IMO a lot more info is needed and remember this is covid and everything is slowed down what with closures and long delivery times . How much work is planned , what is the designer designing? I often have 2 or 3 goes at a design that works for a client so not always possible even in perfect conditions to have sign off in 4 weeks. More info please.

When I say 3~4 weeks for us I meant it took our designer that long to present the design plan to us. Then from there things were tweaked . Ours was a whole house Reno. They are having kitchen cabinets redone. Supposed to decide on just painting or new doors and drawer fronts and painting the remaining cabinet. This was suggested by the designer on their initial appt. instead of replacing. New kitchen counter tops as well. New furniture, rugs, accessories for remainder of great room and new window coverings. New master bedroom furniture , bedding, window coverings and paint. The designer said she would get back to them with design plan and hasnt. When they asked the first time they were told she was waiting on samples to arrive. That was around week 3 post appt. When they called again roughly 3 weeks later and left a message, they got a email from the assistant saying they were still working on it. That was roughly 2 to 3 weeks ago. my experience was not during COvid, initially so I can’t speak to whether this is normal or not. she is beginning to worry it’s something else.

If she did not put down a retainer, I'd walk. I've had this crap going on with quite a few contractors the last couple of years. For some reason, they tell you they want the job and then the promise dates never happen and the phone calls and emails never get returned. And I'm talking reputable business. Quite frankly, if your sister posted her dilemma on Houzz she'd probably be near completion on it as what she wants done is up right our alley here. She still may want to do that if she is willing to do the leg work. But only start with posting one room.

Yes the retainer was paid and cashed.

I agree about the e-mail and I hvae waited 5 weeks for fabric samples witht his Covid thing so I am behind with my projects too. Waht you describe is not a simple design job and I have even found so many suppliers are out ofstock on many things. I think I would try the e-mail communication and make it clear you are concerned about no reply .

Sorry not sure what happened there. Implementation of the design then could take years at this pace?

We’re putting a pool in and timelines are between 9 and 18 months to begin. 😩😩😩