Our Design Team
Richard Zimmer
Partner/Principal Landscape Architect
For over 23 years, Rick has led a growing team of landscape architects to be one of the most creative and respected landscape design firms in the tri state area. He is a graduate of the landscape architecture program at Rutgers University with a Bachelor of Science degree. He is a licensed landscape architect in New Jersey and New York. His creativity, great attention to detail, and ability to listen and understand his client’s needs has made for many successful and beautiful outdoor spaces. Over the years, he has spearheaded many award-winning projects and continues to be inspired by nature and outdoor design. Personally, Rick enjoys many outdoor activities including camping, mountain biking, and snowboarding with his two sons and his wife, Jennifer.
Mitch Knapp
Principal
Mitch has been a well-known and respected member of the landscape industry for over 45 years. He brings his extensive knowledge of horticulture and design to lead the entire team of professionals within our companies. Mitch inspires his team of architects to create the award-winning projects that our clientele has come to expect. In his free time, Mitch enjoys golf, wine collecting and spending time with his family.
Matt Jones
Associate Landscape Architect
As a licensed landscape architect and salesman, Matt is very involved in every aspect of the process with his clients. Matt graduated from Rutgers University, with a degree in landscape architecture. Early in his career, he worked with a civil engineering firm focusing on large scale developments drainage solutions and high-end residential design. With over 16 years’ experience, Matt is capable of handling every detail starting from the initial conceptual design through construction completion. Through his detailed plans, drawings and coordination on projects, Matt has established a reputation for paying close attention to his client’s vision and exceeding their expectations.
Kara Muscarella
Senior Landscape Architect
Kara graduated from Penn State University, with Bachelor of Science in Landscape Architecture. With over 20 years’ experience, Kara brings her expertise in every project she works on. Creating masterful designs and landscapes, with the ability to pay attention to detail while bringing each client’s vision to life.
Tracy Linton
Landscape Architect
Through many years of experience, Tracy excels in developing beautiful landscapes by paying great attention to her client’s lifestyles and natural surroundings. She is a graduate of The Ohio State University Knowlton School of Architecture and is a Registered Landscape Architect with the state of New Jersey. Tracy is dedicated to maximizing the potential of her client’s properties through artistic, yet functional designs. She continues to work for our team and our clients on a consultant basis.
Devin Short
Designer/Sales
Devin graduated from SUNY Cobleskill with a degree in Landscape Construction. After beginning his career in the landscape construction and planting field, he transitioned into a design role. With over five years’ experience, Devin brings his strong sense of field knowledge into his diligent design work for both our clients and our firm, creating beautiful and functional spaces for our residential and commercial clients.
Brian Parks
Sales/Design
Brian has built his career over the years through many avenues of the landscape industry. On a daily basis, he is meeting with potential clients, facilitating relationships with commercial developers, and managing the ongoing design and production for his projects. From designing to selling to marketing, Brian is hands on in many facets of our companies today.
Katie Raschdorf
Permit Coordinator
Katie is a Registered Landscape Architect, as well as an ISA certified Arborist. With over 25 years’ experience in the industry, Katie brings her vast knowledge and talent to further enhance our team. She oversees the interagency coordination of job permits to ensure compliance with local ordinances, ensuring all of our jobs are completed efficiently and properly.
Shawn Toifel
Designer/Estimator/CBP
Shawn graduated from SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry with a degree in Landscape Architecture and brings over 7 years of experience to our team. Shawn provides everything from landscape design, detailing, and budgeting to complex pool, spa, and water feature detailing, pre-construction planning, and contracts. Within the past 2 years, Shawn has become a Certified Pool & Spa Building Professional (CBP) and is involved in all of the projects that Tranquility Pools, Inc. produces.
Kyle Del Vecchio
Project Estimator/Junior Designer
Kyle graduated from Pennsylvania State University with a degree in architecture. He brings over 10 years’ experience in civil engineering and landscape architecture to our team. On a daily basis, Kyle assists our team in estimating projects, supplying necessary information to project managers, renderings and small design work. He has studied art history and architectural history extensively and has experience designing everything from high rise residential to commercial warehouses.
Jake Rabinowitz
Junior Landscape Architect
Jake graduated from Mississippi State University with a Bachelor in Landscape Architecture, and a minor in business. Jake works alongside our designers and architects on a daily basis, assisting with base maps, renderings, and model construction projects.
