Principal

 

RICK SCHEEN, ASLA

Owner
Rick Scheen received his bachelor’s degree from the Robert Reich School of Landscape Architecture at Louisiana State University, one of the top-ranked landscape architecture programs in the nation.

Following college graduation in 1993, Scheen worked on various residential landscape projects in Louisiana. In 1995, Scheen relocated to Austin where he rose through the ranks of a large land design firm, with responsibility for design, construction supervision, and business development. Scheen also used his entrepreneurial skills to start and expand the company’s residential division.

In 2000, Scheen founded LandWest Design Group, Ltd. where he oversees the company’s three divisions and serves as chief designer. His distinctive vision is the foundation for every LandWest project.

 

DESIGN

JOHN HALL, PLA

Principal
John Hall has played at crucial role in the growth of LandWest ever since he joined the team in 2003.  Holding a Bachelors of Landscape Architecture from Texas A&M (2002),  and a license to practice Landscape Architecture in the State of Texas (2008), John strives to push the limits of design in order to create unique and one of a kind experiences for our clients.   Leading a team of Associate Designers and Project Managers, John enjoys creating outdoor environments and client relationships that last a lifetime.    

LUKE WEBER

Associate
Texas A&M University graduate with a Bachelor of Landscape Architecture (2013), over 5 years of experience in landscape design, and performs a variety of tasks including design, design development, graphics, 3D modeling, AutoCAD drafting, and construction observation.

GENEVIEVE BUENTELLO

Associate
Genevieve’s lifelong interest in land design merges her appreciation for visual landscapes, sense of aesthetics and desire to manipulate space.

 With a background in fine arts and landscape architecture, she relies on the iterative processes of drawing and analysis to create site specific designs in harmony with the client program. Her design interests are in estate planning, construction details, material palettes and planting plans. Genevieve is super passionate about plants and is well versed in Central Texas, Southern, Tropical and Sub-Tropical plant palettes. 

 With a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Studio Art (1999) and a Master’s of Landscape Architecture from The University of Texas at Austin (2007), Genevieve has over 16 years of professional practice in residential landscape design. Her ultimate goal besides exceeding client expectations is in creating beautiful and thought provoking gardens that are memorable, timeless and sublime.  

ANDY THIBODAUX, PLA, LEED AP

Principal
Andy Thibodaux joined LandWest in 2018, with over 12 years of experience working at design and planning firms in Texas, Louisiana and Thailand. A Louisiana State University graduate with a degree in Landscape Architecture (2006) and licensed to practice Landscape Architecture in Texas (2013), Andy’s experience includes roles as project manager, designer and team leader. Certified LEED AP, his experience working in Austin and the ecological landscape it inhabits has created a passion for sustainable design that focuses on creating environments that are native and natural. 

WINNIE VANLANDINGHAM

Associate
Winnie graduated with a Bachelor’s in Landscape Architecture from the Fay Jones School of Architecture and Design at the University of Arkansas (2022). Her interest in the human experience within the natural world led her to pursue this profession. While newly graduated, she has experience with civil landscape architecture and local government sustainability. Winnie assists the design team with all aspects of projects including construction documents, custom detailing, and presentation graphics.

BRAD BOWLING

Associate
Brad is a Senior Associate at LandWest Design Group, bringing over 15 years of expertise in Landscape Architecture. Specializing in design and graphic illustrations, Brad excels in creating visually compelling and technically sound solutions for a diverse range of projects.

With a strong foundation in design, construction documentation, and advanced computer technical knowledge, Brad is known for his ability to master new and unexplored endeavors, consistently delivering innovative and effective designs. His work is characterized by a meticulous attention to detail and a commitment to excellence.

Brad holds a Bachelor of Landscape Architecture from Oklahoma State University, where he developed a deep understanding of the principles and practices that guide his professional work today. Outside of the office, Brad enjoys spending time with his beautiful family, indulging in great food, and exploring the world of music.

GRACE RAULET

Associate
Grace Raulet joined the LandWest design team in 2021. Grace is a University of Georgia graduate with a Bachelor of Landscape Architecture from the College of Environment and Design and a minor in Spanish.

Grace’s roles at LandWest include design, construction detailing, graphics, and 3D modeling to ultimately create beautiful and functional outdoor spaces.

CONNER TRENT

Associate
Conner Trent joined the Landwest Design Team in 2023. Conner graduated with a Bachelor's Degree in Landscape Architecture from the Robert Reich School of Landscape Architecture at Louisiana State University(2021).Conner’s roles at LandWest include conceptual design, construction drawings, rendering graphics, 3Dmodeling, site analysis, land surveying, and drone photography. Prior to LandWest, Conner worked at design and planning firms in Louisiana and Texas.

construction

TIM BENTON

Vice President of Construction
Texas State University graduate with a degree in accounting.  Tim brings over 13 years of  experience constructing residential landscape projects and assists with all aspects from budgeting, project oversight, scheduling, & installation.

GREG KIRCHHEIM

Project Manager
Greg has worked in the industry for over 13 years and has an education in Landscape Design and Agribusiness. Greg is a licensed irrigator and has worked in all facets of the landscape industry with a focus on water conservation. Greg is a New Jersey native and has lived in Austin for 8 years. He oversees project management and irrigation installation for LandWest.

CRISTIAN CISNEROS

Project Manager
Cristian joined the LandWest team in 2024, he comes to us with over 5 years of experience in home building and remodeling in the Austin area. As a project manager at LandWest, he is responsible for multiple construction projects and handles all projects from start to finish.  

TAYLOR MEOLA

Facilities Director
Taylor is originally from Phoenix, AZ where she attended Northern Arizona University. She has spent over 10 years in medical management before she moved to Austin and joined the LandWest team as Facilities Director. In this role, Taylor oversees the functioning of our offices, approves contracts, manages the fleets, and develops/monitors budgets and long-range plans based on company growth & future needs.

HARRISON HEILIGMAN

Construction Manager
Texas A&M University graduate with a Bachelor of Business Management (2006) and a background in geopolitical intelligence gathering, analyzing, and management.  As a project manager with 7 years of experience, Harrison directs and oversees construction projects from inception to completion.

GUSTAVO CALZADA

Project Manager
Graduate of Texas State University with a Bachelors in business management.  Gustavo joined the LandWest construction team in 2021. As a project manager at LandWest, he is responsible for guiding and directing multiple construction projects to completion. 

ALBERT AGUINAGA

Logistics Manager
Albert came to LandWest in 2021. As the Logistics Manger, he is responsible for ensuring that everything needed for a job site is delivered and is also responsible for all fleet management. Albert is a Marine Corps Veteran and a former law enforcement officer.

SARAH PEREZ

Construction Team Coordinator
Sarah is a Texas Christian University graduate with a Bachelor of Science in Communication Studies and minors in Spanish and Business. Sarah assists with all aspects of construction from managing labor scheduling, per-project reporting, and budget tracking.

THOMAS GLENN

Project Manager
Born and raised in Austin, Texas, Thomas joined the LandWest team in 2021 upon graduating from Texas Tech University with a background in Architecture and Advertising. As a Project Manager at LandWest, Thomas assists with multiple construction projects and his role includes daily operations and executing designs in the field from beginning to end.

DALTON WOODS

Lighting & Irrigation Manager
Since joining LandWest in 2021, Dalton has showcased his knowledge and experience across all scopes of LandWest construction projects. A Huntsville, TX native with over a decade of experience in landscape management and enhancement. Dalton oversees all landscape lighting elements and irrigation system installations from start to finish. 

maintenance

CHRIS OSTETRICO, ASLA

Vice President of Landscape Management
Ex Army Officer with a B.S. in Business Administration from California University of Pennsylvania and over 17 years of landscape experience.

ERIC CHILEK, ASLA

Maintenance Operations Director
Texas A&M graduate with a Bachelors in Leadership Development and a minor in Horticulture (2004). With over 13 years of experience in landscape management, Eric manages overall daily operations and quality control of the maintenance division.

DAVID TRIPLETT

Account Manager
David “Trip” Triplett joined LandWest in 2022 and has since advanced to Account Manager, supporting the Maintenance Team. With over nine years of experience in customer service and bilingual proficiency, Trip collaborates closely with maintenance operations and his customers to ensure satisfaction. Known for his dedication and willingness to help, he fosters smooth operations and strong relationships.

Trip previously served as an assistant at Texas A&M International University and is from Bruni, Texas.

CHRIS MADDEN

Director of Account Management and Special Projects
As a former United States Marine, Chris entered the Landscape industry by managing a residential landscape and arbor company while attending the University of Houston. He now has 18 years’ experience providing all aspects of landscape maintenance ,construction and account management for both residential and commercial portfolios. Chris joined LWDG in 2024 to enhance the client relationships and services for LWDG maintenance division.

AUSTIN QUIET

Director of Maintenance Irrigation
A Stephen F. Austin State University graduate with a Bachelors in Horticulture  (2016) and a background in turf management, Austin is the Assistant Supervisor of Daily Operations and Quality Control LandWest’s maintenance division. Prior to LandWest, Austin held the position of Assistant Superintendent at Briggs Ranch Golf Club in San Antonio

BRETT SHEGUIT

Operations Manager
Brett joined LandWestin 2023, bringing over 10 years of experience in the turf andlandscape industry. He holds a degree in Golf Course and Landscape Managementfrom Texas State Technical College (2013). Brett's career began as a spray andirrigation technician in the golf course industry, where he worked his way up to becomeHead Superintendent. Additionally, he has served as Assistant General Manager at a local landscape company. In his role at LandWest, Brett manages the day-to-day operations of the maintenance and enhancement teams, ensuring smooth and efficient workflow.

LILY KENNEDY

Executive Administrator
Born and raised in Sonora, Mexico, and a Texas resident for 23 years, Lily supports the Maintenance Division through operational oversight, employee engagement, and vendor relations. A graduate of the Sonora Institute of Technology with a degree in Accounting, she brings over 25 years of professional experience. Lily is dedicated to fostering strong relationships with peers, customers, and vendors to drive operational excellence at LandWest.

MIKE HARMAN

Director of Maintenance Lighting 
Mike received his bachelor degree from the business school at TSU, while also playing NCAA D1 golf.  His expertise is unrivaled as he brings over 15 years experience in electric relay protection to the Lighting and Tree Division at LandWest. 

ROGER ZAMORA

Operations Manager
Roger Zamora is an American University (Nic) graduate with a Bachelor’s in Architecture and a Master’s Degree in Construction Administration from Iberoamericana University in Mexico City (2022). Roger has over 4 years of experience in the world of design and construction management and uses his leadership skills to manage operations.

FINANCE

JAKE WITTENBURG, CPA

Chief Financial Officer
Jake received his Bachelor of Business Administration in Accounting from Concordia University in Austin and his Master of Business Administration from Texas State University.  He is a professional accountant with over 15 years of experience in a variety of industries including gas and electric utilities, commercial real estate and development, and public accounting.  Jake oversees the finance and accounting division at LandWest. 

AMANDA PHOENIX

Payroll Administrator
With a B.A. in Psychology from the University of Texas at Austin.. Amanda brings more than 5 years of professional administrative experience to LandWest.  She provides payroll administration and general office administrative tasks.

MICHELLE CLAUSS, CPA

Controller
Michelle received her Bachelor of Science in Accounting from Louisiana State University, and her CPA license shortly thereafter. She brings over 11 years of professional accounting experience. She has worked in several different industries including cybersecurity, medical, legal, and public accounting. Michelle oversees the day-to-day tasks of the accounting department, financial reporting to the owner and VPs, and manages the month-end close processes.

COURTNEY THOMA

Staff Accountant
Courtney holds a Bachelor of Science in Accounting from University of Alabama at Birmingham. She worked for a General Contractor for about 5 years before joining LandWest in 2022. She manages the business credit cards and is support for Accounts Receivable and Accounts Payable.

KELSEY PHILLIPS

Accountant
Kelsey is a Stephen F. Austin State University graduate where she earned her Master’s and Bachelor’s degrees in Accounting.  She began her career in public accounting, specializing in tax, and found her passion for helping clients accomplish their financial goals.  She then went on to a technical accounting role at a rapidly growing small business in the construction industry.  Kelsey handles the accounts receivable, business credit cards, and various other reporting for Landwest.

DORIS WAGNER

Accounts Payable
Doris graduated from Texas State University with a Business Administration in Accounting .  She has over 30 years of experience working with CPAs and general bookkeeping services doing all functions of accounting with a wide range of clients.  She came to Landwest to handle Accounts Payable.