About Us | Great Oaks Landscape

We bring The Fine Art of Landscape to life.

What began as a passion for beautiful design, in 1981, has grown into a full-service landscape architecture firm known for transforming outdoor spaces into works of art. From day one, our work set us apart, and today, our clients continue to trust us to bring their vision to life with creativity and care.

At Great Oaks Landscape, we’re passionate about creating beautiful outdoor spaces that inspire and impress. That’s why we approach every project with a meticulous eye for detail, a commitment to personalized service, and a deep-rooted belief in a core set of values that sets us apart from other firms. It’s this unique combination of creativity and care that allows us to consistently exceed our clients’ expectations.

Core Values, Philosophy & Approach.

What We Do

At Great Oaks Landscape, we specialize in designing, building, and maintaining award-winning outdoor spaces across Michigan. As a full-service landscape company, we provide expert landscape architecture, installation, hardscapes, plantings, lighting, water features, and long-term maintenance—creating outdoor environments that are beautiful, functional, and built to endure.

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Our Dedicated Team.

From landscape architects and designers to horticulturalists and installation experts, we have the most experienced and versatile team in the industry. Every member of The Great Oaks Landscape staff brings a unique skillset to our team that allows us to tackle any challenge and provide innovative solutions for every project.

Gary Roberts

Founder/President

Gary developed his passion for “The Art of Landscape” with a degree in Landscape Architecture from Michigan State University. He founded Great Oaks Landscape in 1981 and created a fully integrated landscape company dedicated to providing complete design, installation, nursery and maintenance services. He has made it his life’s work building a solid company that provides the most spectacular outdoor spaces imaginable, with superior service given to every client.

Dave Doane

President of Maintenance

Dave is an Arborist with a strong background in plant, annuals, and all horticultural services. He specializes in Landscape Maintenance and Horticultural Services. Dave has 35 years of experience with some of the most prestigious companies in Southeast Michigan and he brought to Great Oaks the integrity, knowledge and drive required to build the company into an industry leader for horticultural services and snow removal.

Danny Roberts

Vice President

William Peterson

Chief Financial Officer

Steve Ahejew, PLA, ASLA

Director, Design Dept.

Steve started his career with Great Oaks Landscape in 2006 as a graduate of Michigan State University. Steve is a licensed landscape architect. He adds a unique and complimentary style to the design department. Steve is the in-house AutoCAD expert and is knowledgeable in many of the cutting-edge 3D modeling and rendering techniques. Steve’s work ethic, leadership ability and innovative approach to landscape architecture help him thrive in his position as Director.

Geoff Fornari, FAPLD

Director of Design/Sales

Geoffrey graduated from the University of Massachusetts Amherst with a degree in Landscape Architecture. Geoffrey is a Certified Professional Landscape Designer through APLD. Before joining Great Oaks in 2012, Geoffrey spent the previous 15 years as the lead Landscape Designer for two high-end residential landscape design/build companies in Massachusetts. His design capabilities and construction experience have allowed him to design several award-winning residential landscapes, including awards for “Best Residential Back Yard”, “Most Unique Retaining Wall”, and “Best Residential Back/Side Yard”.

Richard Tuttle, PLA, ASLA

V.P. Commercial Sales

Rick is a graduate of Michigan State University and a Licensed Landscape Architect and a Licensed Residential Builder in the state of Michigan. He brings over 30 years of landscape contracting experience to our firm. Rick was previously employed with the city of Detroit, as well as with other prominent landscape firms. Rick is responsible for the development, bidding and administration of Great Oaks’ commercial accounts.

Darrin Thomas

Senior Project Manager

Jason Armbruster

Design/Sales

Graduated From Michigan State University in 1999. Bachelor of Science in Horticulture and Landscape Design. Owned his own landscape company for over 15 years as well as several reputable companies prior to starting my own.

Juan Lopez

Project Manager

Bob Porter, CGIP

Project Manager

Patrick McCauley

Senior Designer

Dan Frank

Nursery Manager

Dan brings over 25 years of experience in the landscape and horticulture industry to Great Oaks Landscape. He graduated from Ferris State University in 1992 with Degrees in Ornamental Horticulture and Marketing. After several years working with and for Growers, Distributors, and Landscape Contractors, Dan joined Great Oaks in 2016. His large network, relationships, and understanding of Nursery growers, vendors, and suppliers helps ensures Great Oaks of having superior, premium plants at best prices possible.