Profile

Landscape Architect Renée Byers is originally from Des Moines, Iowa. Down-to-earth and energetic, she thrives on her work and rapport with colleagues and clients. Although a longtime resident of the greater New York area, Renée’s early experience of place is rooted in the combination of being raised in a midwestern city and exposure to the surrounding natural environment by family who farmed the Iowa countryside.

Educated in Landscape Architecture at the University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Renée combined her passions for architecture, art, and horticulture. Additional studies in architectural history while in southern France established the classical traditions and painterly influences found in her landscape compositions today. Renée’s early career began in New York City, where she ultimately became a project landscape architect leading teams on large-scale projects across the country.

Long-enamored of the iconic residential architecture and dramatic settings in Westchester and Fairfield Counties, Renée subsequently established her own firm to focus on residential landscapes. She saw potential in the region’s steep, rocky sites that were under-appreciated and oft neglected. She likewise enjoys challenging terrain regardless of location and uses topography, plantings, and architectural elements to create expressive, cohesive experiences. Timeless rules of proportion are employed to create gardens that look planned and natural at the same time and are beckoning, sustainable places. From master site planning, to lighting design, to designing custom furniture, Renée’s broad experience and personal attention furthers the field of Landscape Architecture in ways indispensable to collaborating architects, design professionals, and her residential clients. Renée, along with her accomplished studio team, nurture relationships just as they care for the land.

Renée is a registered Landscape Architect in New York, Connecticut, and New Jersey and is a Fellow of the American Society of Landscape Architects (ASLA). In Norfolk, CT, she has served as a director on the Doolittle Lake Company board and the Chair of its Environmental and Architectural Review Committee. In Bronxville, NY she served on the Bronxville Design Review Committee and has consulted for the Bronxville Historical Conservancy. Renée is also a frequent lecturer at the School of Professional Horticulture at the New York Botanical Garden and for The Cultural Landscape Foundation (TCLF).

Eric Dorsch, ASLA, RLA, is a Senior Associate for RBLA, bringing over fifteen years of project management and design skills to the firm. His previous experience includes nine years with Robert A.M. Stern Architects. Eric received a Bachelor of Landscape Horticulture from the University of Vermont and a Masters in Landscape Architecture from the SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry.

A Connecticut native and the son of a prominent golf course consultant, Chris grew up with an innate passion for landscape design and land stewardship. His project management experience, can-do attitude and project production skills are vital contributions to RBLA. He holds a B.S. in Landscape Architecture and an A.S. in Ornamental Horticulture, both from the University of Connecticut.

Trained as an architect, Kevin applies his specialized skill set to creating connections between house and garden. Previous experience in a Boston-based architecture and interiors practice inspired him to expand his focus to landscape design. At RBLA, Kevin’s expertise in the creative process aligns perfectly with the design goals and philosophies of the firm. He manages projects from conceptual design through construction. Kevin holds a Bachelor of Architecture from the Rhode Island School of Design.

Prior to pursuing studies in landscape design, Liz enjoyed a successful career in retail, both as a merchandise buyer and then as a garden furnishings store owner. For RBLA, she wears multiple hats, merging expertise in horticulture and garden design with adroit project, vendor, and contractor management. Liz holds a B.A. from Duke University and a Certificate in Landscape Design from the School of Professional Horticulture at the New York Botanical Garden.