People
Over the years, we have grown our company to a team of more than thirty dedicated people. They are landscape architects, designers, office staff, construction personnel, horticulturalists and maintenance technicians. They are also leaders, teachers, students, helpers, friends, fathers, mothers, sons, daughters, aunts, uncles, and grandparents. Here are a few of the faces you may see in your landscape.
Michael A. Gilkey, Jr.
Landscape Architect, Owner, Company PresidentMichael is a second-generation landscape architect and president and owner of Michael A. Gilkey, Inc. He oversees all operations of the design, construction, and maintenance divisions. Michael received a Bachelor’s Degree in Landscape Architecture with high honors from the University of Florida in 1999, and was licensed and registered as a landscape architect in Florida in 2004. He is a member of the American Society of Landscape Architects. He has previously served on the University of Florida Department of Landscape Architecture’s Advisory Board and the Board of Directors for the Florida Wildflower Foundation. He currently serves as the landscape architect on the Tree Advisory Committee for the City of Sarasota. In 2009, the University of Florida honored Michael with the Distinguished Alumnus Award from the Department of Landscape Architecture. His projects have won the highest awards available from the Florida Nursery Growers and Landscape Association and the Florida Chapter of the American Society of Landscape Architects. Michael draws inspiration from the work of his father, as well as other landscape architects such as Roberto Burle Marx, architects like Carlo Scarpa, and artists like Andy Goldsworthy. His designs are also informed by music, history, culture, and most importantly, his clients themselves.
Ed Darby
Landscape Contracting Manager
Landscape Contracting Manager
Ed Darby is the Manager of our Landscape Contracting Division, overseeing all landscape installation operations for Michael A. Gilkey, Inc. He is charged with finding new and creative ways to install Michael’s envelope-pushing designs, and he steps up to the challenge, every time. He has been with our company for over twenty years.
Ryan Hynko
Landscape Operations Manager
Landscape Operations Manager
Ryan Hynko received a Bachelor’s Degree in Landscape Architecture from the University of Georgia in 2011, and he is a member of the American Society of Landscape Architects. As Landscape Operations Manager, he is the liaison between our design and construction divisions, overseeing all scheduling and coordination for our landscape installations.
Terry McMahon
Landscape Designer
Landscape Designer
Terry McMahon is a landscape designer with nearly 20 years experience in the design-build industry. She brings to our firm an expertise in all phases of design and installation in the residential sector, and assists Michael in design development for our clientele. Terry has a degree in Landscape Architecture from Rutgers University.
Josh Evitt
Landscape Architect
Landscape Architect
Josh Evitt is a Landscape Architect with a Bachelor’s Degree from the University of Florida. Born and raised throughout the state, Josh finds passion in his design approach through the study and enjoyment of Florida’s natural ecosystems. His technological expertise and design curiosity bring a unique approach to the Michael A. Gilkey, Inc. team.
Hansel Plaza
Accounts Manager
Accounts Manager
Hansel Plaza is an Accounts Manager supervising our excellent maintenance teams. With nearly a decade of experience in the industry, he assists Luis with coordination and client communication, and offers a keen attention to detail.
Ken Kiger
Licensed Horticulturalist
Licensed Horticulturalist
Ken Kiger is a Licensed Horticulturalist who has been with our company for more than thirty years. Ken oversees all pesticide and fertilizer applications for the Maintenance Division of Michael A. Gilkey, Inc. and provides quality control and customer service for our clientele.
Lili Ruiz
Office Administrator
Office Administrator
Lili Ruiz is an experienced business administrator with a strong background in client communication, contract administration, and process improvement. She combines her practice in the non-profit, legal, health care and landscape service industries to bring a unique and efficient approach to our landscape operations and maintenance teams. Lili has a degree in Business Administration from the University of South Florida.
Laura Gilkey
Marketing Manager + Design Coordinator
Marketing Manager + Design Coordinator
Laura Gilkey received a Bachelor’s Degree in Landscape Architecture from the University of Florida in 2000. She is the Marketing Manager for Michael A. Gilkey, Inc., overseeing all community outreach, award application, website content, and social media. She assists Michael and his team with scheduling, client communication and project development within the Design Division.