The landscape designer they would hire again

Jose and Mary Armario's landscaping project was so extensive it held countless opportunities for snafus. The two-year undertaking at their Hinsdale, Ill., home included design and installation of a swimming pool, a patio and outdoor kitchen, a driveway, a brick wall, two porches, and fresh landscaping throughout the yard.

But after the Armarios hired Gary Blanford of Blanford Designs, Bolingbrook, Ill., all went smoothly. Now the family has a backyard that's perfect for relaxing and entertaining, as well as a rejuvenated front yard and main entrance that shows off their 1887 Mediterranean-style home.

Custom features

The new landscaping includes unique features such as a free-form, lagoon-style pool with a connected spa, all surrounded by natural stone. Other highlights include a built-in grill, granite countertops and fire pit. A new brick wall provides backyard privacy, and gardens surround the paver patio. The couple couldn't be happier with Gary's ability to interpret their vision into a workable plan for the yard.

"We love it — it turned out very, very nice," Mary said. "We've moved a lot and redone a lot of homes, and it's very hard to find a contractor you would hire again. But I can say that we definitely would hire Gary again."

A landscape architect for more than 25 years, Gary takes a unique approach to working with clients. Not only does he design each project, he serves as the general contractor and closely oversees each undertaking from start to finish. Gary contracts with each subcontractor and communicates with every one, giving clients a single, direct point of contact for these often-extensive projects.

Personal attention

Blanford Designs works with only a handful of clients at a time, which allows Gary to devote significant personal attention to each project.

"Clients love it," he said. "They like the fact that I'm on the job all the time. I don't disappear and let another firm come in and build it."

The Armarios cite Blanford's ability to keep their project and subcontractors organized as a critical component of the job's success. Workers on various aspects of the landscaping didn't trip over each other to complete their jobs at the same time. Gary scheduled the workers tightly to prevent down days as one subcontractor finished its phase of the project and another got started.

The project also went well because of Gary's accessibility throughout the process. "If something went wrong, he was right on it," Mary said. "He was easy to reach and had good follow-through."

Two years after starting their landscaping overhaul, the Armarios are loving their rejuvenated yard and have Gary Blanford to thank for it.