ALL REVIEWS ARE GENUINE & NOT INCENTIVIZED
"Just want to say thank you very much to Colin/Elemental Design for professionally handling our landscaping and driveway layout for our new home in Narragansett. The work was very involved because the disturbance areas were very close to the ocean , and CRMC was especially keen to preserve the natural resources surrounding this newly developed lot. Colin astutely dealt with the regulatory/government agencies , state and local, to insure that our approvals were obtained in a reasonable manner. Then after approvals, Colin oversaw the extensive work again insuring that it was all done per approved plans, and then to obtain final sign-offs. We live about 3.5 hours away so his expertise and timely considerations were critical. He always got the work done promptly. He also assisted in choosing the landscape professional, and we were very pleased with the one we chose. At the end of the day, we highly recommend Colin and his firm."
– D. Lapinski 2024
"Colin and Elemental Design are fantastic. Very professional and knowledgeable. His planning, vision, expertise and pricing make him a valuable asset with everything landscape architecture."
– S. Savastano, February 2023
"Extremely pleased with the overall project effort conducted by Colin/Elemental Designs. We were planning on initially having our large existing crushed stone driveway re-done with asphalt. However, due to the size, drainage requirements and proximity to a wetlands area, we required a much more complex hybrid design utilizing a large permeable paver area joined with a new crushed stone circular area. Colin presented a number of various design options before we jointly finalized a plan. We were extremely impressed with the extreme detail that he put into the comprehensive design package, along with project specifications, etc. Additionally, he handled all of the complex permitting submissions/reviews, for both the town and DEM permits.
Overall, Colin was very easy to work with and provided sound advice and guidance throughout the long project. We looked at a number of design architect firms initially but selected Colin's firm due to the smaller size (better attention/focus) and his outstanding project testimonials. We definitely made the right choice going with him, and would highly recommend his firm. We plan on working with him for several separate follow-up projects in the future."
– R. Dunne, February 2023
"We worked with Colin of Elemental Design to design a large backyard pool and related hardscaping/landscaping. All facets of the project were executed professionally and with noteworthy attention to detail. The scope of work for this project was extensive,- including development of a design concept,selection of plantings, permitting, contractor vetting, and contractor oversight. The result exceeded our expectations and we have received numerous compliments on the completed work. We would recommend Elemental Design without hesitation."
– B. Jones, January 2023
"I can't say enough good things about my new deck, created by Colin Hynes of Elemental Designs…
Seeing a drawing on paper is one thing but living on the finished deck is like a dream that has come true.
Colin was so easy to work with and listened to all my requests and followed through with each of them. I left things in his hands and he did it all – design, communications with me, the town and my contractor. All permits were secured though him and he was diligent about letting me know the status each step of the way.
He designed a deck that was 2.5 times as large as my existing deck. He kept it simple yet elegant and functional. He was quick to make suggestions when I needed guidance and knowledgeable in his work.
Colin Hynes is the person to use for your next house project design!"
– B. Reddington, June 2022
"I am typically not one to write reviews, but was so pleased with my experience working with Colin Hynes, from Elemental Designs that I am happy to do so, as I could not be any luckier to have found someone as dedicated and professional as Colin.
I first contacted Elemental Designs to discuss a landscape buffer plan to address my unique property boundary situation. Colin was very attentive and respectful while I described the circumstance I was in and he provided encouraging solutions that addressed all my concerns.
As life would have it, my plans to move forward were put on hold for almost a year at which time I reached out to Colin again. Amazingly, he remembered me and all the details of our first conversation! He said he was happy to help and looked forward to getting started with designing the landscape plans that would best suit my needs.
Colin has gone above and beyond to make sure I was getting everything I needed in my plans as well as reaching out to other professionals on my behalf (contacting surveyors, researching and referring certified arborists for specialty service outside of our landscape plan). His expert knowledge in this field is outstanding!
If you are looking for a landscape architect who is genuinely interested in providing superior service; look no further...Colin Hynes is the perfect choice for your landscape design needs.
I am so fortunate to have found Elemental Designs!"
– S. McCormack, Novemeber 2021
"I have two cottages on the same property that needed new landscaping and flower bed designs.
Colin was instrumental in planning the layout, taking soil samples, and then suggesting which flowers would work best in each environment. Colin worked diligently to make sure I was very happy with all plant, shrub and flower selections, as well as overall color palette of the gardens. Colin was always available to answer any questions and give advise. He worked in a very timely manner and produced a beautiful garden/landscape plan. I highly recommend Colin and Elemental Designs."
– A. Johnson, June 2017
"Colin is a pleasure to work with, and his knowledge and professionalism is above reproach.
My interest in the services of Elemental Designs began when I became interested in the construction of either a pergola or gazebo on my property, and my research into reputable design consultants quickly led me to Colin. Colin responded very quickly, and he's always been punctual. Although I have water front property, I am very limited as to what I can do because it's an area managed by RI Coastal Resources Management (CRMC), and any steps taken within the area would require extensive research and knowledge. Without question, Colin had both the immediate knowledge and the resources/contacts to easily navigate the bureaucratic waters required to answer any and all questions about what could and could not be done with such restrictions. Colin quickly came up with a great design, which included multiple meetings of him being peppered with my questions, concerns, and wants, and we came away with a great plan of attack. As of now, I have yet to pull the trigger on the actual construction phase, but I will be confident in doing so when the time comes, and I'll be calling Colin once more to help me out!"
– P. Pollino, November 2015
"Colin provided a very thorough and detailed landscape design plan and accompanied it with very practical documents regarding the topography of our property, the permitting and environmental regulations, a construction plan, a price break-out and much more. From early sketches to a complete set of drawings and documents, Colin set us up with a plan to do all the landscaping we hope to do over the next few years. He is simply amazing.
Colin is extraordinary in his attention to detail. He's honest, reliable and creative--a rare combination these days! We went in hoping to just get a bit of an overview of the work we hope to do, and we ended up with a step-by-step guide to exactly how to get it done. If you are shopping "casually" for landscape ideas, Colin will do far more than you ever expect. But if you are serious about making your property better, Colin is an incredible professional resource. We couldn't recommend him more highly."
– M. Melozzi, June 2015
"Colin, Elemental Designs, is the consummate professional - punctual (always), insightful, patient and knowledgeable. The landscape plans I received from ground preparation through to maintenance were beyond expectation. A contractor who I showed my plans to stated that there was more attention to detail in my landscape design plans than those on a $650,000 new construction project they were working on. I would not hesitate to hire Elemental Designs…he has been the only licensed professional I have had dealings with in my 60 years that I never had to doubt or worry about. Elemental Designs has been awesome!
Beyond expectation. Landscape design plans from preparation through to maintenance in exceptional detail!"
– L. McLaughlin, October 2014
"Colin did a great job for us. My wife and I have been wanting to spruce up our backyard for years, but lacked the imagination and vision to do it. His knowledge and attention to detail is second to none. He spent plenty of time with us to get a feel for what we wanted and brought up things that we did not even think of. We were afraid of calling a landscape designer for our small project, but it was the best move that we could have made. I would not hesitate to call him again or recommend him to anyone. The process was very smooth. We had four meetings with Colin that were punctual and to the point. There were no surprises. It was a lot less involved than I thought it would be. He made things very easy for us."
– J. McKitchen, June 2014