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).

Trained as an architect, Kevin applies his specialized skill set to realize landscapes of exceptional clarity and continuity. At RBLA, he leads complex projects from conceptual design through final construction. Bridging leadership, collaboration, design, and production in his role as Studio Director, he serves as an essential liaison between clients, contractors, consultants, and our in-house team. Kevin combines deep theoretical knowledge with a hands-on passion for the craft of building landscapes. He holds dual degrees — a Bachelor of Fine Arts and a Bachelor of Architecture — from the Rhode Island School of Design.

Greta is an integral contributor to the design and management of projects, bringing expertise in site analysis, design development, and construction documentation. Raised in rural Virginia, she developed an early appreciation for the beauty and complexity of natural landscapes. Drawing on her training in design and garden history, Greta approaches landscape architecture with a commitment to thoughtful, contextually designed solutions across various scales and styles. She holds a B.S. in Geology and Environmental Science from the College of William & Mary and a Master of Landscape Architecture from the University of Virginia.

Garry brings finely-honed design and technical expertise to the studio, with particular strengths in graphic representation, concept development, and construction detailing. His experience spans residential and commercial landscapes, where he pairs a refined design sensibility with the technical precision to carry projects from early visualization through construction.

His passion for landscape architecture took root while pursuing his degree, during which he served as President of the ASLA Student Chapter. Garry holds a Bachelor of Science in Landscape Architecture from the University of Connecticut.

After a successful career as a camera operator in film and videography, George (Geb), Renée’s husband, has joined the firm to manage project photographic and drone documentation. He also applies his cinematic experience to RBLA’s landscape lighting projects and handles myriad site management, logistics and procurement efforts. Geb holds a B.A. from the University of Minnesota as well as a lengthy resumé of motion picture and episodic television credits.

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.