about us

Schooled in Environmental Policy / Public Affairs, Garth started Quail Ridge Farm Nursery and Landscape in the mid 80's, along with a senior partner, that continued through early 2002. He developed the landscape design, installation and maintenance areas of the business while helping to oversee the original retail nursery / gift shop orientation. Incorporated in 1991, Garth assumed the presidency / primary leadership role in the 90's and continued through 2002. In a move to pursue a streamlined landscape design / build practice, Quail Ridge Farm was retired in 2002 in favor of a new, smaller format: Garth Conrad Associates.

Garth Conrad Associates continues the creative design work established through Quail Ridge, working with local and Chicago based clients within the Michiana and regional Chicago areas. Projects vary from small second home cottage landscapes to large-scale estates. Landscape installations and project management through Garth Conrad Associates use the many contractor and small business contacts forged through years of working throughout the region.

Industry leadership work includes:

Board membership, the international Association of Professional Landscape Designers (APLD) from 2006 to today. Worked with its environmental committee towards improving landscape design's impact on the environment. Edited and authored various materials supporting the organization's public and professional policy. Currently chair the APLD Environmental Committee since 2006. Presented workshops, seminar presentations and panel discussions on sustainability since 2006. As chair, Garth helped catalyze the organization's push into sustainability and sustainable design, resulting in the endorsement of sustainability by the organization in 2006. Current work continues to push for increased emphasis on sustainable design through education and certification. www.apld.org/

Board membership: Chicago-based Midwest Ecological Landscaping Association (MELA). Efforts include current chair of its program committee; past and current conference presentations and program development work; continued emphasis on the power of designing for change. Authored various pieces in support of the organization's mission. www.melaweb.org/

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