We are fiercely committed to providing exceptional service, exquisite design, and flawless execution of our ideas. Our projects take on a wide range of types and design styles, as we believe every space we craft must be custom-tailored to every unique client, and landscape.
We are an urban boutique design + build firm focused on elevating the outdoor spaces of our clients in the private and public realm in Chicago and beyond.
Our Team
Benjamin Himschoot, PLA, ASLA
Landscape Architect & Founder
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Ben grew up working up in the construction and land-moving industry. At a very young age, he was operating machinery, and getting “hands-on” hard labor experience, and learning about grading, drainage, soils, many other practical aspects of the industry. He went on to earn a Masters in Landscape Architecture, and now applies his field skills to crafting and designing spaces, while also overseeing the construction process.
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Ben’s take on design is that it needs to be both beautiful and practical. His personal style is modern, but is well-versed in everything from formal European gardens, to contemporary design trends. He is passionate about creating both grand and intimate spaces, that will grow, thrive, and endure for generations to come.
Gabriel Harper Junior Landscape Designer
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Gabriel has developed a profound fascination in the natural world from a young age by spending his childhood outdoors. His interest in design and nature has guided his education to form an interdisciplinary background in architecture, ecology, and landscape architecture. He earned his bachelor’s degree in natural resources & environmental sciences and went on to pursue a master’s degree in sustainable urban design. Gabriel specializes in utilizing native plants to provide pollinator support, stormwater management, and aesthetic value to the urban environment.
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Gabe believes that landscape design creates a balance between humans and nature. Design is a method to engage people with the world around them, a solution to urban challenges, and a platform to beautify the existing landscape.
Jose Rangel
Construction Superintendent
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Jose is a master craftsman, with over 20 years’ experience in the landscape industry, a keen eye for detail and a dedication to excellence that is bar none. He is a hardscape expert and perfectionist in nailing construction details. He is also well-versed in all other aspects of the landscape industry and is an incredible part of our team.
Jose is in charge of our exclusive, dedicated installation crews handling all aspects of hardscapes, grading & drainage, lighting, planting, and site development for both residential and commercial projects through JR Landscaping. We work closely alongside him and his teams to ensure every aspect of our designs are fully realized down to the last detail.
Hal Arbor
Project Manager
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Hal’s love of nature blossomed the very first time she stepped into a greenhouse. Her passion only grew as she earned an associate degree in Horticulture and became a hydroponic food production specialist. After many years cultivating plants in various settings, she has joined the HDS team and is now applying her greenhouse management skills to managing all on-going projects. She also employs her experience as our team’s in-house Horticulturalist, providing knowledge and guidance on plant care for our clients’ new oasis.
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Hal finds beauty in all types of plant cultivation, from the clean efficiency of hydroponics to the slow thoughtful journey of growing entire gardens from seed. Both the work of cultivation and its fruition are rewards in themselves.
Antonio Rangel
Operations Superintendent
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Antonio’s keen attention to detail is what makes our team truly shine. With over 20 years’ experience in our industry, our everyday operations depend on his exceptional professionalism and dedication to making sure each and every project is completed to absolute perfection. With an extensive background in managing teams and overseeing construction, we know our designs will be executed to the highest level of perfectionism possible.
Antonio is also the co-owner of JR Landscaping, with whom we are delighted to partner with to make sure our plans deliver exactly as promised. We work closely alongside him and his teams to ensure every aspect of our designs are fully realized down to the last detail.
Inside the Studio…
One of our biggest milestones was the opening of our new design studio space in 2020 to better serve our clients and growing team. Located in the Edgewater neighborhood of Chicago, this historic building from 1917 has been lovingly restored, including the original tin ceiling and the addition of period-appropriate art-deco lamps. The building needed extensive tuck-pointing, new roof and windows, and floors had to be refinished. The HDS team designed and custom-fabricated the conference table and work desks using welded steel for an industrial, yet art-deco inspired look.
Original 1917 Tin Ceiling (Painted Over)
Restored Tin Ceiling
Condition at Takeover
Custom Moss Logo Wall
A custom moss frame from Planthropy was commissioned to highlight the company logo on the entry wall. The conference table was hand-crafted with a special quartzite stone slab imported from Brazil. Vivid pops of color are added with hand-carved furniture, and a variety of tropical plants add life to the space. We look forward to welcoming our clients into our creative space to share ideas and bring your design dreams to life!
Inside the Conference Area