Archetype to do our house. 

Archetype might very well have closed down by now, but Louis Chia, the MD, might just reappear when all the dust has settled, to open another company under another name.(remember Jover Chew?)

So to all looking for a reno or homebuilder, or an interior design firm, beware of this douchebag Louis Chia. Dun be conned by him!

Edited June 8, 20179 yr by homelover12

I totally agree with you on each statement you had written here. These words are to be engraved on all Reno related websites, so that there aren't any more victims of such cheap, unlawful person.

I wish he be dealt by law for all the unlawful things and cons he had done. Let me know if you need any support, I can fully understand the frustration you might be going through and that conman happily stays a peaceful life in his condominium.