Himsben Design Studio, LLC - Chicago, Illinois

Katie D.

If I could add 100 more stars to this review, I would! Benjamin is one of the most professional individuals I have had the opportunity to work with. We met with a number of companies and picked Himsben Design Studio because Benjamin was the right fit for our project and our desired design aesthetic. The project was a smaller scale patio reno and from the first interaction we had, we were so impressed with his prompt communication, direct and honest feedback, and kind demeanor. We were very specific with our budget and after reviewing a few different design options, he came in almost to the penny. What really impressed us was that he nailed our budget and didn't compromise on quality and design. He was always on time - in some cases early - for every in-person meeting or phone call that we scheduled. Anyone that has had work done on their home knows that having someone who shows up on time is amazing.

Benjamin's foreman, Jose, who ran the project was very respectful of our home, our neighbors and kept a very tidy work area. He arrived early every day and completed the project in a very timely way. And the work was incredible. It was even better than we could have imagined.

During the project, our old hose holder broke and Ben came back after the final walk-through to install a brand new one and prune one of our trees. He could have done it a few weeks later but he came back the very next day.

We will definitely be working with Benjamin again and if you are serious about beautiful, quality work, you should hire him.

Jorge R.

Ben Himschoot & the HDS team were fantastic to work with. My husband and I enjoyed the entire process from start to finish for our backyard project. Right away we choose Ben because of his personalized approach, and you'll realize this later but he definitely manages your wish list within your budget to get the most out while not having to sacrifice quality.

Our project required a little bit of everything as we had a big fixer-upper with issues to address including flooding, a ginormous tree stump, concrete excavation, implementing adequate drainage, installing a gas fire pit and pavers. Ben's team was able to stick to the timeline and budget as best they could (no one knew the concrete was one-foot deep!) and we are so happy we made this investment especially since we spend the majority of the quarantine out there now!

I couldn't recommend anyone better for who's ever thinking about doing some work around the house even for the "easy" projects. Ben has your interests and personality top of mind the entire time and pays so much attention to the details that matter to you most. We've loved working with him so much that we're continuing into this summer to work on the yard and our house some more.

Sarah B.

I cannot recommend Himsben Design highly enough! They created a wonderful garden in our small Chicago lot, with a beautiful patio for outdoor entertaining, lawn for dogs/kids, vegetable garden, and grilling space. They had great ideas for reducing flood risk by moving water away from the house. They coordinated all installation, and the crew they used (JR Landscaping) was *amazing.* It's been two weeks, and neighbors have already asked for our gardeners' contact information, and I've happily given it. Strongly, strongly recommend!!

Jim J.

Ben and the team are fantastic. We worked with Himsben to build a multi-year plan that we could afford in stages while keeping us on track for the long-term outcome we were hoping for. Their willingness to listen to our design inputs, translate those to meaningful layouts, and then follow through in a very predictable, professional way for all actual work... it was without comparison. We'll be partnered for years to come I'm sure. Everything from to design to hardscapes to construction to planting to follow-ups... All tremendous.

Kellan O.

I hired HDS to renovate my small yard and they did an outstanding job!
The job came in on-time and on-budget.  Clare and her installation team, lead by Antonio, were fantastic to work with.  Clare designed a space that has more function than I could have ever imagined and she was a true pleasure to work with.  Every communication and meeting was productive and enjoyable, and at no point did I feel out of the loop.  Antonio and his installation team were also great.  They clearly take great pride in their work and, like Clare’s design, did not consider any detail too small.  On top of their top-notch workmanship, they were also incredibly friendly and very respectful.  If you are looking for a landscape architect I would HIGHLY recommend you hire HDS for your project.

Suzy R.

From our initial meeting to completion of (2) projects, Benjamin and team have been fantastic! They are professional, provide plenty of updates on progress as well as if any delays due to weather, and responsive to all our questions! They listened and understood what we needed and what we expected. Lastly, projects were completed 100% (not 90% with us chasing down all punch list items)! We couldn’t be happier with the service and the work.

Joan M. D.

We were extremely lucky to have discovered Himsben Design Studio, LLC through a friend who used them for her front patio. Since we needed our back patio/yard area redone from the original design that was 30 years old, we've also used them for our front landscaping, new concrete front steps and brick pavers by driveways, retaining wall, and this year a new deck!! They are very hands on, responsive, and worked with our budget and answered our many questions. They never balked when we asked for an adjustment to plans and gave us plenty of warning when workers were coming. The folks who do the actual work are also incredible - I couldn't believe it could look so good after the demo mess!! They not only completely the projects on time but cleaned up and left us with incredible outdoor spaces that we love. Also, they were prepared to plant non-toxic plants so that our pets who spend time outdoors would be safe. I wish I could use them more often!

April N. (.

This is the second year we are working with Benjamin and it won't be the last! Benjamin is friendly, professional, and has a good design aesthetic.

Ben helped us put together a long term plan for our front yard and back yard garden. Each year he works with us to figure out what parts of that plan can be put into affect to stay within our budget.

We were also impressed with the team Benjamin works with. Last summer they accomplished everything quickly, efficiently, and with good quality. They even finished on time after discovering that a trench for a cable would have to be re-dug before continuing their work!

I'm so grateful to have Ben to help us make our dream garden a reality!