Mc Kay Landscape Architects

- 5215 N Ravenswood Ave, Chicago, IL 60640

For projects across Illinois that demand more than just simple planting or routine maintenance, **Mc Kay Landscape Architects** functions as a highly specialized general contractor focused entirely on the art and science of outdoor design. Based in Chicago, this firm is not a typical lawn care service; rather, they are dedicated Landscape Architects—professionals trained in designing functional, beautiful, and sustainable exterior spaces. They offer expert master planning and conceptual design services that are essential for large-scale developments, complex renovations, and discerning residential projects throughout Illinois and the wider Midwest region, including Wisconsin, Michigan, and Indiana.

Founded in 1982 by Michele McKay (Mimi McKay, FASLA, PLA), the firm is a long-standing practice and a certified Women's Business Enterprise (WBE). This unique combination of experience and commitment to diversity sets them apart in the Illinois construction and design landscape. Their philosophy centers on the profound belief that the natural environment significantly impacts mental and physical health. This drives their design approach, which places a critical emphasis on creating green spaces, or "oases," particularly within the dense, built environment of the city and its suburbs. They are highly recognized for their award-winning work that infuses social consciousness and respect for the people who use the space, extending the typical general contractor role into one of community and environmental stewardship.

Mc Kay Landscape Architects takes an in-depth, collaborative approach to every project. This involves extensive discussions with the client to precisely determine the vision, program needs, budget, and aesthetic goals. Their portfolio is remarkably diverse, spanning affordable, supportive, and senior housing developments, universities, public parks, and high-end private residences. This breadth of experience allows them to apply advanced, sustainable solutions to diverse sites, establishing them as an intellectual and technical leader in the specialized field of landscape architecture within the Illinois general contracting sphere.

As acknowledged by a real customer, the team includes "Great people to work with," and Mimi McKay herself is an "amazing designer," a testament to the personalized and high-caliber service they provide. Their work is an experiential process, striving for excellence while learning from every completed project to continually refine their approach to ecological design.

Mc Kay Landscape Architects operates from a central location within the city of Chicago, providing a base for their design work that extends across Illinois and the greater Midwest.

The firm's office can be found at:

5215 N Ravenswood Ave, Chicago, IL 60640, USA

Accessibility is achieved through professional consultation and engagement. Due to the nature of landscape architecture, initial contact is typically made via phone to discuss the scope of the project. Their work is design-focused, meaning their physical location serves as the studio from which they manage projects throughout Illinois, ensuring a regional reach for their specialized services. They partner closely with installation contractors to bring their meticulously detailed plans to life on the client’s site.

The services provided by Mc Kay Landscape Architects are highly specialized and focused on design, master planning, and sustainable landscape solutions, distinguishing them from traditional maintenance companies. They serve as the core Landscape Designer or consulting General Contractor for a project's outdoor environment.

Core services offered include:

• **Landscape Architecture:** Full-scope professional services from master planning and consulting to conceptual design and construction documentation.
• **Sustainable Site Solutions:** Specializing in integrating environmentally conscious features into the landscape design.
• **Rain Gardens:** Expert design and planning of Rain Gardens, bioswales, and other green infrastructure to effectively manage site drainage, mitigate heat island effect, and promote water conservation.
• **Green Infrastructure:** Incorporating features like green roofs and permeable paving into project designs to create more resilient urban and suburban landscapes.
• **Diverse Project Types:** Design expertise covering affordable and supportive housing, university campuses, public parks, and private high-end residences.
• **Community-Focused Design:** Designing spaces that encourage social interaction, community building, and, in some projects, urban agriculture.
• **Horticultural and Site Advocacy:** Extensive experience in preserving and incorporating existing trees, native vegetation, and natural drainage into designs to save costs and ensure ecological success.

Mc Kay Landscape Architects presents a compelling set of features and credentials that distinguish them as a premium choice for landscape design and planning in Illinois:

• **Certified Women's Business Enterprise (WBE):** A recognized small business founded and led by a woman, providing an important credential for corporate and government projects in Illinois that prioritize diversity in contracting.
• **Highly Credentialed Principal:** Founded by Mimi McKay, FASLA, PLA (Fellow of the American Society of Landscape Architects), signifying national recognition and high professional distinction for her contributions to the field.
• **Decades of Experience:** Established in 1982, the firm brings over four decades of practice, ensuring profound experience in handling a vast range of project scales and complexities across the Midwest climate.
• **Sustainable & Socially Conscious Design:** A core commitment to designing productive landscapes that prioritize environmental health (Rain Gardens, green roofs) and therapeutic value for the end-users.
• **Multi-State Operation:** Practicing across Illinois, Wisconsin, Michigan, and Indiana, demonstrating their capacity to manage regional projects and apply diverse ecological knowledge.
• **Collaborative Approach:** Their process involves in-depth client discussion to ensure the final design perfectly aligns with the client’s vision, program, and budget.

Illinois property owners, developers, and project managers interested in engaging Mc Kay Landscape Architects for design consultation or project planning can use the following details:

• **Address:** 5215 N Ravenswood Ave, Chicago, IL 60640, USA
• **Phone:** (773) 561-1227
• **Mobile Phone:** +1 773-561-1227

Prospective clients are encouraged to contact the firm directly to discuss their unique design needs and how a professional landscape architect can elevate their project.

For Illinois residents and organizations undertaking significant new construction or major renovation projects, the choice of Mc Kay Landscape Architects is a strategic one rooted in expertise and quality of design. This firm offers specialized landscape architecture services that go far beyond what a standard general contractor or landscaper typically provides. By focusing on sophisticated solutions like Rain Gardens and other forms of green infrastructure, they offer a tangible return on investment through improved site drainage, reduced water management costs, and increased property value.

What truly makes them worth choosing is the depth of their design talent and their long-standing reputation. The involvement of a Fellow of the American Society of Landscape Architects (FASLA) in the firm's leadership ensures that every design benefits from nationally recognized expertise and social consciousness. For high-end residential, complex institutional, or sustainable community projects in Illinois, Mc Kay Landscape Architects provides the crucial planning and artistic vision necessary to transform an exterior space from a mere plot of land into a therapeutic, functional, and award-worthy environment. Their commitment is not just to a visually pleasing landscape, but to creating lasting, ecologically sound spaces that enhance the well-being of the people and the planet, a specialized service that is invaluable to any major development in the Illinois region.

Mc Kay Landscape Architects

5215 N Ravenswood Ave, Chicago, IL 60640, USA