Very nice, Jason! I like the shelves. I'd not have been brave enough to do something quite so organic and asymmetrical, but it worked out exceedingly well (even if they do look like something from the creators of "Wow Wow Wubbzy!").
I'm definitely impressed with the vision and the results. Congrats!
FWIW, getting wood to look good with a dark stain is very hard. You need good quality wood, some wood conditioner, and lots of skill. I really suck at finishing wood, though I consider myself a decent carpenter. So I can certainly sympathize with your family friend.