Another pic

"It seems like it should be more flush."

What should be more "flush"?

I wonder why the piece is there or why it is not at other locations?

@Mark Bischak, Architect yes exactly… it seems like it should either NOT be there or it should trim out all around

@millworkman I guess because the trim seems incomplete there is an exposed edge as seen in the first pic. That just seemed odd to me...

The trim work on your staircase looks odd to me. I had a new oak staircase installed a few years ago and have a simple trim. If you like it, you could show it to your carpenter; it is a simple fix.

Thanks @kculbers. I appreciate you sharing!