Calafia Design

- 1730 Chancellor St, Evanston, IL 60201

For discerning homeowners and property managers across the Illinois North Shore and greater Chicagoland area, the concept of a "general contractor" for your outdoor space demands a specialized focus. Calafia Design, based in Evanston, IL, embodies this expertise by specializing exclusively in landscape design and the comprehensive installation—or 'design-build'—of custom outdoor environments. They bridge the gap between creative landscape architecture and the technical execution required of a general contractor, ensuring a cohesive and high-quality final product.

Founded in 2003 by Katy Sheppard, Calafia Design’s philosophy is to create outdoor spaces that are not merely decorative but are intuitive, functional extensions of the homeowner’s inner life and architectural style. This holistic approach is grounded in extensive education and hands-on experience in planting, hardscape, art, and construction. This combination of pragmatic construction knowledge with an artistic eye allows Calafia Design to manage complex projects from initial concept to final realization, making them the expert choice for comprehensive outdoor renovations.

The firm understands that a beautiful outdoor area in Illinois must also be a resilient one. Designs are meticulously planned to address practical concerns common to the region, such as proper drainage and material durability against harsh weather, while still achieving the client’s aesthetic goals. This commitment to both form and function ensures that your investment not only looks spectacular but also stands the test of time and climate.

Location and Accessibility

Calafia Design is conveniently situated to serve the North Shore communities, where custom landscape architecture and design-build services are highly valued. Their primary office is located in Evanston, providing an excellent hub for serving clients throughout Evanston, Wilmette, Winnetka, Skokie, Glencoe, Highland Park, and the surrounding Chicago suburbs.

The firm's operations are set up to be client-focused and accessible for consultation:

• Primary Address: 1730 Chancellor St, Evanston, IL 60201, USA
• Client Experience: While the work is performed primarily at the client's property, the business's base allows for organized project management and material staging.
• Accessibility Feature: The premises offer a Wheelchair accessible parking lot, demonstrating a consideration for all clients who may visit their office for in-depth design consultations or material review.

Contact Information

For those in the Illinois area ready to begin their landscape transformation, Calafia Design can be reached directly to schedule an initial consultation. The initial meeting is an opportunity to discuss your vision, lifestyle needs, and ideal budget without obligation.

Phone: (847) 217-4753

Mobile Phone: +1 847-217-4753

Services Offered

As a landscape designer that manages the construction phase, Calafia Design offers a robust and specific suite of services that covers the complete transformation of a property's exterior:

• Custom Landscape Architecture and Design: Full-service design process, including detailed site analysis, conceptual planning, and construction drawings.
• Backyard and Garden Landscaping: Creating tailored retreats, focusing on plant selection, color, texture, and seasonal interest.
• Hardscape Installation: Expert construction of paver patios, flagstone walkways, and outdoor steps, ensuring proper sub-base preparation and longevity.
• Retaining Wall Design and Build: Engineering and installing retaining walls for both aesthetic appeal and critical soil retention/grading needs.
• Drainage Solutions: Implementing functional systems, including French drains and grading adjustments, to manage water runoff and prevent property damage, a critical service in the Chicagoland area.
• Landscape Installations: Sourcing and planting high-quality trees, shrubs, perennials, and groundcovers.
• Sod Installation: Expert preparation and laying of new sod for an instant, healthy, and high-quality lawn surface.
• Outdoor Structure Design and Oversight: Planning for and overseeing the construction of pergolas, decks, and gazebos.
• Project Management: Coordinating sub-contractors for hardscape elements and ensuring the entire installation phase aligns perfectly with the final design plan.
• Garden Design and Consulting: Focused advice on plant palettes, seasonal containers, and garden layouts.

Features / Highlights

What sets Calafia Design apart in the competitive Illinois market is their deep specialization and integrated approach:

• Design-Build Model: They handle the entire process from initial concept to the completed installation, providing a single point of responsibility and ensuring the design integrity is maintained throughout the build.
• Pragmatism and Artistry: The designs are informed by a unique blend of formal art training, landscape architecture principles, and practical carpentry/construction experience.
• Specialized Focus on Hardscape and Planting: Expertise extends equally to durable, quality hardscape elements (patios, walls) and sophisticated, sustainable plant compositions suited for the midwestern climate.
• Client-Centric Process: Their method involves a close collaboration with the client, ensuring the design truly reflects the client's desired feeling, use-case, and maintenance commitment for the space.
• Highly Rated Local Firm: They have a consistent record of positive feedback from Illinois homeowners, reflecting high marks for work quality, value, and communication.
• Focus on Landscape Architecture: Unlike many general landscapers, their services are founded on formal landscape design principles, leading to more intentional, balanced, and valuable long-term outdoor solutions.

What is Worth Choosing

For residents of Illinois looking beyond simple maintenance to a comprehensive, custom outdoor transformation, Calafia Design offers compelling reasons to choose them as the project's general contractor. The core value is the fusion of high-level design expertise with the practical capacity to manage and execute the installation. Many contractors can build, and many designers can draw, but Calafia Design ensures that the vision on paper is translated flawlessly and practically into the final landscape.

Choosing a firm with a background in formal landscape architecture means your project will incorporate critical elements like proper spatial flow, correct grading, and effective water management—all crucial for protecting your property and investment over time in the Illinois environment. The founder's comprehensive background, including years spent as both a landscaper and a carpenter, ensures that the final design is grounded in buildable reality and structural integrity.

Ultimately, when you partner with Calafia Design, you are securing a specialist general contractor focused solely on creating and installing personalized outdoor living spaces—from the stone of the patio and the slope of the grade to the placement of every plant—guaranteed to enhance your lifestyle and the long-term value of your Chicagoland property.

Calafia Design

1730 Chancellor St, Evanston, IL 60201, USA