05/18/09

Great Remodeling Job by Designer Eskra – Blending the Old w

by MikeEskra

My house was originally built in 1926 and a new section was added in 1969 so when we decided to do some major renovations, we knew we had a challenge on our hands. Whoever would design the changes would have to blend the old with the new and work with the architect to give us the ultimate look we were seeking. Chris coordinated the architect, the carpenters, tile setters and the finishing workers for three bathrooms, the new marble floor tiles and all the “finishes” and he handled all in a superb manner; even the painting was integrated in a classy fashion.

The attention given to the bathrooms was especially appreciated; little things like being able to step into the shower easily; the cabinet work; the lighting; the fantastic large mirrors ; the selection of the hardware and the toilets; the shower options – rain dome, handheld and regular showers; the hand rails. People visiting us continue to marvel about how classy the bathrooms are!

Thanks to Chris, the results culminated in an overall finished product that blended the old with the new and made us very pleased. Simply put, the remodeled portion blends in such a fashion that it “belongs” with the rest of the house.

What began with a great deal of apprehension ended with a feeling of complete satisfaction! In retrospect, we wished that we had done the remodeling sooner.

I highly recommend Chris as a “complete” designer!

• Pros: The Best Designer

05/10/09

A wonderful design firm and designer

by dk5000

I just loved working with Handman Associates and especially Chris. The entire team was wonderful. I could not be more pleased with the final look of my home, it is everything I hoped to achieve in working with a professional design studio. Chris was creative and listened when I expressed what I wanted the final interior to look like. My life has been greatly enriched by my beautiful apartment and I feel a sense of pride when people come into my home and remark on the interior design.

• Pros: Everything they do is first rate!
• Cons: There aren't any.

05/08/09

my house in now a home!

by scotter1

Getting this project accomplished was quite a feat. Chris Eskra managed the entirety of it with great style, professionalism and accuracy. Even if I was out of town, Chris took the time to make sure every detail was being done correctly - contracter, painters, furniture makers! It could not have been done without his fine eye for detail. He ofered great ideas and stayed within budget. A terrrific experience all-around thanks to Chris and the team at Handman Associates.

• Pros: professional, on budget. on time
• Cons: none

05/08/09

The Best In Chicago and Manhattan

by fmaddox

Chris Eskra selected the color, furniture, and lay-out of my Manhattan studio. Chris designed the studio to fit my needs, and the needs of my guest using the studio during their visits to the city. My expectations were significantly exceeded.

• Pros: Attention to Detail
• Cons: None

05/07/09

Recommend without hesitation ...

by LEMoyer

Chris Eskra with Handman Associates recently did the design work for the remodeling of my master and guest bathrooms. Chris and his staff were attentive and professional. More importantly, Chris used his design expertise to turn my ideas into a reality. Our newly remodeled bathrooms have added value to our home and I get to enjoy them every day!

• Pros: Professional staff, easy to work with
• Cons: None

05/07/09

Use a Professional!

by CJGinla

I used Handman Asocciates for my design project and it turned out to be the best and most important desicion I made regarding this project. Chris Eskra was my designer - he is charming, intelligent, insightful and talented. Oh yes and extremely patient too. My condo turend out stunning thanks to his advice and extensive expreince. He has excellent taste an listend carefully to what I wanted. He undertood my needs and personality and the final results reflect both. I could have tried to do this on my own, but it would have been a mistake. I now understand the need for design services. Thanks Chris - I am so happy with in my new elegant, relaxed environment. I love coming home to it.

• Pros: Best in Class

05/06/09

Very satisfied repeat customer

by DGJinCHI

I am living in my second Chicago condo designed by Chris Eskra and it is wonderful. The perfect blend of elegance, comfort, contemporary, and chic without being over-the-top or so trendy that it's going to have to be redone in a year. A colleague recently asked to use my apartment when I'm away to give a party because of its ambience. Chris also did rooms in my home in Miami Beach and struck just the right note. He is easy to work with, patient, responsive and knows how to bridge the gap for those of us who are not design savvy. I recommend him highly!

• Pros: Excellent work and makes it easy on the client

05/06/09

Excellent Design Work

by CathyE

What an amazing job Chris Eskra from Handman and Assoc. did with our bathrooms and kitchen. Everyone who comes to the house wants to copy the work these guys did. I highly recommend this team of highly professional designers.

• Pros: Great Vision
• Cons: None

05/06/09

Fantastic Interior Designer

by DavidRobert

Chris Eskra of Handman Associates did a great job of helping us reorganize and redecorate our office. He has great eye for how to lay out a room and did a wonderful job of finding just the right furniture for our needs. And he did so in our price range.

I highly recommend Chris and the whole team at Handman Associates.

• Pros: Professional, innovative, personal
• Cons: none

02/07/09

Worst Design Firm Ever

by finalword21

I would love to say that I had the pleasure of working with this firm that is far from the case. Shelly Handman and Chris Eskra come off as being wonderful and caring people in the intital meeting. They say that they care about your likes and dislikes and take that into consideration when they are designing "your" home. This is far from the case. My preferences for "my" home were not shown in the desing that they showed me. Chris continuely argued with the architect to the point that I did not want to answer the phone. The billing hours are by far outrageous. How does it take and hour to email design ideas? And then they want $250 for the hour that was spent. Shelly was very gruff and pushy with me when I told him that I did not want certain pieces in my home. He just kept pushing me on the few items to the point were I paid my final invoice and have hired a new firm that is easier to work with. I DO NOT RECOMMEND GETTING INVOLVED WITH HANDMAN ASSOCIATES AT ALL!!!!!!

• Cons: Attitude of employees