--- title: "Prassas Landscape Studio LLC — Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers | Houzz" canonical_html_url: https://www.houzz.com/professionals/landscape-architects-and-landscape-designers/prassas-landscape-studio-llc-pfvwus-pf~1350948599 markdown_url: https://www.houzz.com/md/professionals/pf~1350948599.md entity_type: LocalBusiness business_name: "Prassas Landscape Studio LLC" category: ["Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers"] image: https://st.hzcdn.com/fimgs/a5c3a7aa01016b95_3279-w400-h400-b0-p0--.jpg address: "Chicago, Illinois 60614, United States" phone: "(773) 879-9048" website: http://www.prassas.net rating: 5 review_count: 14 best_of_houzz_awards: 9 followers: 170 last_updated: 2026-09-21 --- # Prassas Landscape Studio LLC Original Houzz profile: [Prassas Landscape Studio LLC](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/landscape-architects-and-landscape-designers/prassas-landscape-studio-llc-pfvwus-pf~1350948599) ## Professional summary - **Primary category:** Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers - **Location:** Chicago, IL - **Serves:** Chicago, Winnetka - **Houzz rating:** 5.0 out of 5 (14 reviews) - **Best of Houzz:** 9 awards (2014–2026), for Design, Service. ## About ### Houzz Badges - Star Houzzer - 5 Star Houzzer - Houzz Influencer - Recommended on Houzz - 25,000 Ideabook Saves Prassas Landscape Studio LLC is a landscape architecture firm dedicated to the thoughtful design of landscapes through the integration of sustainability and innovation. The studio is committed to the creation of unique spaces by merging a site’s context and architecture with the needs of the client. Through the development of strong relationships with the client and allied professionals, the studio has succeeded at achieving a high level of quality on all of its projects. Since its founding in 2006 by landscape architect Stephen D. Prassas, the studio has worked on a variety of projects from small urban gardens to larger multi-family developments. Some of the projects have gone on to win awards from various organizations including the Illinois Chapter of the American Society of Landscape Architects and the Friends of the Chicago River. In addition, several nationally and locally distributed publications have included the firm’s work. Most recently, the Ravenswood Green Garden project has been certified with a Gold Rating in the USGBC’s LEED for Homes program. Mr. Prassas has over 17 years of experience on a variety of project scales from private residential estates to college campuses and public parks including the award-winning redevelopment of the 98 acre park surrounding Soldier Field, North Burnham Park and highly lauded Gary Comer Youth Center. ### Services Provided - Landscape Design - Garden Design - Hardscaping - Landscape Plans - Patio Design - Drought Tolerant Landscaping - Site Planning - Custom Fire Pits - Pool Landscaping - Custom Water Features - Swimming Pool Design - Outdoor Lighting Design - Deck Design - 3D Rendering - Project Management - Pond Construction - Edible Gardens - Living Walls - Dog Run Construction - Rooftop Deck Installation - Green Roofing ### Areas Served - Chicago - Winnetka ### Typical Job Cost $75,000 - ## Business Details | Field | Value | | --- | --- | | Business Name | Prassas Landscape Studio LLC | | Address | Chicago, Illinois 60614, United States | | Phone | (773) 879-9048 | | Website | http://www.prassas.net | | License Number | IL RLA 157-000965 | | Followers on Houzz | 170 | **Social profiles:** - Facebook — https://www.facebook.com/pages/prassas-landscape-studio-llc/190679177721?ref=ts&fref=ts - LinkedIn — http://www.linkedin.com/profile/view?id=7319590&goback=%2enmp\_\*1\_\*1\_\*1\_\*1\_\*1\_\*1\_\*1\_\*1\_\*1&trk=spm\_pic ## Contact - **Houzz profile:** [Prassas Landscape Studio LLC](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/landscape-architects-and-landscape-designers/prassas-landscape-studio-llc-pfvwus-pf~1350948599) - **Website:** http://www.prassas.net - **Phone:** (773) 879-9048 ## Credentials **Certifications & Awards** - Registered Landscape Architect - State of Illinois - American Society of Landscape Architects ASLA - Member - U.S. Green Building Council USGBC - LEED Accredited Professional - **Best of Houzz:** 9 awards (2014–2026), for Design, Service. **Affiliations** - [American Society of Landscape Architects](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/schools-and-organizations/american-society-of-landscape-architects-pfvwus-pf~2014062207) ## Reviews **Overall rating: 5.0 out of 5 — 14 reviews** ### Reviews **★★★★★ — Night Light, Inc., Oct. 2017** > I have known Stephen for about ten years. Though another subcontractor brought us in on this particular project, communication was excellent. Stephen was proactive, reaching out to us to coordinate with the interior designer to consider the project holistically from the very beginning. When we informed him of the details of what we needed, he worked with other subcontractors on the project to ensure that things were accomplished properly and efficiently. As a fellow professional, I highly recommend Prassas Landscape Studio. **★★★★★ — rtloon, Sept. 2016** > We were very pleased with our interactions with Stephen throughout the development of our landscape plan and its execution, as well as with the final result, which at this writing has been in existence for only a few months. > > The project was for the south, west and north gardens surrounding our 1860's house in an inner northern suburb of Chicago, on a lot 50% wider than standard. One core idea was to create a rain garden that would give our flat property some topographic interest, capture water from garage and house downspouts, provide an environment for water and sun-loving plants, and a stepping stone crossing between house and patio. Another was to provide tension between pastoral curving stone and gravel paths and informal plantings away from the house and more urban large orthogonal concrete slabs and organized flower beds near the house. All plants chosen were perennials suited to our clime and specific area in which it was planted, with the intent of not only being aesthetically pleasing but also in providing food and habitat for birds, bees and butterflies and food for us. It included the already mentioned patio, two other small seating areas, an area of raised planters for our culinary use, an outdoor shower and small no-mow lawn area that could double as an area to park a car. > > Stephen was very knowledgeable about both the architectural and horticultural aspects of the project. This included organization of spaces, paths and views, and selection of hardscape materials, trees, shrubs and herbaceous plants. He was also extremely talented at combining a friendly and professional demeanor, and being accommodating to our wishes and concerns yet sticking with his convictions of what he thought would work best. He was very attuned to our desire for a garden that was sustainable both in the environmental sense and in cost and labor of upkeep. He made his process clear, created carefully crafted communications both written and computer drawn, for our approvals, for city approval and to instruct garden installers. His top recommended installers performed as he indicated they would. They also expressed their professional regard for Stephen, and feeling he brought them interesting projects and provided them guidance that made things easier for them. > > As my wife is an architect and I am a graphic designer, we have experience in the world of design that gives us confidence that our high professional and personal regard for Stephen is well-deserved. **★★★★★ — zands1, May 2016** > After spending quite a bit of time researching landscape architects to help us redesign our 20' by 20' Lincoln Park courtyard, we rather easily selected Stephen based on the reviews of others - and as easily convinced our neighbors in the adjoining townhome to have Stephen redesign and project manage a total redo of our common breezeway. This was a wonderful experience! Frankly, my wife and I are not easy to please - and Stephen's patience in working with us on design and installation of hardscape and plantings, as well as his design sense and knowledge of materials that would work for us made all the difference in the world in terms of both process and outcome. Stephen also helped us engage excellent hardscape and garden installation contractors, and I'll tell you that it was a smart move to include some overall project monitoring and coordination services in our agreement with Stephen. The results - our courtyard and breezeway are transformed and lovely, and we're pretty sure this investment will be more than repaid when the time comes to sell. Finally, just have to add, Stephen is a genuinely nice guy who isn't just out to make a buck, but rather to make a difference for people like you and me. **★★★★★ — Katrina DeGraff, Sept. 2015** > I worked with Stephen on a full landscaping design including plans for hardscape/patio, plantings and trees for both front and back yards, plans for two roof decks, pergola, planters, drainage systems, and fencing (iron and cedar). I appreciated that he is a designer rather than a design build firm - which allowed me to bid the project out to multiple firms for install - and I believe saved us money. > > In terms of working with Stephen - I cannot review him highly enough. He was always accessible for questions large and small. He was very accommodating to our extremely picky and specific tastes in design and plants. He never tried to rush a decision and was willing to offer alternatives if we did not like his original suggestions. He made the process of designing our outdoor spaces stress free and enjoyable. > > During the oversight phase of the process, when the landscaping contractor was installing our various phases - he always made himself available to come to the site and oversee. He was an excellent advocate for our interests and ensured that we were completely happy with the implementation of the design. > > I believe it is rare to find someone who is talented, innovative, flexible, professional, knowledgeable, easy to work with/agreeable and is willing to work within a specific budget. Stephen is all of these things. Best experience I have had with a contractor in any design or tradecraft. **★★★★★ — User, Sept. 2015** > Stephen was outstanding. He met with us reviewed our needs and likes and helped us come up with a brilliant plan. He then worked with three contractors to get a reasonable quote and oversaw the installation. We love the yard! **★★★★★ — Phil McFarland, Sept. 2015** > Prassas Studio brought a great combination of structural landscaping design and knowledge of native plants to bear on a fairly large project. Stephen helped us work out grading and drainage issues and then worked it all into a really nice, wild landscape and series of paths and firepits that blended the "working" parts of the design really nicely into the overall finished product. **★★★★★ — Calvin Brown Jr, Sept. 2015** > Prassas Landscape Studio provided the exquisite landscape to complete our renovation and restoration. Stephen is prompt, knowledgeable and brought several great suggestions for our design. But he was also open to and incorporated revisions as we went along. He fulfilled a very, very peaceful lush and private outdoor space to complement our modern yet historic house. And respected and met our budget. Recommend Prassas Studio without hesitation! **★★★★★ — Middlefork Luxury Home Builders, Oct. 2014** > I started developing luxury speculative houses in 2008 and used Stephen on the very first project. Since then, he has developed the landscape design for all nine of my homes - both speculative and custom. Stephen has the great ability to develop a landscape design that is contextual with the house as well as with the street. His designs do not try and over-take the project; rather, they are designed to enhance the overall design aesthetic of the home and to work with the architecture of the project. I will continue to work with Stephen in the future and would recommend him without reservation. He is extremely talented; very knowledgeable of plant materials; works within a budget; delivers in a timely manner; and, relates well to clients, architects and contractors. **★★★★★ — Krugel Cobbles, Inc., March 2014** > We have been the selected landscape masonry contractor on many of Stephen's project (over 15 different projects over the past 5 years). The highlighted pictures are of a tumbled travertine pool deck we installed. Stephen is one of the most organized and creative landscape architects that we work with. He thinks through details in advance and makes sure that they are planned for before the construction of his project starts. His creativity is matched by how easy he is work with work with...he is really personable! Our entire team really loves the opportunity to collarborate with Stephen and some of our best work has been as a result of his vision and project management. We look forward to continuing to partner with Stephen on his very high quality projects. **★★★★★ — Julie Zuercher, Jan. 2014** > About 4 years ago, Stephen Prassas designed our pool area. We chose Stephen after interviewing about 5 other landscape architects. It was clear at our first meeting that Stephen understood the project and the look we wanted. He came up with several designs quickly and over the course of a few months, we had a final plan. His response time is timely and checks in often. His biggest strength (besides his creativity) is his meticulous attention to details. We had no surprises during the construction phase because Stephen had thought of every tiny detail. > Last year, we asked Stephen to redo the front and side yards of our house. We had the same experience the second time around. Through listening, he is able to figure out what we like (colors, plants, bushes, trees...) and design the space with that in mind. We also wanted, in both spaces, a low maintenance garden, which is what we got. > Stephen was also able to recommend excellent contractors to bid on the work. Stephen oversaw the bidding process. He also did hardscape design, irrigation, electric, and designed an outdoor grilling area. He had knowledge of, and access to anything the project required. He was on site regularly during the construction phase. > Without reservation, I would most highly recommend Stephen Prassas for any project. He was easy to work with, quick to respond, listens, very creative, conscientious, sensitive to costs, and has a wide variety of design styles. We think Stephen is the best there is. **★★★★★ — jagunnerson, Oct. 2013** > My husband and I had the great pleasure of designing our yard with Stephen Prassas in the summer and fall of 2013. We came to him with a loosely constructed idea of how we wanted to enhance the virtually plant- and tree-free lot surrounding our home. He listened to our requests and concerns, asked thoughtful questions, and came back to us with a design that exceeded every expectation we had. > > Although it’s obvious that our yard is landscaped because nature doesn’t look this good in our neighborhood, every bit of it looks both purposeful and unexpected at the same time. Every time I pass a window and glance outside I am captivated by something different. Stephen made sure to choose a combination of plants and trees that would be visually appealing and interesting throughout all 4 seasons, which was something we had not considered. > > From start to finish, Stephen was professional, thorough, and a really great guy all-around. In addition to working with us, he helped us choose a landscaping contractor and worked closely with him throughout the entire planting process. Because of this we knew that Stephen's design would be brought to life with the same care that he used to create it. I could not possibly recommend him more highly! **★★★★★ — tlass1, Oct. 2013** > We hired Stephen to design an approximate 3,000 sf private. roof deck for our home in Chicago. From the planning and design phases through final construction, Stephen has consistently provided great ideas and solutions to meet our overall design objectives. We are thrilled with the end result and look forward to spending time in our new outdoor living space over the coming years. We would highly recommend Stephen to anyone looking to embark on a architecural landscaping project. ## Selected projects - [West Loop Roof Garden](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/west-loop-roof-garden-pj-vj~1373233) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 9 - Description: A steel and wood pergola floating over a garden enclosed living room is the centerpiece of this 2,000 s.f. condominium roof terrace. Prassas Landscape Studio LLC, with the assistance of architect Michael Leary and structural engineer Perry & Associates, LLC, created a series of contemporary terraces with garden walls to screen and frame views. Fifield Construction and Realty, LLC was the general contractor. - [Gold Coast Co-op](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/gold-coast-co-op-pj-vj~7618020) - Location: Chicago, IL - Photos: 5 - [Lincoln Park Children's Garden](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/lincoln-park-children-s-garden-pj-vj~7618027) - Location: Chicago, IL - Photos: 5 - [Howe Entry Court](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/howe-entry-court-pj-vj~6326450) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 1 - [North Shore Rain Garden](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/north-shore-rain-garden-pj-vj~6275261) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 5 - Description: The rear of this Central Street Neighborhood yard floods regularly during heavy rains. Rather than fight mother nature, Prassas Landscape Studio created a rain garden to store excess stormwater until it can percolate into the soil. The rain garden is also fed by the roof’s runoff and basement’s sump pump through a contemporary steel runnel. Stone steppers penetrate a curved wall to lead to the back firepit seating area. The upper terrace stairs were modernized and the lower terrace was reconfigu… - [Bucktown Contemporary](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/bucktown-contemporary-pj-vj~1373201) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 6 - Description: This classic Chicago 2-flat was reconfigured into a contemporary single-family home with the goal of maximizing access and views into the landscape. In close collaboration with architect Seth Romig, the landscape was designed as an extension of the interior spaces. The paving materials and garden plantings connect the three distinct spaces into one seamless landscape. - [Evanston Clearing](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/evanston-clearing-pj-vj~6275231) - Location: Evanston, IL - Photos: 7 - Description: This large side yard in the Lakeshore Historic District was redeveloped into a natural woodland clearing. Stormwater from the roof has been directed through a steel runnel into a native rain garden where it replenishes the cistern for a bubbling stone fountain. Weathered concrete slabs act as a thread from a firepit seating area, across the rain garden to the rear yard. This additional garden has a lawn parking pad, extensive kitchen gardens and a custom-built garden shower for visits to the bea… - [Ravenswood Green Garden](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/ravenswood-green-garden-pj-vj~151701) - Location: Chicago, IL - Photos: 8 - Description: In collaboration with Burns + Beyerl Architects, this new home and landscape was sustainably designed through the LEED for Homes process and was recently certified LEED Gold. The roof water drains into an underground cistern that stores the water for use in the irrigation system. The rear terrace overlooks the urban yard anchored by a large rock transplanted from the Owner’s previous house. - [Logan Square Green Deck](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/logan-square-green-deck-pj-vj~1125531) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 2 - [River North Roof Terrace](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/river-north-roof-terrace-pj-vj~151779) - Location: Chicago, IL - Photos: 7 - Description: This private roof terrace was recently featured on HGTV's Landscapers' Challenge. What began as a 1,400 s.f. concrete slab over a parking garage was transformed into several distinct outdoor living rooms. - [Wilmette Pool Renovation](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/wilmette-pool-renovation-pj-vj~151727) - Location: Wilmette, IL - Photos: 12 - Description: In conjunction with the replacement of this home’s pool cabana by architect Renee Sprogis Marohn, Prassas Landscape Studio LLC transformed this 1960’s pool formerly surrounded by a sea of concrete into a pool set within a floral garden. A palate of complimentary paving materials was used including a Turkish travertine main deck, Indiana limestone pool coping and Wisconsin limestone steps. The new landscape is highlighted in the evening with the subtle use of lighting. - [Roscoe Village Retreat](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/roscoe-village-retreat-pj-vj~152130) - Location: Chicago, IL - Photos: 5 - Description: To fulfill the owner’s desire for a Japanese styled garden, an urban garden oasis was created through the use of linear bluestone slabs and plants rich in texture. A flooding problem was eliminated through the removal of the existing pavers, the addition of rain barrels and the incorporation of a rain garden into the final design. - [Warehouse Roof Terrace](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/warehouse-roof-terrace-pj-vj~151764) - Location: Chicago, IL - Photos: 6 - Description: Prassas Landscape Studio LLC, with the assistance of Wolbrink Architects, designed the roof terrace for this industrial to residential building conversion in the West Loop. The terrace is enclosed by privacy screens of corrugated aluminum panels to the east and west and translucent resin panels to the north. Cor-Ten steel planters define the living spaces which include a spa enclosed by composite decking and a stainless steel mini-kitchen. - [Winnetka Colonial](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/winnetka-colonial-pj-vj~1373290) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 5 - Description: This 1930s colonial by architect Robert E. Seyfarth was renovated and expanded to include a new garage and living spaces. In conjunction, the entire landscape was also reconfigured to reflect the changes to the home. Prassas Landscape Studio LLC was able to save the original granite cobbles and use the cobbles in the design of the new driveway. The existing bluestone was also saved and used in the design of the front walk, access walks and rear patios. - [Lakeview Fire Court](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/lakeview-fire-court-pj-vj~152179) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 2 - [Rustic Ravenswood](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/rustic-ravenswood-pj-vj~2843909) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 5 - [Lincoln Park Garden Path](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/lincoln-park-garden-path-pj-vj~152152) - Location: Chicago, IL - Photos: 2 - [Clifton Front Entry](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/clifton-front-entry-pj-vj~6326423) - Location: Chicago, IL - Photos: 1 - [Lincoln Square Oasis](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/lincoln-square-oasis-pj-vj~265421) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 11 - [Lincoln Park Garden Terraces](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/lincoln-park-garden-terraces-pj-vj~949219) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 7 - Description: This new home in Lincoln Park is Middlefork Development’s fourth completed home. The front courtyard is designed to be a viewing garden for the front entry sequence and also for the lower level guest bedroom. There are two levels of outdoor living spaces that flow from the rear living room, a dining terrace and garage roof living room garden complete with an outdoor fireplace. [See all 20 projects](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/landscape-architects-and-landscape-designers/prassas-landscape-studio-llc-pfvwus-pf~1350948599) ## Ideabooks - [Carrott](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/116902255/list/carrott) — 3 ideas - [Concord](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/9252707/list/concord) — 14 ideas [See all 2 ideabooks](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/users/sdprassas) ## Community Q&A **Q: path maintenance?** *(in Photo Questions)* I love the path! Does it require a lot of maintenance to keep weeds out? A: No more maintenance than typically required for a garden. **Q: Tree type?** *(in Photo Questions)* Love this design! What type of tree is used on the edge of the patio? Thanks! A: River Birch (Betula nigra) **Q: Please tell me the name of the Evergreens?** *(in Photo Questions)* What are the evergreens surrounding the lamp post? Are they the same as the foundation plants. Thanks so much! A: The evergreens around the lamp post are boxwoods. There are also boxwood against the foundation. **Q: Fabric covering** *(in Photo Questions)* Is it meant to be left on or can it be easily removed for the winter? A: Should be removed because of snow. **Q: Steel Dimensions** *(in Photo Questions)* Is this 4” square steel? Thanks. A: Yes **Q: How were the planter boxes and pergola frames made? What material?** *(in Photo Questions)* A: The planters and pergola were made from raw steel. They were allowed to rust and then sealed with a polyurethane to stop the rusting process. --- *Source: Houzz professional profile. Reflects the profile as of 2026-09-21.*