FAQs

How and when did everything start?

Simbiotek became an idea after we met in college. Hunter was researching a concept known as symbiosis, the close ecological relationship between two or more species, for his senior project. At the time he was most interested in how bromeliads, also known as air plants, attached themselves to large tree hosts in the cloud forest of Peru. We became fascinated with this concept and how nature holds a mathematical logic to forming biological structures. This in turn led us to form a brand which engages its viewers in products with meaning between their designs and the particular organism that inspired them.

Does Simbiotek Design Lab take Telephone Orders?

Yes, we will gladly take orders via phone. Just contact us at 909.973.7863.

What if I have a problem with a Simbiotek Design item, or if I lose part of a jewelry or coaster set?

Simbiotek Design is happy to handle repairs that result from a manufacturing defect. However, we cannot handle repairs that are the result of normal wear and tear at this time.  If you have lost one piece in a pair of earrings, we can replace the missing piece for 75% off the purchase price of the set. Please contact us by email contact@simbiotekdesignlab.com and specify which item is missing. We will create a custom listing for you through our Etsy.com shop.

Does Simbiotek Design Lab Charge Sales Tax?

Sales tax is only added to orders shipping to California. Please note that tax calculations are based on state and county locations of the shipping address on your order. Shipments to any other state will not include tax.

What are your Return Polices?

Full price merchandise can be returned for a full refund within 14 days of the receipt date. Items marked SALE cannot be exchanged or returned at any time. We will accept returns on items that have not been worn, altered or tarnished. Simbiotek Design Lab reserves the right to deny a refund if the merchandise does not meet return policy requirements. Shipping and handling charges for returned merchandise are non-refundable unless we have made a shipping error.

How can I check the Status of My Order?

You will receive an order confirmation email once your order has been received via our Etsy shop page. In addition, we will send you an email when your order has shipped. Upon receiving your Shipping confirmation email from us. If you have further inquiries, please email contact@simbiotekdesignlab.com or 909.973.7863 and we will do our best to help you.

How do I Cancel My Order?

Once an order is submitted we can accept minor changes and cancellations up to 12 hours from the purchase time. Please email contact@simbiotekdesignlab.com or 909.973.7863 immediately so that we can get your order completed quickly.

How do I Exchange a Gift?

If you would like to return merchandise you received as a gift that was purchased through our Etsy shop page, you may exchange the merchandise for a Simbiotek Design Lab credit if it has been over 180 days or you can choose to refund the original form of payment submitted by the purchaser, with their permission. Please email contact@simbiotekdesignlab.com or 909.973.7863 for further assistance.

How do I receive Web Promotions or Special Offers?

To receive special offers and be notified about sales, join the Simbiotek Design Lab mailing list.

In order to take advantage of these promotions, you must enter the promotional code in the space provided on the Shopping Cart page through our Etsy shop page. The value of the promotion will be applied to your order at checkout and will not appear on a line item basis.

Where are Simbiotek Design items manufactured?

All of our items are manufactured by Simbiotek’s co-founders, Hayley Stewart & Hunter Ruthrauff. Each item is hand finished in our live/work space in downtown San Diego.

Who does your photography?

Lifestyle shots for SimbiotekDesignLab.com were done by Hunter Ruthrauff. Product photography was done by Hayley Stewart. In the future Simbiotek hopes to update its styling and photography, if you are interested please go to our contact page and fill out our contact form.