Meet our Award-Winning Staff

Villa’s award-winning staff brings more than 100 years of landscape architecture and design experience to the drawing table. Experienced in a wide range of landscape disciplines, Villa’s staff will work with you from concept through installation to translate your dreams into designs for a lifetime of outdoor enjoyment.

Click on the names above.

Jim Christensen - Sr. Landscape Architect
Jim received his degree in landscape architecture from the University of Minnesota more than 34 years ago. As a licensed landscape architect, Jim has tackled a broad range of projects locally, nationally and internationally, but he still finds working with residential homeowners most enjoyable and fulfilling. Jim approaches all projects with an artistic eye for detail, and he’s quick to visualize clients’ preferences and desires in formulating harmonious solutions to any landscaping challenge. Numerous state and national landscape design awards attest to Jim’s creative talents.

Aaron Westfield—Landscape Architect
With 27 years experience as a landscape architect/designer in Minnesota and Wisconsin, Aaron has faced just about every challenge possible in northern climates. Aaron graduated from the University of Minnesota with a degree in landscape architecture in 1985 and has been a Certified Nursery and Landscape Professional with the Minnesota Nursery and Landscape Association since 1989. Whether it’s a simple front-entry makeover or a full-blown landscape design, Aaron always keeps the customer involved and pays attention to detail while never losing sight of the big picture.

Andy Lofboom - Landscape Designer
Andy started landscaping at age 15, specializing in paver and retaining wall installation. Coming from a family of landscapers, Andy went on to get a degree in environmental design from the University of Minnesota. With more than a decade of hands-on experience under his belt, he brings an impressive array of design and installation talents to the Villa team. He already has racked up landscape awards from the Interlocking Concrete Pavement Institute and the Minnesota Nursery and Landscape Association. Andy is certified by the National Concrete Masonry Association.

Tom Zakoski – Landscape Designer
Tom graduated from the University of Minnesota in 1991 with a degree in landscape design. He has owned his own landscape business and over the past 14 years designed and installed residential landscapes throughout the Twin Cities. Tom has been a certified Minnesota Nursery and Landscape Association nursery professional since 1999 and is equally comfortable working with hardscapes, softscapes and water features.

Steven Shaw - Operations Manager
Steve brings over 15 years of contracting, staff and project management experience to Villa. He schedules and coordinates each installation to ensure that our Villa team exceeds your expectations. Steve is certified by the National Concrete Masonry Association as a segmental retaining wall installer and trainer. He conducts contractor training seminars during the off-season.

Josh Peterson - Landscape Superintendent
After four years as a supervisor at Patio Town, Josh brings extensive management, training and quality-control experience to Villa. His attention to detail, hands-on experience and practical landscaping knowledge helps guide our crews to complete your project efficiently and beautifully.

Andrew Higgins — Design Support
Andrew Higgins is a native of Stevens Point, Wisconsin, and a recent graduate of the University of Minnesota with a degree in environmental design. After completing a landscaping internship in Chicago to hone his skills, Andrew returned to Minnesota to put his talents to work. He brings to Villa a passion for design and detail and a solid background in hardscape design and installation.

Mark McGough — Landscape Architect
Mark McGough began his career in the landscape industry in 1986. He earned a Bachelor of Science Degree from UW-River Falls and continued his education at the U of M in Environmental Horticulture & Landscape Design. Mark likes to strike a balance between creative design and functionality when working with clients to come up with landscaping solutions. He specializes in the design and installation of patios, decks, retaining walls, fencing, water features and plant materials.

Kelly O’Donahue - Landscape Designer
In addition to her landscape design skills, Kelly brings a green thumb to Villa. She has a degree in Landscape Design and Construction with an emphasis in horticulture from Hennepin Technical College and is a Certified Professional with the Minnesota Nursery and Landscape Association. Kelly also is a University of Minnesota Extension Service Master Gardner in Ramsey County. From full yard designs to specialty gardens, patios and retaining walls, fire pits and water features, Kelly can bring your vision to life with a landscape suitable for our northern climate.

Kim St. Martin - Office Coordinator
Kim’s business skills and attention to detail keep the Villa front office running smoothly and projects on track. A native of suburban Chicago and graduate of Northwestern College, Kim has been recognized for excellence in customer service in a variety of businesses, including a stint with Disney. She brings a keen eye for design to Villa as well.