Inspiration for a traditional landscaping in Atlanta with a fire pit.

This partially wooded, acre and a half lot in West Dundee presented many challenges. The clients began working with a Landscape Architect in the early spring, but after not getting the innovative ideas they were seeking, the home builder and Architect suggested the client contact our landscape design/build firm. We immediately hit it off with the charismatic clients. They had a tall order for us: complete the design and implement the construction within a three month period. For many projects this would be a reasonable time frame. However construction delays and the coordination of multiple trades left a very short window to complete the work. Beyond the tight time frame the site required specific care in preserving the many mature surrounding trees, as well as addressing a vast grade change. Over fifteen feet of grade change occurs from one end of this woodland property to the other. All of these constraints proved to be an enormous challenge as we worked to include and coordinate the following elements: the drive layout, a dramatic front entry, various gardens, landscape lighting, irrigation, and a plan for a backyard pool and entertainment space that already had been started without a clear plan. Fortunately, the client loved our design ideas and attention to detail and we were able to mobilize and begin construction. With the seamless coordination between our firm and the builder we implemented all the elements of this grand project. In total eight different crews and five separate trades worked together to complete the landscape. The completed project resulted in a rewarding experience for our firm, the builder and architect, as well as the client. Together we were able to create and construct a perfect oasis for the client that suited the beautiful property and the architecture of this dream home.

Marion Brenner
Trendy concrete patio photo in San Francisco with a gazebo

This is a custom timber frame pergola kit with a round roof for shade. These are durable strong timbers built with the old world dovetail mortise and tenon system to last for generations and stand up through strong winds and heavy mountainous snows.

Photo of a modern landscaping in Chicago.

Inspiration for a modern landscaping in Chicago.

Design ideas for a modern landscaping in Chicago.

This is an example of a modern landscaping in Chicago.

Photo of a modern landscaping in Chicago.

Photo by: Linda Oyama Bryan
Elegant backyard deck photo in Chicago with a fire pit and a pergola

This partially wooded, acre and a half lot in West Dundee presented many challenges. The clients began working with a Landscape Architect in the early spring, but after not getting the innovative ideas they were seeking, the home builder and Architect suggested the client contact our landscape design/build firm. We immediately hit it off with the charismatic clients. They had a tall order for us: complete the design and implement the construction within a three month period. For many projects this would be a reasonable time frame. However construction delays and the coordination of multiple trades left a very short window to complete the work. Beyond the tight time frame the site required specific care in preserving the many mature surrounding trees, as well as addressing a vast grade change. Over fifteen feet of grade change occurs from one end of this woodland property to the other. All of these constraints proved to be an enormous challenge as we worked to include and coordinate the following elements: the drive layout, a dramatic front entry, various gardens, landscape lighting, irrigation, and a plan for a backyard pool and entertainment space that already had been started without a clear plan. Fortunately, the client loved our design ideas and attention to detail and we were able to mobilize and begin construction. With the seamless coordination between our firm and the builder we implemented all the elements of this grand project. In total eight different crews and five separate trades worked together to complete the landscape. The completed project resulted in a rewarding experience for our firm, the builder and architect, as well as the client. Together we were able to create and construct a perfect oasis for the client that suited the beautiful property and the architecture of this dream home.

This Edgemont site offered a good slope for capturing water coming off the house and planting it into the landscape — before it ever reached the road or the drainage ditch. The resident, a passionate plant person, helped guide the vision, and has taken loving care of it ever since, helping it grow into the example it is today. The intent was a low, meadow-like feel, with spent flower seed heads left standing through winter for texture, food, and habitat.

This Edgemont site offered a good slope for capturing water coming off the house and planting it into the landscape — before it ever reached the road or the drainage ditch. The resident, a passionate plant person, helped guide the vision, and has taken loving care of it ever since, helping it grow into the example it is today. The intent was a low, meadow-like feel, with spent flower seed heads left standing through winter for texture, food, and habitat.

This Edgemont site offered a good slope for capturing water coming off the house and planting it into the landscape — before it ever reached the road or the drainage ditch. The resident, a passionate plant person, helped guide the vision, and has taken loving care of it ever since, helping it grow into the example it is today. The intent was a low, meadow-like feel, with spent flower seed heads left standing through winter for texture, food, and habitat.

This Edgemont site offered a good slope for capturing water coming off the house and planting it into the landscape — before it ever reached the road or the drainage ditch. The resident, a passionate plant person, helped guide the vision, and has taken loving care of it ever since, helping it grow into the example it is today. The intent was a low, meadow-like feel, with spent flower seed heads left standing through winter for texture, food, and habitat.

This Edgemont site offered a good slope for capturing water coming off the house and planting it into the landscape — before it ever reached the road or the drainage ditch. The resident, a passionate plant person, helped guide the vision, and has taken loving care of it ever since, helping it grow into the example it is today. The intent was a low, meadow-like feel, with spent flower seed heads left standing through winter for texture, food, and habitat.

Northpeak Design
Example of a large mountain style brown two-story wood gable roof design in Portland Maine

The goal of this project was to provide a lush and vast garden for the new owners of this recently remodeled brick Georgian. Located in Wheaton this acre plus property is surrounded by beautiful Oaks. Preserving the Oaks became a particular challenge with the ample front walk and generous entertaining spaces the client desired. Under most of the Oaks the turf was in very poor condition, and most of the property was covered with undesirable overgrown underbrush such as Garlic Mustard weed and Buckthorn. With a recently completed addition, the garages were pushed farther from the front door leaving a large distance between the drive and entry to the home. This prompted the addition of a secondary door off the kitchen. A meandering walk curves past the secondary entry and leads guests through the front garden to the main entry. Off the secondary door a “kitchen patio” complete with a custom gate and Green Mountain Boxwood hedge give the clients a quaint space to enjoy a morning cup of joe. Stepping stone pathways lead around the home and weave through multiple pocket gardens within the vast backyard. The paths extend deep into the property leading to individual and unique gardens with a variety of plantings that are tied together with rustic stonewalls and sinuous turf areas. Closer to the home a large paver patio opens up to the backyard gardens. New stoops were constructed and existing stoops were covered in bluestone and mortared stonewalls were added, complimenting the classic Georgian architecture. The completed project accomplished all the goals of creating a lush and vast garden that fit the remodeled home and lifestyle of its new owners. Through careful planning, all mature Oaks were preserved, undesirables removed and numerous new plantings along with detailed stonework helped to define the new landscape.

Photo by: Linda Oyama Bryan
Example of a classic backyard stone patio design in Chicago with a pergola