Today we’d like to introduce you to Barbara Dunlap.
Barbara, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
After graduating from the School of the Art institute of Chicago for painting and drawing, I quickly realized a career as a fine artist was not as practical as hoped. Finding work as an artist was difficult so I started working for a local nursery and a regional landscaping firm in sales while at the same time, started landscape installations for my own clients.
While working those three part time jobs, I realized that landscape design could offer a rewarding career with the creative aspect I loved as well as a comfortable living. Upon that realization, I applied to the University of Illinois graduate program for landscape architecture. I was accepted into the three year master’s program with an assistantship running the woodshop in the architectural department, gaining valuable experience relative to design and installation.
During graduate school I began installing landscapes in the summers and started my own firm, Nature’s Path Landscaping. Upon graduation, I continued running my business full time. Twenty years later, the company continues to design and install landscapes for residents, businesses, and local community groups.
Has it been a smooth road?
The road is definitely not smooth. The major challenges are to finding and keeping a good foreman and crew, bidding jobs correctly, keeping the jobs lined up, and keeping the client’s happy. The economic downturn in 2007 was extremely tough on business and we are fortunate to have survived.
We’d love to hear more about your business.
We are a small company offering individualized services. I am the owner and designer when you call “us” you get “me”. I offer a background in Art and Landscape architecture along with 20 years of experience in the field. We know our plants and products and install landscapes that will look good for both the short term and long term. We have clients who have been with us from the beginning and we have done several homes as they change residences. We have long term working relationships with property managers, developers and community groups.
Is our city a good place to do what you do?
I think Chicago and the suburbs is a great place to do business. The city and people are green friendly. Currently the landscape industry is thriving. Other landscapers I speak with are booked-up until the fall and I would definitely recommend someone to start out here.
Contact Info:
- Address: Nature’s Path Landscaping
- Website: https://www.naturespathlandscapes.com/
- Phone: 847-316-1000
Image Credit:
Gordon Kent Photography- for personal photo
Getting in touch: VoyageChicago is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
