Grace Houser
11 months ago
We catered an event for Highwood Design week with ABLAZE. Working with Ava and the ABLAZE team was great. Communication was fast, easy and professional. We look forward to working together again in the future!
Response from the owner:Thank you Grace! We can’t wait to work with you all again as well!
Carl Christianson
11 months ago
I love how professional and organized this team is. I had a great meeting with David, Ava and George. I think they'd be great to work with when the time is right.
Response from the owner:It was really great meeting with you as well! We appreciate your time and your feedback. Would love to collaborate in the future when the time is right as well.
Coco Harris
1 year ago
As a real estate professional, I’ve witnessed countless renovations, and when it came time for our own remodel, I knew I wanted to work with a design-to-build firm. While the main focus was a kitchen renovation, it was important to us that someone look at our entire first floor and how we wanted to live in the redesigned space. For efficiency, ease, and accountability, we also wanted one company to oversee the entire project. After interviewing two firms, my husband and I immediately connected with George Markoutsas. George is creative, a thoughtful listener, and knows just when to encourage you outside your comfort zone. He always made us feel like our project was a top priority, took time to answer every question, and guided us on the finishing touches that turned our new kitchen into not just a beautiful space, but a true reflection of our personal style. Equally deserving of praise is Brian Hendrickx, our Project Manager, who was the “special sauce” of the entire process. Brian ensured everything ran smoothly, kept all parties aligned and communicating, and played a huge role in making sure we were not only happy throughout but also thrilled with the flawless final result. Yes, hiring a design-to-build firm costs more—but for our family it was worth every penny. I know so many people who end renovations frustrated or regretful; we feel the exact opposite. We’re already looking forward to working with ABLAZE again. From start to finish, the experience was exceptional, and we are beyond grateful for our stunning outcome.
Response from the owner:Thank you so much for this thoughtful and generous review. We’re truly honored that you entrusted ABLAZE with your home and vision. George and Brian—and our entire team—loved collaborating with you to bring your ideas to life, and we’re thrilled to know the space feels both beautiful and personal to your family. Feedback like this means the world to us, and we can’t wait to create with you again in the future!
Wendy Golub
1 year ago
Working with Ablaze from start to finish has been a wonderful experience. We first met with George at our house to discuss our kitchen project. We talked about different ideas and decided to hire Ablaze. George set up an appointment to meet at the showroom in Lake Forest. He spent a lot of time showing us many quartz samples and backsplash ideas. He suggested we go to Cambria in Elk Grove Village to see slabs of quartz samples. We met with Emily there who was a patient, pleasant, and helpful saleslady. We ordered the quartz for the countertops. George suggested we go to Ferguson to purchase the sink, faucet, soap dispenser, and garbage disposal. Daniela was knowledgeable and great. J.P. was assigned to our project. He was friendly, informative, and fantastic to work with. He came almost everyday to check on the project and the wonderful crew. Miguel and Victor were the best workmen. They respected our house and worked very hard. Their workmanship was truly perfection. Our project ran smoothly and professionally thanks to them. We love our kitchen refresh. It is so beautiful. We are so happy we decided to do it. We trusted Ablaze and overjoyed with them. We would and will recommend Ablaze with the highest accolades. Wendy and Philip Golub
Response from the owner:Wendy and Philip, thank you for sharing such a thoughtful review! We’re so grateful you trusted ABLAZE with your kitchen refresh and thrilled to hear how much you’re enjoying the new space. George, J.P., Miguel, Victor, and the entire team loved working with you, and your kind words mean the world to us. We’re honored by your recommendation and so glad your experience was everything you hoped for!
Krystal’S Glam
1 year ago
I’ve heard great things about AB Design Company and their work with painting and remodeling. Their portfolio looks amazing, with beautiful designs and attention to detail. Ava is always so sweet too! If you’re looking for a team that cares about quality and design, they seem like a great option to check out!
Response from the owner:Thank you for the thoughtful review. We feel very lucky to work with such a great team in this wonderful north shore community!
Amy Braun
2 years ago
Quite simply, I’m ABLAZED! From initial contact to renovate my kitchen, through the entire project the folks at ABLAZE were first rate! At the design stage they gave me several concepts and advised me on details. The end result is a great kitchen layout I’m still amazed at. As far as the nitty gritty and quality of the massive amount of work that was needed to transform my kitchen, absolutely professional. The guys cared about everything they touched, and I’m jealous of their talents! Everyday I appreciate my new kitchen more and more! I will definitely work with this great hard working team again on my next project! Amy
Response from the owner:Thank you so much Amy! I cant wait to see pictures! Enjoy!
Leanne Larson
2 years ago
The ABLaze team stepped in to help us rebuild our house after a devastating fire. They were absolutely amazing from start to finish, working closely with us and our insurer to deliver a vision that restored the original character, with the best of today’s design features. Their craftsmanship and quality is unmatched, and we couldn’t have asked for a better team to work with. We’re so grateful for their help - they’ve given us back our forever home.
Response from the owner:Thank you for trusting Ablaze with your beautiful home! It was a pleasure working with your family.
Martha Heitman
2 years ago
We loved working with the folks at ABLAZE. Not only did they do an incredible job on bringing our micron renovation to life but they also provided great handyman services to fix additional projects around our house. Everyone we worked with was professional, highly attentive, creative and knowledgeable. We cannot recommend them enough!
Response from the owner:Hi Martha, Thank you so much for taking the time to write the Google review for our business. My name is Ava Markoutsas, of the owners and we take so much pride in our family business. We will definitely share this review with our team and all of the project managers that worked with you.
Sarah Lohr
2 years ago
I hired ABLAZE Design Group to transform my dark wood paneled mud room and hallway into a light and airy space by painting all the walls, ceilings, trim and doors in greys and whites. The painters were prompt, friendly and kept the work space extremely clean and organized throughout the process. I am very happy with how it turned out and the quality of their work. I found ABLAZE because of their generosity to a local non profit (I bid on a gift card they donated to use towards this project). I'm so glad I did. I had been wanting to have this room painted for some time and it turned out great! I wouldn't hesitate to use them again for other projects.
Response from the owner:Thank you for leaving such a positive review! We're thrilled to hear you had a great experience with our team. Your support means a lot to us, and we look forward to working with you again in the future!
Brooke Milton
2 years ago
I've done several projects with Ablaze. It's a pleasure to work with Billy + his crew. They're efficient + detailed. More projects are in the queue.
Response from the owner:Thank you Brooke! We really appreciate your feedback and business!
Karen Keeley
2 years ago
Great store and sales lady
Response from the owner:Thank you so much for taking the time to review us at Ablaze! We truly value your feedback. Hope to see you soon!
Elise Gelman
2 years ago
We moved into our home in 2005. Ablaze, ABL at the time, built us a 2 car garage and you can’t tell from street view that it wasn’t part of the original home. The also redid the existing one car garage as an art studio, installing big skylights that let the light in. The garage is so well built that we could live in it. They were the most reliable, considerate and efficient team. We can’t say enough about how wonderful they are. We have called upon them for various things unrelated to the garage and they are respect, timely and excellent. You can trust George and his team with any project.
Response from the owner:Thank you so much for those kind words! We truly appreciate all of your business!
Linda Spring
2 years ago
They helped me out with my garage ceiling efficiently and professionally. It looks great now.
Response from the owner:Thank you for those kind works Linda! Feel free to stop by the showroom for a complementary candle!
Nancy Karp
2 years ago
LOVE our new space! Thank you to everyone at Ablaze that worked diligently to make it a reality. All the "bumps" in the road were handled with extreme professionalism and empathy. We really appreciated the attention to detail.
Response from the owner:Thank you for the kind words, Nancy. We really appreciated working on your project.
Mohammed Murad
2 years ago
We have been working with ABL for years on various projects and they are great and responsive. JP and Billy are professional and knowledgeable.
Response from the owner:Thank you for the kind words. I will certainly show JP and Billy your response.
Jacqueline Rosen
2 years ago
Ablaze workers are professional and skilled. They got the job done with perfection and on schedule.
Response from the owner:Thank you so much for the review. We really enjoyed working on your project.
Scott Coren
2 years ago
The Ablaze Design group helped us through a recent bathroom remodel and designed a beautiful bathroom that makes us feel like we are staying at a hotel every day. They have a team of staff that is up on the latest trends and can help us understand which materials and colors work best with the space, while still letting us make our own style choices. They gave good suggestions on where we could save on some of the cost of the project while also helping us prioritize our money to get that 'wow' factor. We had a wonderful experience and can't recommend them enough to anyone that needs help with a quality, stylish renovation project.
Response from the owner:Thank you for your kind words Scott! Feel free to stop by the store to pick out your complementary candle!
Vanessa Vogel-Farley
3 years ago
ABLAZE (formerly ABL) transformed our kitchen to the kitchen of our dreams. They were so professional and great all the way from design through execution. We couldn't have been happier with the result.
Response from the owner:Thank you for those kind words. We really enjoyed working with you and your family!
Rhiannon Torres
3 years ago
Sandra was awesome to work with. I was looking for some items stocked in their retail store and she went above and beyond to make sure I got what I wanted! Thanks so much Sandra!!
Avery Tung
3 years ago
Outstanding experience! We have used ABL in the past to remodel our master bath, install shades in our living room and refinish our front door...and because of that experience contracted with them to redo a second bathroom. They did not disappoint! Easy to work with, stayed on time and budget, excellent craftsmanship and the result is exactly what we wanted. Would definitely go with them again.
Chris Schone
3 years ago
If you're looking for the best look no further! Everyone who works here was very helpful and brought to the table exactly what i was looking for!!
Response from the owner:Thank you Chris!!!
Martina Siega
3 years ago
Response from the owner:Many thanks Martina!
lico lara
3 years ago
Response from the owner:Hey Lico!!! Thanks for the review!
Mike Weber
4 years ago
I never thought I'd say this about a contractor, but I love working with The ABL Group. Every aspect of the project from quote to final inspection is a pleasant experience. Every associate is courteous, professional, and communicates well. They do what they say they will do, on time: no surprises! Best of all, their on-site people deliver high-quality workmanship.
Response from the owner:We so appreciate you Mike!
Alicia Guerrero
4 years ago
I had the opportunity to go into the ABL group storefront. The quality and organization of the samples for your house decor are very nice. Lots Of great styles to choose from, and Ava was very professional.
Response from the owner:Alicia you rock - thanks for the shout out!