Chicago Green Design Inc.

Don Maldonado runs Chicago Green Design and his meticulous attention to every detail is quite remarkable. From design, materials, lighting, landscaping and execution, I cannot say enough about the level of perfection he created and is able to create. He completed an elaborate roof deck project for me in Chicago a few years ago, which has been the envy of our neighbors for years. We're now building a house in the suburbs and have relied on his vision and guidance for another elaborate deck creation. His ability to master the details and his vision for space and function compares to no one else I have worked with or interviewed along the way.

Before finding Chicago Green Design and Don, I had spoken to a number of designers for our project, even hiring one to do some conceptual drawings. Everyone else had bland, cookie-cutter, off the shelf solutions. The first time I met with Don, I knew things were different. Where other designers asked what I wanted them to build, Don asked a lot of questions about how we would use the space and what we wanted it to feel like. He then came back with an amazingly thoughtful design. It incorporated all of the aspects of how we were looking to use the space and used the unique shape of our space efficiently to get the most out of it. Don worked with us through every step of the process, designing custom pieces for our roof, supervising the construction workers, helping us pick out furniture, designing the landscaping, even picking out throw pillows. The build process was also fantastic. CGD also has their own construction team that is top-notch. The craftsmanship is amazing. The construction team was a pleasure to work with. I cant say enough good things about our experience. I wish I had another roof for them to design and build.

I couldn't be more pleased by the work Don and his crew have done for my rooftop renovation project. They are hardworking, patient, detail-oriented and extremely easy to work with. You can really tell they care about the end result and making an exceptional and unique work of art rather than just knocking it out and moving on to the next project. The quality and aesthetics of my project exceeded my expectations, and everyone else who has seen the project has the same reaction. I also really appreciated that they take the time to seal the roof twice before doing any work. Having experienced water issues in the past, my biggest concern was having to create any new penetrations in the roof as part of the construction and just making sure no water could possibly enter. Due to thoughtful design and materials, the project was very minimally invasive from that standpoint, and I feel that my roof is even more protected from water than before. I looked at several other companies when planning this project, and by far and away Don's designs were the most beautiful and creative.

I knew it the moment I saw it...900 square feet of open space...a deck directly connected to our flat...this space was going to transform and rival any seaside resort rooftop lounge. Trusting someone with that vision was a challenge until I met with Don of Chicago Green Design. Our first conversation was all vision and ideas and concepts - the best art of the possible conversation. From use of the space to weight considerations to zero maintenance requirements to green space to entertainment/surround sound to aesthetics to the latest in wireless connectivity and security. Did I mention that I wanted an all-weather TV that could turn a minimum of 270 degrees for optimal viewing in any of the 'rooms' in the lounge? Did I mention that I wanted the lounge to have different 'rooms' and feel that way? The next step was an engineering drawing of the lounge, which was perfect for my wife and me, both former engineers. We talked measurements and details and we marked up the drawing. The next step was setting the date to begin construction. We couldn't wait to see our seaside rooftop lounge come to live in the hands of Don and his team. Don and the Chicago Green Design team are complete professionals, committed to quality, and committed to the construction. They were there every day breathing life into our deck. In 6 weeks, they were 90% complete with finishing touches remaining on a highly complex project. The kitchen and the granite counter-tops were stunning, the pergola and our choice of shade colors were just right, the built-in bench, planters, tree & plants, herb garden, raised green turf, lighting, and staining were top quality. The fire table with hand-picked granite and sky blue fire glass were stunning. After finishing touches and the arrival of our furniture, the transformation was complete. Our lounge was complete and became my wife's favorite space. From breakfast under our beautiful umbrella to fireside evenings listening to music. It would not have happened without Don and his Chicago Green Design team. Professionalism, top quality, attention to the details, responsiveness, and dedication to making your vision come to life are the reasons my wife and endorse Don and his Chicago Green Design team. Thank you Don.

When I decided to build out my roof deck, it was with the idea I would use the space to entertain on occasion. I never thought it would end up becoming the favorite "room" in my home. What Don has created with an awkward narrow space dealing with vents and less than stellar construction from the building developer, is amazing. The space is now warm, inviting and beyond anything I could have imagined that space could become. I had a few other companies look and draw up ideas of what could be done. Don's vision was simply on a different level. While it may cost a little more - the design, vision, quality of materials, and quality of craftsmanship is unmatched. Don and his team without fail were here everyday for the entire six week construction. That in and of itself is hard to find. What stood out was the professionalism and consideration of the team. There was never a time I was concerned that anything would be damaged as they carried the heavy materials through my interior up to the roof. While it may cost a little more in the beginning the project is built to last. I know I'll be enjoying my roof deck for years to come maintainece free. Simply put, I could not be happier or give a more sincere, glowing endorsement of Chicago Green Design.

Let me just start by saying that it is very refreshing to work with professionals at the top of their game. Don and his crew are hands down the best designers and contractors that I've ever had the pleasure of dealing with. My wife and I hired Don this past May to build out our new construction 1200 square foot patio. It was clear from the get go that we found the right company for the job. Don's level of excitement and passion with his ideas for our space was a welcomed surprise. It made the whole design process much more fun and enjoyable. Don was very patient with design change requests that were made throughout the build out. It was a nice departure from previous contractors who would fight us each step of the way . Don's mantra is, "It's gotta be right." He used this mentality all throughout the design and construction process. Don's team was on site every weekday like clockwork during our 6 week build out. They were very respectful of our space. They always cleaned up after they wrapped for the day, ensuring the space was left in better condition than when they arrived. Don and his team delivered a product that went above and beyond what we expected. The cabinetry and planters were all custom designed and custom built to fit our space. Each custom element was built to be durable and easily maintained, all while exhibiting a sleek modern aesthetic that fit the style of our home. The common gathering areas that Don built are warm, functional, and inviting. The flow from the seating area to the kitchen is seamless and elegant. And best of all, the landscaping is perfectly utilized to complement each space. Our friends and family cannot stop raving about how awesome the patio turned out. Thanks to Don and his team, our 2000 square foot city condo lives like a 3200 square foot single family home. Its rare to work with someone as experienced, as talented, and as dedicated to quality work as Don Maldonado and his team. Its even more refreshing to get something above and beyond what you paid for. I'd wholeheartedly recommend hiring Chicago Green Design to build out your outdoor space if you get the privilege to.

Chicago Green Design turned my backyard into the best room in our house. I can't say enough great things about Chicago Green Design. Don is a design genius and their commitment to quality is second to none. We moved into a new construction home in Lincoln Park a few years ago and our yard was completely bare. I knew we needed some landscaping but I had bigger ideas in mind and I wanted to turn our yard into more of an oasis and make it feel like an outdoor family room and kitchen. There are many landscapers in Chicago but there are few that have the vision and creativity as Don and his team at Chicago Green Design. After talking to a number of companies and after doing a lot of research on Houzz I stumbled upon a lot of projects by Chicago Green Design. After meeting with Don I quickly realized that I had finally found a company that could take my ideas and turn the project into something amazing. I gave them my wishlist of must-haves that included fire table, outdoor TV, trellis and pergola. Don came back with an elaborate plan that far exceeded my expectations that included watered planter boxes, elaborate lighting, retractable awning, Control4 and Sonos integration, and a beautifully landscaped backyard. They also designed a amazing front yard that gives my house one of the best curb appeal on the whole block. I love Chicago Green Design because not only do they have great vision and design expertise but they are committed to quality and they pay attention to the details. Throughout the project Don was very involved in making sure things were going according to plan. Plus, his team is very friendly, they work quickly and are very respectful of taking care of our property. Whatever issues or concerns I brought up were quickly resolved and they were very willing to make modifications to the project even while it was underway. The project wrapped up late this summer and my family spent almost every night outside this fall enjoying dinner or watching the Cubs playoffs games around our fire table. I've received countless comments from friends and neighbors about how great everything looks. If you are looking for a simple landscaper or if you want something done for cheap than Chicago Green Design is probably not the right fit for you. They cost more than the average design/landscape company -- and they'll be the first to admit that fact. But if you are willing to spend a few extra bucks you will not regret it once you see the finished product. Their design, quality, and customer service is among the best I've ever worked with.

Urban Growler Project I had wanted to upgrade my ~900 square foot roof deck in Wicker Park. Then a leaky roof forced my hand. I interviewed a few companies and it became apparent rather quickly that Don at Chicago Green Design had a higher caliber operation. Don was upfront with me about his busy business and the finite number of projects his team could execute in a given season. Once we had a contract signed his team moved quickly and professionally. Their understanding of design, materials and fixtures/finishes was unmatched. Don and his team helped me tear down my poorly installed and maintained pressure treated deck, fix the underlying roof structure and membrane and then completely redesign and upgrade the entire space. The design includes turf areas for lounging, a fire table seating area with a 13-foot umbrella overhead, dinning/kitchen area with another 9-foot umbrella and a convenient fridge and trash nearby, multiple planters and outdoor hidden rock speakers tied into my Sonos system. People are blown away and I spend time on the roof almost daily. Don's designs are built to last and are more or less a "set it and forget it" design and build. From GACO roof sealer (look this stuff up, crazy), to LED lighting, self irrigated planters (who wants to water plants?), IPE decking which is virtually zero maintenance, and umbrellas/furniture/appliances all designed to withstand the Chicago seasons. Now these things are not cheap up front, but over the long run should prove to be a worthwhile investment. If you just need a basic roof deck I would seek out other contractors. For anybody serious about outdoor spaces, or if you just want to increase your property value, I would highly recommend Chicago Green Design.

Chicago Green Design did a redesign of my back deck and total construction of my roof deck. We just built a house and have dealt with a dozen contractors in various trades over the last 2 years. CGD was without question the best we've dealt with. From the earliest design stages through construction, they are the most professional, most creative and bring the highest attention to detail of anyone we have worked with. The back deck redesign involved taking out some of the existing deck work, planting trees and greenery and installing a watering system. They also built an eating nook, coffee table and stained the existing deck. They transformed a standard back deck into an oasis. The roof deck was an end-to-end job with CGD handling all design and drawings. They custom built a bar, garden, green area with rose bushes and trees, three surface ground (porcelain tile, IPE wood and grass) and of course, a putting green. The deck features an outdoor Television and refrigerator and is fully wired for a gas grill if we choose to add one.

Don helped us create a roofdeck that far surpassed our expectations! From a completely blank canvas, we now have an amazing space for our family to enjoy with a small basketball court, full landscaping, dining and large umbrella, shaded sofa area with fire table, BBQ and outdoor kitchen, great sound system and a beautiful fountain to finish it off. It is amazing and we get constant compliments from friends and family. At all times, Don and his team were a pleasure to work with; from the design through to choosing of high quality finishes/products and the actual implementation. Very friendly and engaging and very professional. We would have no hesitation in recommending Don and Chicago Green Design to help transform your deck into a special place for your friends and family to enjoy.

Chicago Green Design turned our 3-car, gabled-roof city garage into a gorgeous outdoor roof deck. Our friends and family are blown away at the transformation and are amazed that this tranquil living space exists in the city. Don and his team of professionals worked expertly through the entire design and build process. After meeting with us to hear about our vision for the space, Don presented a thoughtful plan for the design incorporating all of our must-have's. From the original design, there were only a few additions we made to the kitchen area and we couldn't be more pleased with how well the space was utilized. Starting the project, the CGD team worked quickly to demolish the gabled garage roof while minimizing the noise, debris, and disruption to our neighbors. We also reconfigured the stairs out the back of our house enlarging our backyard space and constructed a steel skywalk directly to the roof deck. The scope of our project, and of Chicago Green Design's expertise, also included artificial yard turf, fence/gate repair and refinishing, and landscape design for the front of our home. Every aspect of the project is custom crafted and was completed by the CGD team with precision. We love the warmth of the Brazilian IPE wood floor designed with a 6" rise from the porcelain tiles in the dining area. The steel pergola contrasts beautifully with the soft Infinity Shades and the illumination from the fire table creates an intimate feel for entertaining. Don has extensive knowledge about plants and used them to surround us with natural beauty in the city as well as providing additional privacy. The design of the kitchen was carefully considered in our tight space and we will be able to enjoy casual cocktails at the bar or prepare a gourmet sit-down meal. Overall, CGD stands out in their attention to detail during both the design phase and in their ability to construct an exceptional quality product. We had a great working relationship with Don and everyone here on the job. If we had a concern, they responded promptly and often resolved the issue within hours. The CGD team takes pride in their work and were a pleasure to have at our home. The entire process was lots of fun and the end product exceeded our expectations.

Don was one of three companies I interviewed for “Revelry at the Penthouse”. The other companies had amazing designs but Don’s was just exactly what I wanted – both form and function. Construction takes a while but it was a 3500 square foot project with lots of custom work. If the shoe doesn’t fit, Don builds a new shoe. But it’s part of enjoying the process – you come home from work every day and get to see something new and exciting. While not cheap – Don’s worth it both from the form and function standpoint – but the construction and investment standpoint. He cuts no corners and builds a roof that will last, and protect the building’s roof in the process. I always believe you either pay more upfront or even more down the road. Don’s budget was on the spot from the beginning although I did add a bit couldn’t help myself. I’m proud to say our roof is amazing – everyone loves using it and is blown away by it. It’s pretty much done – all we have left is the Pergola roof although I will continue to work with Don over time to evolve it and add to it. Going with Chicago Green Design – can’t be happier. Happy with the results – Don is a great professional and at this point a great friend as well. -AP