Hillrise Design

We hired Matthew to re-imagine our disheveled backyard as a hidden oasis in the urban desert of east LA. He was very professional, communicative, and attentive. After carefully measuring everything he provided detailed design documents and bids from his own trusted contractors. While it was hard to visualize how things would look from the designs alone, going forward with it was the best decision we've ever made for our home. We had an unevenly sloped backyard with zero space for entertainment. So Matthew designed a three-tiered yard with a jaw-dropping entrance defined by custom-built arbors covered with jasmine and added a tranquil water fountain in between, a gas-lined firepit sitting area, a dining deck with a pergola covered with climbing roses, and planted a variety of drought tolerant plants throughout. There isn't one person that's walked through our backyard without letting out a "Wowww!!" in genuine surprise. We spend so much more time in our backyard and so it was worth every penny. My only regret is that we don't have a bigger space for him to design. Even 2.5 years later Matthew has been very quick to answer any questions we have and even visited recently to see how things had progressed.

We highly recommend working with Hillrise Design and Matthew McKelligon. He is a talented creative and a fantastic project partner. We have a sizable mixed hillside property that was/is riddled with half-finished previously started projects and untamed portions. Matthew came up with a multi phase and problem-solving project design including a great deal of landscaping, hardscaping, irrigation solutions, fencing and ultimately, a pool. Our project is ongoing (b/c: phases) but Matthew has completed a multi-terraced California native -laden hillside with fruit trees, stairways and a bench space all with gorgeous nighttime lighting. He found great tradespeople to support the project and carefully oversaw the implementation. Whether you have strong ideas of your own or none at all, he's a supportive guide with experienced perspective and will come up with beautiful and achievable designs. Also, Matthew is the rare creative who delivers work on time or is transparent about delays & prices, responds to communication quickly and is very fun to work with. We are not done with our total project yet and I can say with confidence that we are highly pleased with Matthew's work so far and cannot wait to continue to work with him on the next phases.

My house had a lot of problems when I moved in - overgrown plants, a lack of shade, cracking concrete... just a bleak landscape situation. Matthew and his teams (both gardening and masonry) helped me realize the yard and outdoor space that I craved. Matthew has a natural grasp of space and aesthetics, along with insights on plant species and garden ideas that work best in my area, and provides it all with that crucial professional touch. I think a lot of people don't quite realize the value and importance of proper landscaping; I'm really happy to have worked with Hillrise to give my home this satisfying environment, and much needed new life!

We had the best experience with Hillrise Design. Matthew put together a beautiful plan for a total renovation of both our back and front yard including both hardscaping and landscaping (including a pool). He made many suggestions we wouldn't have thought of ourselves- like extending our current patio by 5ft, putting in a large planter with a beautiful pineapple guava tree on our patio, adding in a built in bench to create a dining area within limited space, etc. The project had delays dude to Covid and the city of Glendale but Matthew did everything he could to help push things through and work with any supply restraints to find solutions. He was always quick to respond, super friendly and professional. I highly recommend!