Together, we can unearth the ecological beauty and services of the land.

We create harmony between the landscape, its ecosystems, and the humans who benefit from it.
(hey, that’s you!)

We want to bring you closer to the land by manifesting beautiful, functional, and inspiring spaces.

By taking time to know your site, we are able to develop holistic design solutions in concert with the natural and built environments.

Close-up of purple flowers with a bee, in front of a red barn

Our Story Begins…

We’re Dean and Tom.

We met while pursuing our Master’s degrees in Landscape Architecture at Rutgers University, bonding over countless sleepless nights of studio work.

With Dean’s environmental background and Tom’s ecological expertise, we developed a shared passion for creating sustainable, modern, and beautiful landscapes. Years after collaborating on a countywide master plan with the Center for Urban Environmental Sustainability, we’ve reunited to continue our work together.

Our design practice focuses on blending human functionality, art, and ecological health for both plants and wildlife. Drawing inspiration from the Sustainable SITES Initiative, Audubon HELP, and emerging climate strategies, we are committed to creating landscapes that meet the challenges of today while building long-term sustainability.

Man smiling with longer, curly hair partially covered by a black bandana with white designs, wearing round glasses and a striped button-up shirt

Hey, I’m Tom

Tamayo Young

I love plants, soil, water, and humans interacting with it all.

For over a decade, I’ve been exploring plant ecology and biology, landscape architecture, creative placemaking, and environmental storytelling. From studying with the Center for Urban Restoration Ecology, to teaching design courses at Rutgers’ LA school, to cramming for plant exams with Dean, to directing site-specific theater, I’ve always worked at the intersection of humans, their culture, the land, and its limited resources.

Education, Certifications, and Awards
Master of Landscape Architecture
Bachelor of Biological Sciences
SITES Accredited Professional
Olmsted Scholar
Two NJASLA Merit Awards

Ask me about…
SITES-inspired landscapes
My NJ native plant tattoo
Wonderland at Rutgers Gardens

Man smiling with short, dark curly hair, wearing a black t-shirt.

and I’m Dean

Janulis

Spaces, ecology, design, and
art are my obsessions.

My landscape design experience spans estates in the Hamptons, terraces in New York City, Connecticut country homes, and Los Angeles’s sunny glamour. From grand master plans to minute details, I find my joy in the creative process. My passion for blending human-centric design with natural systems ignited in school, where I met Tom while working on a county-scale Master Plan. Our shared love for ecology, design, and cheeky banter quickly forged a strong kinship.

Education, Certifications, and Awards
Licensed Landscape Architect
Master of Landscape Architecture
Bachelor of Environmental Studies
Audubon H.E.L.P.: Habitat and Ecosystems Land Pro
Commercial Drone Piloting License

Ask me about…
Wildlife in the landscape
Designing with Technology
Residential Scale Landscape Design

Environmental Stewardship Policy

Design Ecosystems LLC, led by partners Dean and Tom, is a landscape architecture firm rooted in sustainable practices and environmental stewardship. Our guiding principles reflect our commitment to enhancing ecological resilience, fostering biodiversity, and creating meaningful connections between people and the environment through art and beauty. Sustainability is at the heart of our business—from design to daily operations—and drives each decision we make for our projects.

Our Environmental Goals and Sustainable Practices

  1. Sustainable Design as Core Philosophy
    Every project and operational choice reflects our commitment to environmental stewardship. We employ regenerative practices that restore the environment, utilizing native plants to enhance local biodiversity, designing to minimize runoff and improve water efficiency, and incorporating smart design solutions to reduce carbon footprints. Our work is both a practical and artistic expression of the harmony between humans and nature.

  2. Client-Centric and Collaborative Design Process
    Our design process is collaborative, educational, and client-centric. We empower clients to be an integral part of their landscape transformation, fostering a sense of stewardship. Through transparent communication and educational outreach, we guide clients in making sustainable choices with long-term benefits. Our team’s lighthearted, joy-filled approach keeps the process approachable and even encourages a bit of friendly humility along the way.

  3. Community Engagement and Education
    Actively engaging with local communities, schools, and educational bodies is essential to our mission. We collaborate on initiatives to promote sustainable landscaping and provide resources and workshops that empower communities to adopt eco-friendly practices. By sharing the story of the land—its past, present, and future—we remind people of their place within the larger ecological narrative.

  4. Innovation and Adaptation
    At Design Ecosystems LLC, we continually innovate to remain at the forefront of sustainable landscape design. Our team integrates the latest ecological research, sustainable technologies, and adaptive design practices tailored to local conditions. We operate as a decentralized service area business, leveraging new technology to streamline workflows, while minimizing our carbon footprint by avoiding the commutes and overhead of traditional office spaces. By integrating sustainability to all elements of the business, we aim to reduce environmental impacts while maximizing the quality of the work we produce.

  5. Transparency and Authenticity
    Transparency and authenticity are central to our operations and interactions. We maintain a clear, open dialogue with clients, partners, and our internal team, building relationships based on respect, trust, and shared values. This honest approach is the foundation of our work, ensuring our clients and partners have a genuine and positive experience.

At Design Ecosystems LLC, we believe in landscapes that benefit both people and the planet. By aligning our work with these guiding principles and sustainable practices, we strive to make a meaningful, lasting impact on the built and natural environments across New Jersey, New York, and beyond.