Alder Group

I just completed a remodel of my pool and landscaping with the Alder Group, and simply stated I could not be happier. From the first meeting until the project was completed, Don always looked for ways to improve the project and at the same time ways to minimize the cost of the project. His keen eye for design saw needed simple improvements that were relatively inexpensive but had a massive effect on the overall beauty of the project.

Perhaps most importantly when the manufacturer delivered the wrong custom coping, and I worried that we would not be able to meet the deadline of a large party that was planned for my backyard; Don found a way to resolve the issue and keep the job on schedule. Don is truly one of the good guys.

Do businesses really ghost clients? I suppose that in this post-Covid era, they do. I really felt a connection with Don and his excellent design partner. They spent hours at my house drawing up plans (in real time!) and making us feel that they were our partners. We paid $3K UPFRONT for their time and plans. We were owed another hour of their time to fine-tune.

We never had this opportunity. We first met in July 2021. We received the first draft of our design in late July '21. Respecting Don's busy schedule, I said I would call back in late November. I called, texted and emailed at least 20 times since then and have never received a response. 11 months later.no response at all. I truly hope that Don and his partners are okay.

I wish they had simply said, "I don't want to take on your project". I have heard worse from service providers during Covid. It's the ghosting that bothers me. I did not expect such unprofessional behavior.

Unfortunately, we would not be able to recommend the Alder Group. Don is nice, but there is absolutely no follow up! He is very responsive in the design phase or at least until all of that fee is collected, and then he will ghosts you. Lots of excuses for the slow responses, and ultimately no response at all. Don doesn't return phone calls or emails. Promised to deliver a reconfiguration of items discussed within a week. That was ten weeks ago. After several emails and no responses, we have decided not to consider the Alder Group for our project.

My yard as never looked better. Walked me through care and how to maintain the plants. It's very empowering to be able to change your landscape and this company comes highly recommended by my entire neighborhood.

I was sitting out in my yard thinking how much I didn't want to write a review for Alder Group. This is simply because I've been enjoying my yard so much, I have been reluctant to come inside to my computer We stumbled upon Don Vivatson's website on-line and loved his portfolio. However, we do not have the incredible property or sweeping vistas that appear in his photos.

We live in a suburban ranch house with a small, fully fenced yard and an existing overly large pool. When Don met with us, he encouraged us to envision our yard as a private courtyard or oasis. We discussed the experience of drinking a cup of coffee or sipping wine in a beautiful Napa-style courtyard - intimate and tranquil - and I was sold. All I can say is, Don delivered.

His vision was perfect. He allowed us to be involved in the creative process as much we wanted, but took care of all the details as needed. Artistically and practically, he knew when to guide us. I discouraged some of his design elements early on because I was worried about our limited space. However, Don took the time to walk me thru his thinking and suggested creative solutions to my concerns. I'm so thrilled I listened to him. Don envisioned more from our yard than I ever could see.

Due to the size of our yard, the backdrop is every bit as important as the structures. Don approached our yard with a landscaper's eye. It is gorgeous. (He also spent an entire afternoon teaching me about the care of each type of plant because I'm interested in learning.) Everything turned out beyond our expectations. I still can't believe this is our yard.