the inspiring leadership of dawn barr: grounded approach to landscape design and meaningful living
behind every thoughtfully designed patio or pollinator garden created by rooted outdoor living is dawn barr — a passionate, hands-on landscape designer and visionary rooted in the natural world. dawn began her journey over 18 years ago with a dream to transform ordinary yards into personal, sustainable outdoor spaces. today, she leads a talented team, serving homeowners in naperville, plainfield, batavia, geneva, wheaton, downers grove, lisle, and across the western suburbs of chicago.
armed with a landscape design certificate from northwestern university and a creative soul shaped by years of outdoor living, dawn brings both technical expertise and artistic sensibility to every project. her work goes beyond just arranging plants or laying stone — it’s about building outdoor sanctuaries that reflect the people who live there. whether it’s a native prairie garden in geneva or a cozy stone firepit in naperville, she infuses every design with warmth, purpose, and personality.
one of dawn’s most special qualities is her ability to make everyone feel seen and heard — not only in their design ideas but throughout every interaction. on-site visits often turn into meaningful conversations about life, nature, and what truly makes a space feel like home. clients frequently say that dawn brings a , grounding energy that makes the process feel less like a construction project and more like a creative collaboration. she takes time to understand each homeowner’s story, ensuring their landscape reflects not just their style, but their spirit.
what makes dawn truly unique is the way she lives her values every day. in addition to designing beautiful spaces, she’s a devoted wife, proud mother of five, and caretaker to a lively mix of farm animals. her life is rich with vegetable gardening, homesteading, backpacking adventures, and even handcrafting her own organic soaps. this deep connection to the earth shapes how she leads — with heart, humility, and a genuine desire to help others feel more at home outside.
as a woman-owned business owner, dawn’s leadership is grounded, compassionate, and empowering. her clients and team alike describe her as hardworking, joyful, and incredibly inspiring. she brings a confidence to every meeting and a true artist’s eye to every landscape. if you’re in the western suburbs of chicago and looking for someone who sees your yard not just as a project, but as a personal canvas — dawn is the kind of boss and designer who turns vision into something real, lasting, and full of life.