HEFFERNAN

LANDSCAPE DESIGN

Plant beds separating the two properties

Heffernan Landscape Design

Established in 1994, Heffernan Landscape Design is a full-service design-build residential landscape company serving Chicago and the suburbs. We offer all phases of landscape design and construction from garden plans to lighting, paths, stone patios and plantings.


While some of our outdoor projects are recognized for the strong, clean geometry of stone hardscapes with lush plantings, our varied style blends your project goals and preferences with our expertise in landscape design.


From the garden design to the construction of outdoor structures and installation of the landscaping plants, everyone at Heffernan Landscape Design is dedicated to creating a unique outdoor living space that will enhance the beauty and character of your home. With careful consideration of your site’s features coupled with your own garden ideas, needs and budget, we will help you create a beautiful, yet functional home landscape.



Carol Heffernan, Founding Principal

Carol Heffernan, founding principal, received a BFA and MFA from the Art Institute of Chicago. She uses her artistic, aesthetic and technical background to apply garden design principles in creating a sense of place, whether it’s a large estate on the North Shore, an historic home in the suburbs, a sleek, modern house on a city lot or the rooftop of a condominium.

Professional Affiliations:

APLD Association of Professional Landscape Designers

ILCA Illinois Landscape Contractors Association

LDA Landscape Design Association

We came across Carol's work while searching for someone to reimagine the overgrown garden bordering our side lot, and her designs stood out immediately. After a thorough site visit, Carol took our loose ideas for the space and created an absolutely incredible and inventive design that far exceeded our expectations. Carol also suggested additional landscaping to replace the lackluster planting in front of our house, and her addition freshened up our home beautifully! She knew we were planning a backyard wedding in a few months and rearranged her team's schedule to make sure our planting could in before the winter, which was generous and much appreciated. During the installation days, her team was has fast, professional, and extremely neat. She'll be back in the spring to add two custom-built arbors, and we cant wait to sit under them and admire our new landscaping as it grows in. Our family is very excited to enjoy the lovely space that she has created for us for years to come!Read More

We tapped Carol and her very talented and professional crew to turn our tiny urban backyard, which was sad and overgrown, into a lovely and modern space that we can use to stay sane through the pandemic. We loved her plan from the start -- and we aren't the easiest people to please. They put in tiered decking, new fencing, and plantings, removed some weed trees, and built in a space for our soon-to-be-delivered hot tub. We are thrilled with the result! Soup to nuts, they did it all and were among the best contractors we've every hired.Read More

Carol Heffernan is a genius! Her designs are a work of art. She is able to transform the design plans from paper to life. There is no job too small or too big for Carol and her staff. I originally used her services in 2004 with my first home purchase. The work was ABSOLUTELY STUNNING. When I purchased my second home in 2019 I knew it would not be “home” unless it had Carols touch. I highly recommend. Carols work is the gift that keeps giving.Read More

The front yard of my bungalow was looking very sad. As I searched for landscape designers, I worried no one would be willing to take on such a small project within my budget restrictions. Carol, like a true professional, made me feel like a valued client. After surveying the area, she sent me a plan . . . and another plan . . . and another, until my particular tastes were met. The result is a thing of great beauty (within budget) that draws oohs and aahs from all who pass. I feel very fortunate to have found Carol and to be the recipient of her eye for design and knowledge of horticulture.Read More

Heffernan Landscape Design turned our boring city back yard into an amazing space. Carol listened to our thoughts, shared her recommendations, and come up with the perfect concept and design. She drew up a detailed plan and her professional team implemented it perfectly. We couldn't be happier with the results!Read More