Our Design Team

Jamie Newell
Jamie is a graduate of the University of Maryland Landscape Design Program, and he received additional training at Brookside Gardens in Wheaton, MD.  A designer at Johnson’s since 1993, Jamie has the training and experience to undertake a wide range of landscape projects, including patios, entries, decks, hot tubs, and water features.  
Jamie likes to offer his clients a comprehensive plan that can be installed in phases or all at once. His designs are carefully prepared, and he enjoys blending elements of English, Japanese, and “naturalistic” garden styles in his plans. And with his extensive horticultural background, Jamie can also help his clients select the right plants for seasonal color, deer resistance, low maintenance, and most importantly, lasting results.

Mary Gill
Mary graduated from the George Washington University Landscape Design Program, and she has since designed numerous landscapes and gardens for satisfied clients across the Washington metro area.  
 Mary’s primary goal is to create landscapes are unique and sensitive to her client’s needs and wishes.  Equally adept at designing large formal yards or small intimate gardens, she likes to bring color and texture into her plans to maximize all-season interest and beauty. Mary particularly likes the challenges presented by clients with limited space or prevailing shade, and she is skilled at creating new outdoor living spaces that are enjoyed the year round.

Sam Nelson
Sam began his professional career in academia, earning a doctorate in African history at Stanford and teaching history and anthropology at the U.S. Naval Academy.  After a successful fifteen year career, Sam decided to follow his life-long passion to become a landscape designer. Receiving training from some of the area’s best designers and horticulturists, Sam now teaches landscaping courses at a local community college while pursuing interests in the history of landscape design.  
Sam’s landscape philosophy is simple: listen to his clients, understand their wants and needs, and then create a tailored plan that will yield the greatest pleasure and affinity with nature.  He especially enjoys creating “specialty” gardens and outdoor retreats, using stone and masonry in his designs, and creating landscapes that complement the existing architectural and environmental features of each property.

See one of Sam's designs as seen in the Washington Post. (click here)

Ryan Sarvis
As a third generation landscaper, Ryan has designed and installed gardens for much of his life.  In addition to being a landscape designer, he also serves as the chief project manager and designer for Johnson’s carpentry and outdoor lighting departments.  
Ryan enjoys working in the garden and seeing the fruits of his creativity and technical ability come alive.  Whether building a custom fence, installing landscape lighting, or creating a special outdoor space, Ryan works closely with his clients to ensure their complete satisfaction.

Lillian Barrere
Lillian earned her degree in Horticulture from the University of Maryland, and she has over ten years’ experience in residential landscape design.  Her extensive background allows her to offer her clients a wide-range of design styles, from the small and intimate, to the grand and formal.  She also likes to use native plants to support the environment and local wildlife.
Lillian enjoys the challenge and artistry that each new project demands.  She particularly likes to explore the dynamic pairing of beautiful and fun plants with the cool, enduring materials of wood and stone.  Her ultimate goal is to create outdoor spaces that are functional, beautiful, and unique for each of her clients.   

Bill Winston