Make Your Outdoor Space a Destination With a Custom Pool or Water Feature

From resort-style swimming pools to bespoke waterfalls and fountains, thoughtfully designed water brings beauty, movement, and tranquility to your outdoor living space.

Request Your Design Consultation →

When a Beautiful Yard Alone Isn’t Enough…

Without water, outdoor spaces can feel static, unfinished, or underwhelming - especially when you envision a place to cool off, unwind, entertain, or escape the pace of daily life.

You want more than landscaping; you want an outdoor environment that feels intentional, immersive, and restorative.

Create a Resort-Inspired Backyard Retreat

A professionally designed pool or water feature does more than enhance your landscape - it reshapes how you live at home.

The right design introduces movement and sound, while creating a natural gathering place for relaxation and connection.

Designed for Everyday Enjoyment, Built to Last

Built for Performance

Precision-built pools and water features designed to withstand Chicagoland weather and perform beautifully for decades.

Timeless Beauty

Custom pools, fountains, and waterfalls crafted to complement your home’s architecture and outdoor setting..

Decades of Experience

Hands-on expertise guides every detail of our luxury pools and water features, from design through construction.

Work With Us

Decades of Expertise in Pools & Water Feature Design

Whether you envision a classic swimming pool, a modern architectural fountain, or a naturalistic waterfall woven into your landscape, every water element we design combines artistic vision, technical precision, and proven construction methods.

Bret-Mar creates cohesive outdoor environments where pools, patios, planting, and water features work together seamlessly - enhancing flow, functionality, and visual harmony.

From initial design through expert installation and long-term care, we ensure your investment remains enjoyble season after season, and feels timeless and beautifully integrated.

Get Started

Meet the Team

  • A smiling man with a beard sitting in a garden with green plants and a red building in the background.

    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.

  • A woman smiling with a dog, standing in front of blooming hydrangea bushes in a garden.

    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.

  • A smiling older man with white hair and a mustache stands outdoors in front of green bushes and flowering plants, wearing a light olive-green short-sleeve button-up shirt.

    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.

  • A smiling woman with glasses wearing a blue plaid shirt sitting outdoors with a golden retriever in a garden with green trees and purple flowers.

    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.

Custom Swimming Pools, Waterfalls & Fountains Designed for How You Want To Live

Let our team help you design an outdoor space that becomes the centerpiece of your home and lifestyle.

Book a design consultation