About Us
Naturescape Design
Meet Our Team
Quality is a choice and we choose it in everything we do.

The People Behind the Brand
Our people are our greatest asset. Thanks to their determination and dedication, Naturescape Design has been able to provide our customers with dependable systems and reliable service for more than thirty years.
The Naturescape family includes some thirty employees, many of whom have been a part of the team for well over a decade. You can learn more about our managers and support staff below; for more details about our technicians and crews (pictured above), click here .
Meet our managers
(Click the names to read short bio's)
John brings fifteen years of experience in system design and project estimation. He is involved in the green movement and is a devoted environmentalist. His experience in water conservation helped with the development and patent of the automatic gray water apparatus (AGWA systems). John shares his passion for irrigation by educating others in the landscape industry as to what new technologies are available and how they are used to enhance the outdoor environment.

Kristian has been working in the environmental sciences field since 2001. As a lead operating engineer he was responsible for implementing engineering designs for storm water management within large commercial and residential communities. He has also worked for a native woodland and prairie restoration company, served as a water manager for a large commercial landscaping firm and was in a supervisory position for a landscape architect specializing in natural land management. Through these positions, he honed his skills around plant’s needs in a giving microclimate, the plant, soil and water relationships and water conservation, giving him insight as to how to design an irrigation system that best delivers water according to landscape needs. Kristian enjoys the challenge of water management so much that he designed a marine ecosystem in his own house to steward corals and sea life.

PauI began working for Naturescape Design in 1983 when it was started as a landscape company and was the founding member of the Irrigation Division. His body of work has included a wide array of projects from standard residential lawns to sports fields, parks, office buildings, office parks, schools, townhome complexes and residential subdivisions sometimes covering 100+ acres. Paul aims to design quality underground sprinkler systems utilizing the latest technologies that work for the client’s needs and that provide water efficiently to the landscape, with conservation in mind.

Tom is a seventeen year Journeyman Plumber and a twelve year Cross Connection Control Device Inspector, which allows him to do backflow testing and RPZ certifications. His three philosophies on plumbing work are: (1) “Do it right the first time” (2) “Treat the work as if you are doing it for yourself” (3) “Leave the job clean - like it is your own home”. Tom enjoys coaching youth sports in his spare time.

Dustin joined the Naturescape team in 2014 and has been in the landscape industry for almost a decade. He sees lighting as an art form and is very passionate about his work. He has also been involved in the local music scene since he was thirteen. Dustin is the proud father of a six year old girl and a one year old boy.

Junior offers expertise and advice to our service technicians on location. He makes sure that all their route questions are addressed before they depart for their jobs and sees to it that each of them have the equipment, tools and supplies to excel at their work throughout the day.

Jean started up Naturescape Design’s Irrigation Service Department in 1990 with a single truck and just one person. Now the department has grown to ten service trucks and technicians as well as five sales/support people. She focuses on providing superior customer service through communication and education. Jean believes water is a natural resource that needs to be protected and used wisely.

Pat has a thorough knowledge of Hunter products and is also a Rainbird Factory Trained Technician. Pat has a degree from Western Illinois University in Ornamental Horticulture and is an accredited field trained horticulturist. He specializes in highly efficient irrigation systems that are environmentally sound.
Meet Ray and Janet Layshock
Owners; directOr & president
Ray and Janet bought a small landscaping company in 1983 and developed it into the premier irrigation company in the Chicago area, renowned for superior quality and workmanship. Over some three decades, they’ve been proactive in trying new technologies and innovations in irrigation; this philosophy remains as one of the company’s strengths today. Both of them value the importance of Irrigation Association certifications and learning about products by collaborating with vendors - they encourage employees to passionately pursue these opportunities as well.

more of naturescapes team
Meet our support staff

JulieScheduler
"I enjoy assisting customers with a variety of requests throughout the day and have worked with some of our technicians for over 10 years. Whether it is a residential or commercial property, I try to meet all the needs of our customers throughout our service area. My favorite hobby is singing four part barbershop harmony."
Phone: 847-639-6900 x217

MindyOFFICE ADMINISTRATOR
If you call with a billing or invoice question, I’ll be the person who assists you. In 2006, I started at Naturescape in a temporary job as a receptionist; then joined the staff the following year. During the summertime, I’m also a “baseball mom”.
Phone: 847-639-6900 x204

MorganScheduler
"My customer service career spans more than 25 years. I enjoy working with people, learning new responsibilities and taking on additional tasks with Naturescape. I am also the president of our Homeowners Association. It is very important to ensure that our customers receive the best service as I too, would expect for my property. My spare time is usually spent with my husband and our two dogs, Abbey and Bruskee."
Phone:847-639-6900 x203

POSITION AVAILABLE RECEPTIONIST
This is a seasonal position available from April - November. Must have solid knowledge of MS Word and Excel; some knowledge of Access is also helpful. Comfortable answering a multi-line phone system and can cheerfully address basic customer questions with compassion and knowledge. Now accepting resumes through the end of February or until position is filled – send them via email to:

WayneMECHANIC
I keep the fleet running so our managers, crews and technicians can get to their job sites. I have been working on autos and trucks for about 20 years.