Meet the Passionate Team Behind Your Dream Landscape
As the owner of Rooted, I can’t express enough how vital our team is to every aspect of what we do. Each member brings their unique skills, creativity, and dedication, making them the heartbeat of our projects. From brainstorming sustainable designs to executing them with precision, their hard work and passion shine through every step of the process. I truly believe that the success of Rooted is a direct reflection of their commitment and talent. They are not just employees; they are the foundation of our vision, they are friends, and I am deeply grateful for their role in bringing our clients’ outdoor sanctuaries to life.
Dawn Barr — Owner & Landscape Designer
Dawn holds a Landscape Design Certificate from Northwestern University and brings over 18 years of expertise in landscape design and installation to her work. She is passionate about designing beautiful and sustainable outdoor spaces that inspire people to spend more time outside, enjoying nature. In addition to her professional pursuits, Dawn is passionate about vegetable gardening, homesteading, backpacking, and creating homemade organic soaps. She is also a wife, a proud mother of five, and caretaker to a variety of farm animals, embracing a lifestyle deeply connected to the outdoors and sustainable living.
Jesse Barr — Behind-the-scenes Support, Arborist, and “Equipment Guru”
Jesse brings valuable expertise and support to Rooted, balancing his full-time role with the Naperville Park District with his contributions to the team after hours. His professional background includes maintaining natural and native landscapes, as well as the installation and care of trees, shrubs, and ponds. Additionally, his extensive knowledge of equipment adds significant value to the operations at Rooted. Outside of work, Jesse enjoys painting, photography, and working on carpentry projects and cars in his garage, showcasing his creativity and technical skills.
Gil Chavez — Crew Foreman
Gil brings over 40 years of invaluable experience in the landscaping industry, with particular expertise in the use of natural stone for creating retaining walls, patios, dry streambeds, and other hardscape features. He plays a critical role in project coordination, ensuring that every detail is meticulously addressed for seamless and efficient execution. His positive attitude and commitment to excellence are evident as he consistently approaches his work with enthusiasm and care. Gil’s dedication, loyalty, and pride in his craft make him an indispensable member of the team, and his contributions are essential to the success of every project.
Julio Valadez — Crew
Julio is a dedicated crew member who consistently demonstrates a strong work ethic and takes great pride in his craftsmanship. With experience in both planting and hardscape installation, he is highly skilled in working with natural stone and brick pavers, making him an invaluable asset to our team. He is conscientious and a team player and consistently shows a willingness to go above and beyond. Additionally, Julio plays a key role in supporting logistics, driving our second truck and ensuring tools and materials are efficiently delivered to job sites. His hard work and dedication are appreciated with every project.