Blanford Design

We'll start with saying that we always expect with remodel/construction projects come occasional hiccups. To the point; Gary was always pleasant and his design plan spectacular. However, he was not very detail oriented or organized throughout the project. He never ordered a dumpster for demolition or portable toilet for his sub contractors. We had to request portable toilet when we discovered they were using unit on our neighbor's property (issued by their contractor)!! Our pool and hardscape project took 7 months (May-Nov) to complete. 2 (Aug-Sep) of those 7 months there zero activity from sub contractors and minimal response to our reaching out from Gary. Of the 3 sub contractors hired for the job, one never showed up for their part of the project and there was no back up plan. We finished that part of the project on our own ( much more $$) and in the past 3 years since project/contract ended we've spent thousands of dollars in repairs to pool, pool equipment and hardscape rebuilds.

Gary was very collaborative in discussing ideas for the project. He listened to our thoughts on what we wanted and then added his own expert advice. The crew worked hard - long days and were very careful to preserve our grass and garden throughout the process. So pleased with the overall end product, the stonework is beautiful. We will be working with Gary again next year for phase 2 of the project.

Gary was wonderful to work with. Not only was the work done beautifully but Gary did a very good job keeping us informed every step of the way. Highly recommend him!

Wow. We have worked with different landscape designers in the past but we have never had an experience that was effortless from beginning to end. Gary Blanford takes the time to listen to his clients and understand what is important to them Gary's professionalism, attention to detail and connection to our project was outstanding. Gary is personally involved from design, obtaining work permit, implementation and follow up. The team he works with reflect the same attitude.They were courteous of our neighbors & left the worksite in impeccable condition for a week! A day doesn't go by that we haven't been complimented on our landscaping. We have recommended Blanford Designs to all our friends & neighbors.

Blanford Design build us a beautiful outdoor fireplace and the owner Gary Blanford was wonderful to deal with. He was big on detail and it showed.

I was new to the area and therefore had no prior contractor experience locally so I did a great deal of prior research. I met personally with four potential contractors and had little difficulty selecting Brantford Designs based primarily on Gary's obvious knowledge and experience, his professional attitude and his ability to quickly interpret our needs and develop plans. Gary's contractors were exceptionally punctual, professional and respectful and courteous to a fault; the quality of their work was outstanding. They transformed our entire outdoors with a beautiful kitchen and patio and exceptional landscaping/lighting etc. Gary really did own the project, dealt with all of the difficult City planning issues and frankly just did what he said he would. If I wasn't impressed enough with the results he returned twelve months later to replace, without charge, some trees and other plants that had fallen victim to the coldest Chicago winter in quite some years. Hire Gary for your home improvement, you will not be disappointed.

Gary listened to what we wanted for a new veranda and delivered an excellent design at a reasonable price. He dealt with getting a permit and approvals for historic district and met a tight deadline as promised. His crew did a meticulous job building out. Only complaint was dust from cutting the stone was poorly controlled at first and angered neighbors, but Gary got it under control. We love how it turned out and get tons of compliments. Will be having Gary back for landscaping. Highly recommend!

We would highly recommend Gary Blanford and the whole team at Blanford Design! The landscaping project was part of a total 1 acre tear-down/rebuild effort. We had to replace over 110" of trees, install significant water drainage systems and wanted to create the appropriate "established" looking landscaping to highlight the new 6000 sq/ft French Colonial home. Gary worked closely with us to ensure the designs met our desires and our budget. He took our general ideas and created designs that were unique to the neighborhood that made our property stand out. There were major challenges in working with the Village on engineering and tree permits and Gary handled those with great patience and professionalism. The variety of the tree, shrub and plant selections added a nice mix throughout the property. Gary took care in the selection of trees to make sure we had just the right ones. With a project this large there are always a few plantings that die prematurely, and Gary was very quick to replace them with equal or better looking plants. Branford also designed and installed landscape lighting throughout the entire property. Compared to other homes in the area, this lighting accented the home and plantings just right. The whole staff at Blanford Design were courteous, hard working, and respectful of our property and our neighbors. They worked quite well with our building contractor and coordinated their work with the other aspects of the building project and sub-contractors. We are planning a final phase of landscaping for the Spring and look forward to working with Gary and his team again!

Over the last two years, Gary transformed our property with gardens, trees, walks, a pond and extensive stonework. His design creativity, botanic knowledge, workmanship and dedication to perfection were the cornerstones of a terrific result and fun experience. Gary delivered great value and his projects have all been completed on time. Gary is a consummate professional. I recommend him without any reservation and will continue working with Gary in the future.

Blanford Design provided an extensive deck improvement to the roof top deck of our downtown Chicago high rise. The improvements included two outdoor kitchen areas, large pergola with LED lighting, new landscaping and irrigation, and the addition paver walkway areas. Gary Blanford is a true professional. The quality of design and responsible execution was terrific. He met our deadlines within budget. We have contracted with Blanford Design to continue improvements to the remaining outdoor area this spring.

Review amended- Gary did not return numerous phone calls and messages. We decided not to proceed with him on a $$$ project instead chose to do only a few changes and went with someone less expensive. Very disappointing.

Blanford Design…you were fantastic. Doing any type of landscaping is stressful, but you made it a pleasant experience… Thanks!