Outdoor Spaces Designed for How You Live

Transform your backyard into a refined extension of your home with custom outdoor living spaces that bring comfort, beauty, and intention to everyday life — thoughtfully crafted for gathering, relaxing, and lasting enjoyment.

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Our Purposeful Approach to Outdoor Living Design

Great outdoor spaces begin with thoughtful planning and design. At Bret-Mar, we approach every project as a complete outdoor experience — balancing architecture, landscape flow, and how you truly use your space.

From initial concept through final installation, our team focuses on craftsmanship, premium materials, and seamless integration with your home.

The result is an outdoor environment that feels natural, cohesive, and built to endure.

Designed for Longevity. Built for Real Life.

Your outdoor living space should feel as effortless as it is beautiful.

We design spaces that support daily living, weekend entertaining, and long-term value — without sacrificing comfort or style.

Premium materials, precise installation, and experienced craftsmanship ensure your outdoor features perform beautifully through every season while remaining timeless in appearance.

Click To Learn More About:

Pools & Water Features
Firepits & Fire Features
Outdoor Kitchens
Outdoor Lighting
Gazebos & Pergolas
Wood & Composite Decks

Serving Discerning Homeowners Across Chicagoland

For over 35 years, Bret-Mar Landscape has helped homeowners across Chicagoland create outdoor living spaces that feel intentional, enduring, and deeply personal.

Our collaborative approach, clear communication, and commitment to quality ensure every project reflects both your vision and our standard of excellence.

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Meet the Team

  • Adam

    CHIEF OPERATIONS OFFICER

    Adam was raised in the landscape industry and developed an early fascination with heavy equipment and hands-on construction. From a young age, he was drawn to understanding how things work—spending hours building and rebuilding projects with Legos, which naturally evolved into a passion for operating equipment and constructing outdoor spaces. He joined the family business after studying Agriculture and Soil Science at South Dakota State University, where he was also a member of the FarmHouse Fraternity. Adam oversees the operations side of the business, managing project construction and field execution. Outside of work, he is an avid outdoorsman who enjoys spending time with his dog, Charlie, and ice fishing.

  • Ashley

    PRESIDENT

    Ashley grew up in the landscape industry and studied Landscape Architecture and Business at South Dakota State University, where she was also a NCAA Division I equestrian athlete. She currently serves on the Board of Directors for Landscape Illinois and is a past president of the organization. Ashley is passionate about landscape design and the ability to thoughtfully design outdoor spaces to enrich people’s lives—creating environments that encourage gathering and reflect pride of ownership. Outside of work, Ashley and her husband, Tim, enjoy spending time outdoors with their three dogs, hiking and fishing. She also competes in jumper competitions with her horse, Stella.

  • Kurt

    LANDSCAPE ARCHITECT

    An avid outdoorsman, Kurt developed an early passion for land management. He studied Landscape Architecture at the University of Wisconsin–Madison, where he met his wife, Sharon. Kurt leads the development and care of the nursery grounds at Bret-Mar, taking great pride in growing and nurturing plants that go on to thrive in clients’ landscapes. Outside of work, he enjoys being outdoors and spending time with his family on fishing trips.

  • Sharon

    LANDSCAPE ARCHITECT

    From an early age, Sharon knew she wanted to pursue a career in the landscape industry. Her first job, while in high school, was at a garden center, where she developed a strong passion for plants and horticulture. She studied Landscape Architecture at the University of Wisconsin–Madison, where she also met her husband, Kurt. The landscape industry remains a lifelong passion for Sharon, and she enjoys spending time in her garden harvesting vegetables and cut flowers alongside her dog, Elly.

  • The final result turned out even better than we ever imagined. Every detail was tailored to our exact taste, and we couldn’t be happier. We absolutely love everything they did and are so, so happy with the outcome. We would recommend Bret-Mar without hesitation and are already looking forward to working with them again in the future.

    — Michelle M.

  • Ashley, Bailey and Adam were a pleasure to work with on our stone wall project. Very responsive and helpful during the design and implementation. Will definitely use Bret-Mar again!

    — Marie

  • We have worked with Bret-Mar landscape for several of the projects in our yard and their work is top-notch. The entire team and crew at Bret-Mar goes above and beyond in their attention to detail, professionalism, communication & care throughout the project. Our yard has become a feature of our property and we are so grateful that Bret-Mar brought our vision to life.

    — jrse08

  • We are absolutely thrilled with the beauty and natural look of the landscaping. Sharon was very knowledgeable, professional and responsive. The staff and workers were friendly, courteous, and experienced. We highly recommend Bret-Mar for all your landscaping needs.

    — Roseanne G.

  • Bret-Mar always does such beautiful work, and not only do you get to enjoy the improved living space, it also ends up paying off as a great investment! We've had them do several improvements to our yard over the years. Now we are downsizing and moving to a condo, and so we listed our home for sale. We ended up getting much more money for our house than we expected, and the first couple who came to see it bought it!

    - Timothy M.

  • We recently had our front yard designed and installed by Bre-Mar. We had worked directly with Sharon.  She followed up on the project from start to finish.  Our vision, due to her knowledge, expertise, and professionalism provided us with a front yard that we are so proud of.  It truly exceeded our expectations.

    - Karen

  • I have used the services of Bret-Mar Landscape for the past eighteen years - from landscape design in both my front and back yards, brick paver installation, the design and installation of a pond and waterfall, and selection of mature trees for planting.

    Everyone at Bret Mar is thoughtful and really listen to a client's wants and wishes when planning.  Their suggestions are creative and very natural looking. I look forward to my next project.  It's always enjoyable working with them.  They treat me like I am their only client.

    - Dawn B.

Transform Your Home Today

Speak with one of our expert designers and begin planning the outdoor living space you’ve always imagined.

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