April 22, 2004

Dear Susan,

Working with you has been a wonderful experience. I remember our initial visit last August. You were the fourth landscape designer I had met with and I was beginning to feel frustrated because they all wanted to do it their way and cared little for my wishes. You were completely different and it was instant rapport on my part. When you presented me with the plan design, I was elated.

Your crew began demolition and it was a sight to behold. They worked hard and long every day. Best of all, each and every person was pleasant, considerate, and skilled. While a little scary, it was fun to see the 50-year-old landscape disappear into rubble. And, wow, was there ever a lot of rubble. Even so, you made sure that my husband and I could access our garage throughout the process.

It was a thrill to watch the stone walls being constructed. You may recall I had a very specific idea of how the walls should look, right down to the size and shapes of the stones. You paid attention to my ideas and refined them to create the best possible outcome. The walls are perfection!

The walkway and steps were put in place to create the very look I wanted but couldn't articulate. At the beginning, I had very different ideas about the walkway material, you guided me in the right direction and I was able to make a decision that I could call my own...even though I know I couldn't have made that decision without your expertise.

All the sub-contractors you arranged for were marvelous. They did what they said they would do when they said they would do it. The driveway contractor I hired was another story. After coming home that first day, I was horrified. You intervened on my behalf to make it right. At the end of the second day of driveway work, I was convinced that our beautiful project was ruined and I was in tears. Once again, you intervened and made sure it was put right. All the while you kept your cool.

Then came the most incredible part - installation of the plant material - a lot of plant material. Your entire crew showed up for that. They worked, as always, with purpose, determination, and excellence. Kristine is truly amazing-it seems she can do everything-and a real professional. The rest of the crew members were such a delight to work with from beginning to end. The cold rainy weather never deterred a single soul. It was December when we finished and plants were beginning to go into their winter hibernation. Now, on this beautiful day in April, I am just beginning to see how spectacular our landscape really is. You have transformed the entire look of our property; the neighbors are in awe (and a little jealous), and I feel proud of our property for the first time in 11 years.

Susan, you are talented, thoughtful, hard working, responsible, fun to work with, and highly skilled. In short, you are the ultimate professional. I look forward to working with you on the second stage of our landscape project.

Warmly,

D. Isaacson