Unique Environments from an
Award-Winning Team
A Culture of Quality, Creativity, and Respect
The Scott Byron & Co. culture is defined by a reverence for quality, innovation, creativity, and mutual respect among our team members and clients. Our team brings you the best experience in the business at every level: design, construction, maintenance, and client service. Our artists, ornamental horticulturists, hardscape artisans, and field staff are best-in-class. And we back up our promise of quality with a lifetime warranty on material. In short, you can relax and enjoy yourself as we transform your dreams into reality.
Award-Winning Environments
Scott Byron & Co. has won awards every year since 2012 from the Illinois Landscape Contractors Association (ILCA) and Midwest Awards for Outdoor Living. The latest two gold awards were received at the 2021 annual ILCA Awards Gala, with one of the projects earning the coveted Judges’ Award.
Concierge Service
Quality of service can make the difference between an exhilarating experience and one that pushes the limits of patience. Our highly intuitive team of client engagement specialists anticipates your needs and deftly pulls together your vision, keeping the process exciting and fresh throughout. Our white-glove approach guides you with the finesse you’d expect from Scott Byron & Co.
Fearless Design
Dreams are curious things, easy to envision and sometimes impossible to realize—for most. Scott Byron & Co. believes that anything is possible, and we have decades of successful case stories to prove it. So dream without fear, and settle for nothing but the best.
Our History
1983
Scott L. Byron with Andrew Otting found Scott Byron & Co. Creating unique environments and “making sure the land is properly preserved and the design is complementary to the architecture and setting.”
Three weeks later, Andrew Otting creates a high-end, landscape maintenance service that preserves the integrity of clients’ original designs.
1985
Seasonal color expertise was added to enhance the boundaries of design and seasonal color.
1987
Scott Byron & Co. was selected as the premier design/build firm for Chicago Botanic Garden. This relationship culminated in the creation of multiple gardens: Krasberg Rose Garden, English Walled Garden, English Oak Meadow, Sensory Garden, Dixon Prairie, Grunsfeld Children’s Growing Garden, Visitors Center, and Naturalistic Garden (now part of the Sensory Garden).
1989
Andy Otting named partner of Scott Byron & Co.
1990
The company grows to 100+ associates
1992
Under Scott Byron and Dick Brickman’s leadership, a practitioner endowment fund to provide resources for visiting instructors was initiated at the University of Illinois’ Department of Landscape Architecture.
1993-94
Scott Byron named President of the Illinois Landscape Contractors Association
1994
Began design on 700-acre Musha Cay, private island project
1995
Scott Byron named ILCA’s “Man of the Year”
2000
Andrew Otting joins the Openlands board chairing the Policy & Community Engagement Committee. Today, Mr. Otting continues to serve on the Executive Committee.
2000
Andrew Otting becomes president of Scott Byron & Co. Scott Byron & Co. Designs Chicago’s Water Tower Park and Pumping Station Garden
2000
AutoCAD introduced
2001
The company grows to 250+ associates
2009
New Office opens/renovations
2014
3D Rendering introduced
2019
Chicago Branch opens
2020
Culture Committee formed to strengthen our commitment to our clients and strive to make Scott Byron & Co. one of the best places to work.
2021
2021
Wisconsin Branch office opens
Leadership
Click on images for bios
Scott Byron
Chief Executive Officer
Since founding his namesake organization in 1983, Scott Byron has sought to create the most positive outcome for clients while “making sure the land is properly preserved and the design is complementary to the architecture and setting.” Scott’s code of ethics and respect for employees, clients, the environment, and the symbiosis of art and nature continues to drive the culture of the organization’s 200+ associates.
Andy Otting
President
As co-founder, Andy Otting has done more to shape the service aspects of the organization than anyone. His effectiveness in maintaining operational efficiencies is driven not only by business best practices but also by prioritizing the brand experience of every stakeholder. Understanding that “clients” include not only our valued external clients but also our employees and partners, he prioritizes a culture of equality, decency, respect, and quality. He has always guided the organization toward the goal of meeting the client’s vision as the key to success.
Gordon Held
Chief Operating Officer
Gordon’s passion is rooted in building teams—aligning their goals in a way that fulfills our company’s values and culture. He’s energized by helping our people identify and develop strengths they may not have recognized or had the confidence to pursue. He believes that by focusing on team development and company culture in a meaningful way, our clientele receives an unparalleled customer experience.
At every stage of his career, and at every employer and post, Gordon has ensured that employees’ core beliefs and way of doing things align with his philosophies. In Gordon’s perspective, culture and values are the building blocks of a united team of professionals.
“At Scott Byron & Co., I’m afforded the autonomy to bring together a group of master artisans, seasoned professionals, and incomparable talent. And I’m honored to lead them. Together, we’re making a significant difference inside and outside the company and I couldn’t be prouder.”
Kenneth Williams
Chief Financial Officer
Ken Williams leads Scott Byron’s accounting and finance team, where he works closely with the other members of the executive team to support the company’s strategic direction. With a focus on creating lasting value for the organization’s stakeholders, Ken is an experienced leader with a proven track record of driving bottom-line growth.
His enthusiasm for developing corporate strategy to drive long-term value stems from his extensive finance leadership experiences in varied industries. Ken has successfully supported carve-outs, acquisitions, and played key roles in the development of liquidity and capital structure strategies.
Ken holds a bachelor’s degree in Accounting from Monmouth College, and an MBA from Elmhurst University.
Rhonda Benn, SPHR
Human Resources Director
As the Director of Human Resources, Rhonda Benn is part of Scott Byron & Co.’s leadership team. Rhonda has over 20 years of Human Resource experience in the manufacturing and non-profit sectors and holds an SPHR certification. Rhonda is well-known for her positivity and ability to combine organizational best practices with employee advocacy to generate top workplace recognition. Developing a people-first culture is her passion, and she is honored to be part of such an exemplary company.
Kristy Sheets
Director of Construction Operations
A great communicator, big-picture thinker, and problem-solver, Kristy is well-positioned to lead the construction team of Project Managers, Foremen, Specialty Services, and Landscape Technicians to ensure a beautifully installed landscape project. You can expect to see her leading and motivating all construction team members as well as working with office staff and subcontractors to coordinate successful and on-time installations.
Kristy joined Scott Byron & Co. in 2005 as a Project Manager, spending more than a decade in the field. After gaining firsthand experience in a multitude of construction practices and invaluable knowledge of Scott Byron & Co.’s quality and standards, she advanced to her current role as Director of Construction Operations. In addition, Kristy holds a B.S. degree in Agriculture with a Horticulture emphasis, which she procured from Western Illinois University in 2000.
Jim Kemp
Wisconsin Branch Manager
Jim joined Scott Byron & Co. in early 2020 and brings with him more than 25 years’ experience in the landscape industry. Introduced to landscaping at an early age, he has amassed a wealth of practical knowledge in a wide range of landscape best practices including maintenance, design and construction. Jim’s experience in residential landscape design has engendered his appreciation for the diverse universe of architectural elements, channeling his inspiration for designing well-themed landscapes. He believes that listening, learning, and communication are the keys that align the needs of his co-workers and clients to create the most satisfying unique outdoor environments.
Sean Mallory
Chicago Branch Manager
As the Branch Manager of a talented Chicago team, Sean is passionate for people first and foremost. His philosophy is to cultivate every relationship through trust and approachability. He believes leading a team is about listening, empathizing, and problem-solving together to provide the best possible environment to nurture interdependency. He has a client-focused approach to growth and measures success by the development of his team.
Sky De Togne
Landscape Advisor
Sky joined at the beginning of 2022 and is a licensed landscape architect with six years of landscape experience. Sky is dedicated to learning and growing within the profession and has spent time in multiple different roles, from design and sales to field experience in construction management. Through a myriad of experiences, Sky has become a proven leader with a record of impeccable team management. Furthermore, Sky’s breadth of knowledge in various design palettes and styles allows her to create stunning landscapes that are truly timeless.
Nick Woboril
Landscape Advisor
The intersection between plants and humans has interested Nick from an early age, starting with his exploration of the wild places around him. He began questioning and examining how human-created elements interacted with the natural surroundings and soon after discovered landscape architecture. He was fascinated by the practice of influencing the relationships between architecture, design, and ecology, which led him to the University of Wisconsin-Madison, where he studied Landscape Architecture and Environmental Studies through the Gaylord Nelson Institute for Environmental Studies. Since graduation in 2014, Nick has spent most of his time working within the design-build realm of the landscape industry, working with clients to create beautiful, functional spaces.
Joe Comer
Landscape Advisor
Joe credits his path to the world of landscape architecture to years spent in the outdoors. Through his years spent in design, construction, and schooling in the Netherlands, Joe has become a natural problem solver. He enjoys bringing various facets of landscape construction into a cohesive package that works year-round.
Also, Joe is fervent about historical architecture and loves projects that close the gap between traditional aesthetics and environmental design. He attended Wageningen University and UW-Madison, where he graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Landscape Architecture.
Paul Sheets
Landscape Advisor
Paul has worked in every facet of the landscape industry for over 25 years. Whether it be sales, design, or operations, Paul strives to look at all aspects of the site, listen to clients’ needs, and enjoy the challenges of finding solutions. By utilizing his wide breadth of knowledge and experiences, Paul can develop a comprehensive maintenance program that exceeds every client’s expectations.