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Ives/Ryan Group, Inc.

"Welcome to the Ives/Ryan Group, Inc. 52 Years of Service!"

About Us

The IVES/RYAN GROUP, INC (IRG) is a 52 year old design consulting firm specializing in landscape architecture, park & recreation design and municipal consulting with project experience in 20-states. IRG’s focus is the provision of creative design services which result in realistic, sustainable, functional and economically viable environments. As landscape architects IRG is best known for its attention to detail and knowledge of plants and plant communities.

IRG is headed by John M. Ryan, RLA who serves as Corporate President. Mr. Ryan is a founder of the original company which opened its doors in January 1973. He holds a Bachelor of Landscape Architecture degree from the University of Illinois at Champaign Urbana, is a registered landscape architect in the States of Illinois, Indiana, Wisconsin & Michigan and holds a national certificate awarded by the Council of Landscape Architectural Registration Boards (CLARB). Mr. Ryan’s professional career includes 54 years of experience in landscape architecture and park & recreation design in 12-states as well as landscape design teaching, public speaking and garden study in Europe, Canada and the USA. His personal background includes serving as a Crew-Chief on a Coast Guard Aux vessel performing search and rescue in Lake Michigan, Head Coach of a championship youth lacrosse team and long time Trustee/Secretary of a church.

The Ives/Ryan Group has been recognized for design excellence having received 38 design awards for park design and landscape architectural design including 10-national awards from such organizations as the U.S. EPA & Chicago Wilderness, American Society of Landscape Architects, Perennial Plant Association, American Association of Nurserymen, Associated Landscape Contractors of America, Midwest Construction Magazine and the Chicago Building Congress. John Ryan has been honored twice in Washington D.C. at The White House with the National Landscape Award presented to him by First Ladies Nancy Regan and Barbara Bush.

IRG’s plant knowledge and attention to detail is demonstrated by the firm’s “Gardenesque”, “New American” and “Native/Naturalistic” styles of design. Representative examples of such include the Lake Katherine Nature Preserve, Palos Heights,IL; 1995 Old Orchard Mall renovation; Brookdale of Vernon Hills, a senior living facility with a 7-story interior rain-garden atrium, the Renaissance Schaumburg Hotel & Convention Center, Veterans’s Memorial Park, South Holland, IL and the Conserve School, a 1,200-Ac. wilderness school for environmental studies, Land-O-Lakes, WI, all award winning projects.

IRG’s professional services scope includes an initial Landscape Code review, existing tree/vegetation documentation, preliminary landscape & hardscape design, final construction document preparation including a final hardscape & landscape design drawing set including a code compliance calculations table (if applicable), detailed plant & materials list, general notes, construction details, product catalog cuts, landscape and temporary maintenance specifications, native areas specifications including a required 3-year maintenance & inspection program, cost estimation, provision of “green programs” data, scope irrigation plan for use in design/build bidding, bid assistance and or analysis, tree tagging at the installing contractor’s wholesale nursery source(s), contractor submittal review, final payout inspections with punch list and markups (if needed) and preparation of “as-built” drawings. Also available is attendance at project team meetings (virtual or in person) and testimony at public meetings/hearings.

Our Certifications

Licensed in Illinois, Michigan, Indiana, and Wisconsin

What We Offer

Our Specialties include:

Land Planning
Landscape Architecture
Over 50 Years of Experience
Park and Recreation Design

Our Services include:

Landscape Architecture & Design: Expertly crafted outdoor spaces that enhance functionality and aesthetics. We specialize in landscape architecture, incorporating innovative designs into streetscape projects, riverwalks and boardwalks, and rooftop gardens to bring urban environments to life. Our native and natural landscapes create sustainable ecosystems, while park and recreation design ensures engaging and well-planned community spaces. Entrance treatments establish a welcoming and polished first impression for any property.
Commercial & Institutional Projects: Tailored landscape solutions for a wide range of industries. We design outdoor spaces for educational campuses, financial institutions, hotels and convention facilities, industrial parks, municipal facilities, office campuses, regional malls, retail spaces, religious facilities, and restaurant and entertainment venues—creating inviting, professional environments that align with each organization’s unique identity.
Residential & Multi-Family Developments: Elevating outdoor living with specialized residential designs. We provide landscape planning and enhancements for single-family residences and multi-family developments, ensuring elegant and functional green spaces that enhance property value and create vibrant communities.
Specialized Green Spaces: Unique landscaping features designed to enhance indoor and outdoor environments. We also develop parks and recreational facilities that promote leisure, activity, and community engagement.
Experience & Expertise: With over 50 years of experience, our team has a proven track record of delivering exceptional landscape architecture and design solutions. Our expertise spans across diverse industries and project scales, ensuring each development is executed with precision, creativity, and long-term sustainability.

Our Products include:

Landscape Architecture
Park and Recreation Design
Municipal Consulting
Streetscape Design
Entrance Treatments
Native & Natural Landscapes
Rooftop Gardens
Riverwalks & Boardwalks
Educational Campuses & Facilities
Financial Institutions
Hotel & Convention Facilities
Industrial Facilities & Parks
Office Facilities & Campuses
Regional Malls & Retail Facilities
Religious Facilities
Restaurant & Entertainment Facilities
Sr. Living Communities & Care Facilities
Single-Family Residences
Multiple-Family Developments
Park & Recreational Facilities
Over 50 Years of Experience

Testimonials

On 3/31/2025 Grant W. Currier had this to say:
We are a mid-size architectural firm located in the Chicago Southland. Linden Group Architects has relied on and collaborated with Ives/Ryan Group, Inc. for over forty years. There are many qualities which attract our Team to working with Ives/Ryan. 1. Design Creativeness and attention to detail. 2. Drawings/specifications/details which are well executed, biddable and understandable. 3. Ives/Ryan continuously provides cost effective landscaping specifications which meet design criteria and code requirements. 4. The firm puts forth a readiness to attack every project and provide effective communication through design and issuing for bidding. I would not hesitate to recommend John Ryan and Ives/Ryan Group, Inc. They provide a hands-on approach and will listen to the client’s needs. Grant W. Currier, AIA, NCARB President Licensed Architect / Registered Interior Designer Testimonial written by Grant W. Currier on this site.

On 2/20/2025 Peter Paraskis had this to say:
There is no substitute for experience and talent. Working with John for many years even before Cad files were used, he would communicate quickly, efficiently and council Architects on the best way to use the limited areas for landscaping. Today his passion is still evident and his ability to turn work around in a timely manner is on par with my immediate scheduling needs. His experience with most of the municipalities is also an edge that others rarely possess. Fine work, highly recommended.

On 12/22/2024 Sejal Patel had this to say:
We have worked with John Ryan for over a decade, and will continue to do so. He does exceptional work, and his ideas and designs are very thoughtful. I would highly recommend using Ives/Ryan Group for your residential or commercial projects.

On 12/21/2024 Sejal Patel had this to say:
Hospitality Guru Group has worked with John for over 10 years. All of his projects are thoughtfully designed and executed using his many years of experience. The landscaping has transformed our projects, thanks to John's thoughtful designs. I really like John's hand drawings as well. We hope to do many more projects with John. Testimonial written by Sejal Patel on this site.

On 12/17/2024 Iglika Georgieva had this to say:
I truly enjoy working with Ives/Ryan Group. They are knowledgeable, responsive and reliable. I highly recommend them. Testimonial written by Iglika Georgieva on this site.

Contact Us

Ives/Ryan Group, Inc.
1741 S Wiesbrook Road Wheaton, IL 60189
Phone: (630) 738-0726
Secondary: (630) 738-0726
Email: info@ivesryangroup.com

Where To Find Us

Payment Types Accepted

Business Checks, Personal Checks

Our Hours

Holiday Hours May Vary. Please Call For Details.

Monday: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Tuesday: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM

News

🌴 Embrace the spirit of summer with Ives/Ryan Group, Inc. Our seasoned expertise in multiple-family developments and riverwalk designs brings beauty and functionality to your space. Experience transformative landscape architecture this season. Visit us to begin your summer journey! 🌱 #TransformativeDesign #SummerVibes #IvesRyanGroup

☀️ At Ives/Ryan Group, Inc., we craft stunning park and recreational spaces, ideal for embracing the season. With over 50 years of excellence in hotel and convention facilities to industrial parks, our designs enrich every setting. Contact us for your summer projects! 🏖️

🌻 Preparing for the summer sun? Ives/Ryan Group, Inc. is here to assist with innovative designs for educational campuses, retail facilities, and more. Elevate your surroundings with our expert touch in native and natural landscapes. Let’s create together for a refreshing summer! 🌿 #InnovativeDesign #SummerLandscapes #IvesRyanGroup