BENZIEN DESIGN

Description of Work: The cost stated was for design, consultations and blueprints. The actual landscape work was not performed by Benzien Design or by Nature Designs. In late June, I met with the project manager, Ulyana, from Nature Designs. That meeting went very well -- the next step was a meeting with the designer, Gina Benzien. On July 5th, 2011, Gina & Ulyana came to my home -- we had a terrific meeting! We discussed (in great detail) plans for both the front and back yard. Gina took detailed notes & offered wonderful suggestions. I could tell right away that she understood what I hoped to achieve within my modest budget. A week later, Gina came to measure the entire yard. She was extremely thorough, took photos & totally understood working around the existing hardscape. On July 19th, Gina presented three separate design sketch choices. They were all beautifully drawn. We spent quite a bit of time choosing elements from each sketch. On August 9th, Gina and Ulyana returned with one consolidated plan and we discussed more modifications. On August 18th, Gina and Ulyana came with Chris -- who would be the new project manager (Ulyana & her husband were moving). Chris was also wonderful, very enthusiastic. Two weeks later Chris & Gina came to present blueprints & to work out hardscape details. Hardscape was the biggest challenge due to the budget. Again, Gina offered some very practical, yet still very attractive options. Chris even came out with a supervisor, Enrique, to check my yard regarding the best way to install new hardscape & keep some of the existing -- again, all within a specified dollar amount. On September 15th, I met with Gina, Chris & my brother who asked to be included. The bottom line: I was told by Chris that it was not possible to do hardscape, landscape & irrigation with my existing budget. This was obviously very disappointing. Despite this news, Gina continued to offer attractive compromises. She was very positive throughout a rather difficult meeting.

Description of Work: Gina provided the design and direction for my front yard landscaping project. The project included a stamped concrete patio, pergola, fireplace, and a wonderful front fence/gate.