Reviews of Eco Minded Solutions

Anna Johnson

“After meeting with various other landscape designers, we made the right decision in choosing Eco Minded to design our front and back yards. Barry and Chris listened to what we wanted for our yard, provided excellent ideas and worked within our budget. They took time to explain every aspect of the design and made sure we were happy with it. The installation crew was professional, clean, and respectful. Tim (the construction manager) provided detailed status updates and was very knowledgable about the plants. Upon completion, we decided to hire Eco Minded for yard maintenance.  I like that they know our yard and have an interest in keeping it healthy.

Eco Minded took our ideas for a low maintenance, relaxing outdoor space and turned it into our dream yard – complete with a putting green, BBQ island, shade structure, new patio, a fountain and beautiful native plants. From design, to installation, to yard maintenance… Eco Minded does it all! I couldn’t be happier with their service and I highly recommend Eco Minded to my friends and neighbors.”

B. Scribe

“Barry was great to work with on design and delivered a finished plan within our budget. Steve, Miguel and team executed the plan, were open to some changes on the fly and did a great job, on-time and on-budget. You can’t really ask for more. We look forward to using them again for the next phase in our landscaping.”

Ben K.

“Excellent to work with and would recommend them to friends and family..

1. They were very price competitive.
2. They do all the work themselves or GC the process.
3. The price is determined at the outset – payments scheduled appropriately – no surprises.
4. They were extremely responsive and made multiple site visits with us during the planning phase. They accommodated our work schedules which I’m sure was an inconvenience for them but much appreciated by us!
5. Work was completed on time, on schedule.

“

Brett S.

“Barry was great to work with on design and delivered a finished plan within our budget. Steve, Miguel and team executed the plan, were open to some changes on the fly and did a great job, on-time and on-budget. You can’t really ask for more. We look forward to using them again for the next phase in our landscaping.”

Cindy Schulty

“When I needed my baths and kitchen remodeled, I chose Mike Poulson from Eco Minded Solutions. I had friends, who used them as well and I saw the extraordinary quality of their work. Michael answered all of my husband’s questions and when he left our home, Simon turned to me and said “You have found a contractor that I trust. Michael knows more about building and construction than Bill Gates knows about computer software.

Michael and his team of experts assisted us in selecting all the finishing’s (appliances, plumbing fixtures, tile, cabinetry and counter-tops), for the project. All of the work was completed on time and on budget. I will use Eco Minded Solutions for all of my future remodels.”

Dr. Jeff & Pat Leach

“Eco Minded Solutions, Co-Owner Barry Thau designed an unbelievable landscape for us which included a multi-tier boulder waterfall, BBQ Island, custom stone clad fireplace, natural stone retaining walls & entry pilasters, French chiseled pattern travertine entry, multi terrace patios and view decks and low voltage lighting to illuminate our beautiful outdoor living space in the evenings. Barry also used a beautiful and diverse native California plant palate to add a variety of color, textures and height variation within the landscape. He was very thorough during every design review with Pat and me and made sure that we understood every element that was incorporated in the plans.

Eco Minded Solutions construction crews did a flawless installation. They provided us with an unprecedented level of service which included frequent detailed updates and best of all they finished our project right on schedule and within budget.

We really appreciate your company working hard to get the job done right for us; it has definitely been a positive experience. We will refer Eco Minded Solutions to our friends, family and neighbors.”

Dr. Marvin Zaguli, MD

“We chose to work with Eco Minded Solutions at the recommendation of a friend who had used them to re-landscape their yard. After meeting with Josh and Barry I was immediately comfortable with their approach, so much so that I did not even go out and obtain other bids (not my usual behavior). Working with Barry on the plans was a real pleasure- he had great ideas and was more than willing to incorporate our own ideas into his plans.

Throughout the extensive demolition, construction and planting phases (what started out to be a smaller project of course blossomed into a grand re-landscape of our entire front and back yards) we felt that we were always kept informed and the resulting product met our every expectation. We would not hesitate to recommend them to anyone looking to do anything from a small project to a major re-landscaping as we ended up with (replaced all our hard surfaces including concrete and travertine tile, built an incredible outdoor room and fire pit and replaced all plants with low maintenance, eco-friendly ones).”

Dr. Stephen Carson

“In 2009 my wife and I chose Eco Minded Solutions, Inc. to fully renovate our landscape with the intention of creating a more expansive & functional outdoor living space, decrease water consumption and increase our landscape’s beauty. We evaluated many Design-Build companies, but none of them could match Barry Thau’s extraordinary vision for our landscape. Barry’s design was both innovative and creative. I also appreciated his ability to incorporate our ideas in the plans and his attention to detail.

I also have to compliment their installation crew. I am a stickler to detail but I can’t complain about any of their work. The workers were always on time, worked hard and they always left the property clean at the end of the day. I have absolutely no reservations about recommending Eco Minded Solutions to our friends and neighbors.”

F. Soke

“We hired Eco Minded Solutions for an extensive front and backyard landscape project, including hardscape (driveway, walkways, patio), deck, drainage, irrigation, and plantings/trees. Eco Minded was responsible for all aspects of the project; initial concept and design through to construction.

Barry, Dave, and team were very professional and collaborative through all stages of the project and always took the time to address our questions and input. Our highly skilled foreman, Jose, did outstanding work on the hardscape (flagstone). Bottom line, the entire Eco team took pride in their work and delivered us some great results.”

Jeff T.

“We had a patio cover and large area of our back yard done with succulent garden beds, a retaining wall and paver paths and it looks really beautiful! We worked with Dave Milton, Barry Thau, Ever, Jose and Juvenal. They all did an outstanding job.

They really listened to our wants, and communicated well throughout the project. We had a variety of plants and large boulders that they unearthed already, and they worked them in beautifully with the plan. Can’t say enough good things about this company – it was done in a timely manner, and we would definitely hire them again!”

Jen S.

“After meeting with several landscape design companies, we decided to use Eco Minded Solutions to design our backyard. Maggie and Gustavo created a beautiful, clean, modern plan for our yard, exactly as we had hoped. Construction was fast, done ahead of schedule, and according to plan. Dave is great with making things work the way you want them to and is attentive to any changes or questions we had throughout the process.

The crew of workers sent to our home was incredibly respectful, polite and hardworking (a rarity with many landscaping companies). Another bonus is the post-construction follow up, which lets you get any odds and ends items you find taken care of promptly. I would not hesitate to recommend Eco Minded Solutions to anyone looking for a clean, low maintenance design.”

Judith B.

“We hired Eco Minded Solutions to landscape our backyard. Maggie was great to work with. She was very open to our ideas and had great ideas of her own. Having recently moved to Southern California from the East Coast we weren’t familiar with plants and trees local to this area.

Maggie was kind enough to drive around a nursery to show us examples of what she had in mind. Once the plan was finalized the crew was able to start right away. They arrived early in the morning and worked all day long to ensure the project was completed on time. Overall this was a positive experience and I would recommend them.”

Judy

“Eco Minded Solutions did a fantastic job remodeling our patio/courtyard — from the creative and beautiful design to the superb craftsmanship and attention to detail in installing it. The project supervisor, Steve, is knowledgeable and professional, and made sure we were pleased with every aspect of the job. The installers/construction workers are true craftsmen.

They arrived promptly, worked incredibly hard and left the property clean and neat at the end of the work day. We are thrilled with the end result. It was truly a pleasure doing business with Barry and Dave, and their great office staff (Kathy). I give Eco Minded Solutions my highest recommendation.”

Kelly Armstrong

“Eco Minded Solutions recently completed work on our backyard and my husband and I are very happy with the end result. We found them at the Del Mar Home Show and were drawn to their unique designs. Every other vendor seemed to offer the same thing and their designs often looked like something we could come up with ourselves. The yard design plan they created was really thoughtful and took into consideration everything we asked for. This was pretty good considering our yard is pretty small. I really appreciated the attention to detail in the design.

Before starting work we got 3 other bids. We first felt Eco’s bid was high (which it was) but after getting other bids it wasn’t by a huge margin. Ultimately for us the decision came down to the quality of the work. The other people we spoke to did come in cheaper but we were not confident they would execute the plans properly. The beginning to end process was very easy and it was great working with them. We always knew what was going on and when to expect certain things. Everything was explained to us really well and the crews working on the yard were professional.

What surprised me the most is the follow up appointments after the job is completed. They will be coming back to check on the yard for the next few weeks to make sure the yard is still doing well. I wasn’t really expecting that so it was a nice surprise.”

Ken Kaplan

“The company has my highest recommendation about each area of performance: design, construction, quality, quality assurance, follow up and integrity. Our space constraints were problematic. Eco utilized the space brilliantly in terms of functionality and aesthetics. The construction was first-rate. All materials and construction was at, or above, specifications. After the job was complete, the Eco team insured the construction functioned as an integrated design, and that we were pleased with the results. When the inevitable small problems arose, Eco quickly and effectively dealt with them. If you need a world-class design and construction company, you’ve found it with Eco Solutions.

I also want to note the integrity and trust Eco Solution built with my wife and me. That permitted us to enjoy the project development in a worry-free manner.”

Kent F.

“Eco Minded Solutions did a fantastic job on our remodel — from the creative and beautiful design to the superb craftsmanship and attention to detail in installing it. The project supervisor, Steve, is knowledgeable and professional, and made sure we were pleased with every aspect of the job. The installers/construction workers are true craftsmen.

They arrived promptly, worked incredibly hard and left the property clean and neat at the end of the work day. We are thrilled with the end result. It was truly a pleasure doing business with Barry and Dave, and their great office staff (Kathy). I give Eco Minded Solutions my highest recommendation.”

Linda Snyder

“Eco Minded Solutions is the most honest contractor that I have ever worked with. Through every step of our home remodel, Michael Poulson, explained what he was doing, what will happen next and the time frame for completion of each component of the project. If he can achieve the same or better outcome through revisions in the design, Michael will tell you. For example, I had a heating/ventilation and air conditioning contractor come out to give me a price to fix my HVAC unit that was only three years old and they told me I needed a whole new unit.

I had Michael look at the unit together with several other items in my house such as windows, roof, fascia boards and drywall. He looked over my property and gave me an assessment of what I needed fixed. He concluded that the work was not extensive and that he could have the items fixed over the next few days and at a cost well below that of our competitive bids. Michael and I determined that many of the statements that the other HVAC contractor provided me were not true. I had SDG&E come out at Michael’s request to check for any leaks after Michael checked. This was to help me be assured that the gas was not leaking. Michael was right, there were no leaks.”

Paul Johnson

“Working with Eco Minded is an absolute delight. We loved that they offered an end-to-end solution from design through ongoing maintenance. Their project managers care about details and manage all the subcontractors very effectively. We are extremely pleased with the process and the results!”

Richard G.

“We discovered Eco Minded Solutions at the Del Mar Home and Garden Show this past spring and decided to use them pretty much on the spot. We loved their display and Maggie and Dave made a very good first impression with us. We had a rather small yard which was a disaster. Despite the fact that we were pretty unsure of what we wanted, Maggie really listened to us and came up with a plan that we absolutely love. The design is clean and fairly low maintenance, so we have hopes that we will be able to keep it looking beautiful. The space which was completely unusable before is now almost like having an additional room.

The workmen were always professional and polite and the property was left cleaned up at the end of each work day. When the project was completed they followed up with us as promised and replaced several of the plants that didn’t make it. The replacements are thriving. We are delighted with the end result and are actually planning on having them do some additional work to pave our driveway to match the rest of our yard. All in all, they were a pleasure to work with and we highly recommend this company!”

Sharon Friedman

“About two years ago I wanted to re-do our family room and add a media room to hour home. My husband and I contacted three contractors that were recommended by our friends and began the interviewing process. One person, Michael Poulson, of Eco Minded Solutions caught our attention when Michael walked through the door.

Before the job started we met the crew, they were professional, courteous, intelligent and just nice to be around. On numerous occasions, Michael would stop to explain to me the difference between two brands and which would be the best for me. Since the remodel we have had no problems, no leaks, no cracks and every appliance runs as well as the day it was installed. I am very picky about who comes into my home and I would definitely hire Eco Minded Solutions again to do all of my remodels, room additions and changes that I make to my home.”

Sonia I.

“We chose Eco Minded Solutions because of their wonderful reputation. They did not disappoint. We appreciated there streamlined design/build process. We asked that their work be completed before a large party we already had scheduled at the house and as they promised, it was done on time.

We were very impressed with all their workmen, their efficiency, the politeness, and cleanliness. Most of all, our yard looks great.

Thanks so much. It was a pleasure working with you, particularly Josh, Maggie and Miguel.”

Stella – San Diego, CA

“My husband and I recently remodeled our back yard and had a fantastic experience. The end result is beautiful.

Dave, our project manager, professionalism, creativeness, one of the owner was a pleasure to work with!

Thanks to all the crew from Eco Minded Solutions, Made our dream comes true!”

Sue Bedford

“I’ve put my trust in Eco Minded Solutions and their amazing Director of Building Division, Mike Poulson to do an extensive amount of construction on our home (bathrooms, kitchen, decks, room additions, second stories and many other add-ons and changes) to my house.

All of the work done on my home was completed by his trust-worthy in-house employees. They gave me the leeway of purchasing my own appliances and fixtures which helped me cut the cost of the contract, and saved me money.

They explained the job in detail from grading to installing my doors. Mike is a contractor that I am proud to have in my home. I will continue to recommend Eco Minded Solutions to everyone I know.”

T. Angelly

“We hired Eco Minded Solutions to landscape our backyard. Maggie was great to work with. She was very open to our ideas and had great ideas of her own. Having recently moved to Southern California from the East Coast we weren’t familiar with plants and trees local to this area.

Maggie was kind enough to drive around a nursery to show us examples of what she had in mind. Once the plan was finalized the crew was able to start right away. They arrived early in the morning and worked all day long to ensure the project was completed on time. Overall this was a positive experience and I would recommend them.”

T. Dunbar

“The designer, the foreman, and workers from Eco Minded Solutions were honest, straightforward, and extremely helpful in the redesign of our property. Their computer-generated designs made it easy for us to envision our project. Each of the employees were kind, prompt, and encouraging regarding all our questions and the job was completed in a timely manner with the men showing up EVERY day at the same time and working until the job was complete. We enthusiastically recommend Eco-Minded Solutions for all of your renovation dreams!”

M Fielding

“I purchased a new home and hired Eco Minded Solutions to do the design and install of all hardscape and landscape. I wanted a Tuscan look and drought resistant plants. They did an excellent job and finished on time. Dave Milton is great to work with and always returns calls and emails right away. I am very happy with the way my yard turned out. Thank you Eco Minded Solutions and Dave you were awesome.”

Nancy L.

“After mowing nearly 3000 sqft of once pristine blue grass for nearly three decades, we watched it succumb to crabgrass, rabbits, drought, and crushing water bills. Serendipitously, we discovered Eco Minded Solutions who transformed a field of unkempt turf into a magical landscape.

Shayna, a delightful person with an undergraduate degree in landscape design, met us at a time convenient for our work schedules. Two weeks later, she provided us a detailed and amazing blueprint that far exceeded our expectations. We requested minor revisions through several emails to which Shayna responded promptly and effectively. The construction crew arrived as promised, worked diligently, agreeably made on-the-spot revisions, and left the site in fastidious condition daily.

Six weeks later, we had a park-like setting with pleasing berms, boulders, cobble creek beds traversed by a wooden bridge, and lighted wandering paths of soft decomposed granite and gravel. The centerpiece is a showcase Gold Medallion tree within a planter made from natural field stone. The plant palette is inspired with over sixteen drought tolerant species including pink muhly, crape myrtle, rock purse-lane, red fountain grass, orange sedge, copper canyon daisy, and blue chalk sticks. All are nourished by an efficient sub-surface drip irrigation system covered by attractive bark. Our field had been transformed into a relaxing haven that attracts a bevy of butterflies and hummingbirds.

Eco Minded Solutions has continued to oversee their creation and correct minor issues without hesitation. We have thoroughly enjoyed our relationship with the firm and can’t say enough about the professionalism of everyone involved in this company. We highly recommend them without reservation.”

Lisa Pulli

“We are extremely happy with the extensive remodel and a ground floor extension of our La Jolla home Eco Minded Solutions did for us. They completely changed the flow and character of our home.

Eco Minded Solutions gave an honest bid with all costs broken out in great detail. They were significantly less expensive than other companies we were also considering. I particularly value the “can do” attitude that Josh Rosenthal instills in his workers. They guided us throughout the process, and followed through with all of their obligations.

Throughout the process, the staff/crew were professional and friendly and easy to have around (we were living in the house during part of the project). I also appreciated that they were always on the lookout for ways to improve the project, make it simpler to do and less expensive, without sacrificing quality. The final product is amazing, finished on time and on budget. They absolutely stand behind their work and if you have a question or a concern they are incredibly responsive.

In summary, we have no reservations recommending them to anyone”

Dr. Jeff & Pat Leach

“Eco Minded Solutions, Co-Owner Barry Thau designed an unbelievable landscape for us which included a multi-tier boulder waterfall, BBQ Island, custom stone clad fireplace, natural stone retaining walls & entry pilasters, French chiseled pattern travertine entry, multi terrace patios and view decks and low voltage lighting to illuminate our beautiful outdoor living space in the evenings. Barry also used a beautiful and diverse native California plant palate to add a variety of color, textures and height variation within the landscape. He was very thorough during every design review with Pat and me and made sure that we understood every element that was incorporated in the plans.

Eco Minded Solutions construction crews did a flawless installation. They provided us with an unprecedented level of service which included frequent detailed updates and best of all they finished our project right on schedule and within budget.

We really appreciate your company working hard to get the job done right for us; it has definitely been a positive experience. We will refer Eco Minded Solutions to our friends, family and neighbors.”

T. Dunbar

“The designer, the foreman, and workers from Eco Minded Solutions were honest, straightforward, and extremely helpful in the redesign of our property. Their computer-generated designs made it easy for us to envision our project. Each of the employees were kind, prompt, and encouraging regarding all our questions and the job was completed in a timely manner with the men showing up EVERY day at the same time and working until the job was complete. We enthusiastically recommend Eco-Minded Solutions for all of your renovation dreams!”