Mscape Design

We hired Monika to design a remodel of both the front and back yards of our 50yr old Eichler townhome. We are a moderately sized family with kids and would really like to use the space better than it's currently set up for. We were intrigued by Monika because she has worked on many designs of other similar Eichler units around our area which all turned out beautifully. We let Monika know that this was our first remodel and that there's many things we don't know about how to proceed. She has been kind, patient and understanding as she guides us step-by-step on what to do and how things go, which we really appreciate. For our situation, we had to learn and stay within HOA guidelines as the design progressed and Monika has had to adjust our drawings several times to accommodate for this, which we really appreciate too. When I asked Monika if we should provide additional payment for all these changes she had to do for us, she graciously declined. For the design, we are just beyond pleased. We always had thoughts on what we'd like the yard to provide for us, but we just didn't have what it takes to put it all together cohesively. She was able to go through our space, see how we've been using it, how we wish we could use it and really put together a vision that ticks all of our boxes. We also appreciate how she gently steers us away from things that were probably not great ideas. Most of all, we love that she has an eye for mid-century modern design, clean lines and incorporating touches of color to really enhance the aesthetics. We wanted a yard where we can look out through the large Eichler floor-to-ceiling windows and have a beautiful view by day with color and greenery, then by night with accent lighting. We also wanted a yard where when we stepped into it, can function as an additional room for hosting guests and entertainment. We needed some shade, but didn't want it permanently, and Monika had great suggestions for all of these. When our HOA restricted us from connecting any shade to our unit walls directly, I found something from Europe that we wanted to use and Monika swiftly incorporated that into our design, so that our project could move forward. When we were finished with the design, Monika referred us to three contractors. We reached out to all three and we selected one of them. Work has started with the Contractor we chose from Monika's references and we have been so pleased thus far. The front yard is almost done and looks very good already. The backyard is in process and my visiting Mother-in-law, who built their own house has told me, it is being done with detail and care. We really love this Contractor that Monika referred to us, which we might not have found on our own. All in all, we are excited for this project and are really pleased with each step of the way. We appreciate Monika's creativity, patience and guiding us along the way, and we love this Contractor she referred us to. I look forward to posting finished photos.

I hired Monika to help me design my front yard which was nice but in need of revitalization. Her ideas were/are unique and interesting - exactly what I was looking for. She is exceptionally caring, easy to talk with and goes the extra mile. Very importantly for me (I've had a several unfortunate contractor experiences) Monika clearly lays out her process - including the steps and timelines and follows through on every commitment she makes. I had to pause on implementation but look forward to taking that next step with in 2024 with her guidance.

We had the pleasure of working with Monika for our rather large landscape project (14K sq ft lot). We were overwhelmed with the size of our front and back yards and needed help with determining placement of specific features as well as plant choice. The initial meeting to discuss our needs and “wish list” went so well that by the end of it she made us feel like we were talking with an old friend. With exceptional expertise, she managed to incorporate all the desired features with creative solutions for a few tricky items as we had quite the laundry list of items. Monika was very cognizant of our budget and great at providing alternative strategies and options along the way. Her recommended landscape teams are amazing to work with. They were very professional and respectful, who clean up after themselves daily. I trust her work completely and she was so fun to work with throughout the process. Family, friends, and neighbors praised the high quality and creativity in the modern design and execution of the job. I have recommended Monika’s services to many and will continue to do so without hesitation as we still receive inquiries on who brought this to life. Go with Monika, you won’t regret it!

Monika is a lot of fun to work with. She is very professional, efficient, and creative. she helps make our ideas into reality. Her passion and experience in Eichler landscape design really came through. The landscape design she came up with really helps to integrate our indoor space with outdoor space. We love her design and we received so many compliments about our landscape from family and friends. We highly recommend her!

This review is way overdue. Sorry Monika! We hired Monika in 2014 for our new fix upper revamp. Monika did an amazing job on the design of our front and back yard. We always get questions about the garden designer from random people passing by our house. Monika was also so fun to work with. We love talking to her. Over time we still have various questions that we'd like to ask Monika such as the material for backyard awning, interior designer recommendation and so on. She's always there for us even we know she is super busy.

Monica from Mscape Designs, designed our beautiful, modern backyard space in 2015. We absolutely love it. It's has been two years since it was complete and I still admire how beautiful it is. Our space is relatively small, as is the often the case in California. Our wish list included a water feature, fireplace, outdoor kitchen, mini orchard, putting green and swing for our children. We have everything we asked for and more! Monica designed our space so beautifully it does not feel crowded, but actually feels bigger than before we started. It was important to me to have a very clean, modern look and that is exactly what we achieved. Plus there is still room for our hot tub and for our kids to play in the grass -- which is synthic turf and looks great. When we have friends over they always admire our yard and go on and on about it. We have had several so inspired by our outdoor sanctuary, they try to duplicate it in their own homes. But it can't be done without Monica! I have told her if we ever move, she has to design our next outdoor space. I need the Monica stamp on any future homes. She is decisive, professional and gets the job done. She also goes the extra mile--she transported several large trees for us in her own vehicle because they wouldn't fit in our own. We highly highly recommend Monica if you are looking to achieve a clean, modern, functional and gorgeous outdoor space!

Monika is very passionate about landscape design. Her warmth and enthusiasm made a great connection with me on our very first meeting to discuss my project. She tailors her design to meet my style and needs. She is very responsive and quick in answer our questions. Overall we had a great experience working with her. We are very excited to start the project soon and can't wait to see the final result.

I recently hired Monika and her crew to do a front and backyard landscaping project after completing a big construction project (added 400 SF to back of house). This is the second time I've worked with Monika, she did a big backyard landscaping project for me in 2010 and did such a fantastic job that I didn't hesitate to come back to her with the new project. The landscape work was completed about a week ago (Aug 2016), exactly in the time promised and right on budget. I am thrilled with the way it turned out! She does an amazing job with the design and working with the client to achieve the desired outcome. Monika's landscape contractor was so good, I hired him to do my regular maintenance. Monika always goes the extra mile, shopping to pick out all the nice finishing touches. She is a delight to work with! If I could give her 10 stars I would!

I found Monika on Houzz and was instantly drawn to her simple, modern design. Upon meeting Monika, I knew she would be the right professional to partner with in transforming our home. Monika works with the best contractors and manages projects from start to finish and beyond. She exceeded my expectations in every area, and I'm very detail oriented! I never dreamed that the end result would attract neighbors and passers by to stop and comment on the beautiful transformation of our home nor did I anticipate that this project would far exceed our expectations and vision! I'm thankful that I had the pleasure of working with Monika and grateful to have made a friend in the process!

We hired Monika to do our front and rear yards. We went down to dirt in both areas after she provided us with a beautiful and cost effective solution. The outcome was awesome! We love the spaces she designed and her contractors were a dream as well. Oh yeah, btw, we were gone for a month during the project that she managed and updated us regularly on the progress. Highly recommend her services, will use her again in the future for sure!

Monika is a lovely person. She is passionate, creative and affordable. Her ideas for our modern front yard made perfect beautiful sense and were practical! Will provide pics when project is complete. Monika makes modern doable!

Monica is great designer for your hardscape project, her talent and passion is exceptional on this field. I am an interior designer myself, I rate her among the best in our area. I had Monica for an in house consultation, she was very gracious, suggested many cool stuff that will improve my backyard and retaining wall design. I will be definitely hiring her for coming project.