Lanson B. Jones - CEO & Founder

A native Houstonian, Lanson attended Texas A&M where he obtained his degree in landscape architecture. Lanson served as the VP of Design at McDugald Steele for more than 14 years where he oversaw 50+ award-winning projects. Lanson launched Lanson B. Jones & Company, in 1994 where he could focus all of his design efforts on The European Scaled Garden philosophy. Lanson is a John Staub Award-Winning Landscape Architect.

Brendan Joseph - President

Brendan, our President, and an Executive Team member, is originally from Boston, Massachusetts, and arrived in Houston in 2010. Brendan brings with him 7 years of retail management experience to Lanson B. Jones & Co. His crisis management tactics and organizing skills help departments run smoothly and efficiently. Brendan attended the University of Houston-Downtown where he focused on supply chain and logistics management. He loves to inspire others and lead by example, strengths that he utilizes not only at work but also in his everyday life.

AJ Akhtar - Vice President Of Operations

Born and raised in Houston, Aj graduated from the University of Houston with a BFA in photo/digital media and a minor in art history. Being a well-rounded individual, he has experience in upstream and downstream oil and gas, medical, equipment rentals and landscaping. He brings with him several years of business analytics, project management and business development helping companies achieve optimal efficiency. Away from work, Aj enjoys spending time with his family, riding bikes, eating great food.

Jessica Oriakhi- Controller

Jessica is a native Houstonian born and raised. She attended Emory University in Atlanta and lived there for 3 years post-graduation. Jessica worked in the financial sector her whole career though the industry has varied. She spends her free time with her extended family and her adorable son. Jessica love sports and roots for all the Houston teams each season. After 3 years with Lanson B. Jones, Jessica is thrilled to take on the role of controller.

Catarino Martinez Jr. - Maintenance Supervisor

Catarino is a Native of Mexico and has been living in Houston for more than 20 years. A graduate from University of Houston Downtown, Catarino obtained his Bachelors’ Degree in Business Administration. With 15 years in the Landscaping industry, Catarino is joining Lanson B. Jones & Company with experience Managing and maintaining 10-acre property grounds, Applications, Seasonal color change, building long lasting relationships with clients and much more. Catarino is very passionate and dedicated to his career and helping clients with their landscaping needs.During the weekend, Catarino enjoys outdoor activities and like to barbeque for family and friends.

jOSUE aRIAS- mAINTENANCE SUPERVISOR

osue Arias, originially from El Salvador, moved to Houston at the age of thirtheen. Josue graduated from Bellaire High School in 2015. Josue joined our team in 2020 as a Maintenance Foreman before becoming a Maintenance Supervisor in the Fall of 2023. Josue states the best part of his job is embracing the individuality and uniqueness of each client’s garden while maintaining LBJ’s standards of quality. During his free time, Josue likes to go on family trips.

ABBY BARRIENTOS - MARKETING SPECIALIST & EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT

Abby Barrientos joined our team in 2017 as a floral intern, then transitioned into the role of Marketing Specialist. Abby is a graduate of the University of Houston Valenti School of Communication, and majored in Public Relations and Marketing. Abby enjoys creating fun and creative content that illustrate our firm. She loves all things social media, spending time with her family and playing with flowers

iVan cOULTER- 3D Visualization/ CAD Manager

Ivan is a native of Charleston, SC but has lived in Houston for over 20 years.  As a graduate of Prarie View A&M University’s School of Architecture, Ivan earned his undergrad and Masters degree in Architecture.  With over 15  years of experience in the design industry, Ivan is joining the Lanson team to spearhead the 3D modeling side of our design department.  We are very excited to extend this new feature to our clients.

In his free time Ivan enjoys Houston Rockets basketball,  listening to live music, running and MOTOGP motorcycle racing.

Jordan Schmalzried- Project Manager

Houston native, Jordan attended Texas State University where he obtained a bachelor’s degree in political science and minor in botany.  Prior to joining the Lanson B Jones and Company team, he worked in the IT industry for 5 years as an infrastructure manager and product designer, and later worked in production and film creating marketing stories for big brands. Jordan demonstrates an unwavering commitment to excellence and has a genuine enthusiasm for bringing ideas to life. His multifaceted background, combining his educational pursuits, professional experience, and personal interests have shaped him into a valuable member of the team. When not immersed in project management, Jordan enjoys spending time with family, trying new recipes on the grill, and hanging out with his Husky Lab, Kira.

Hunter Wilson- AutoCAD Associate & Project Manangement Assistant

Hunter is a native Houstonian whose roots stretch across Alief and Richmond, Texas. Equipped with a Bachelor of Science in Plant & Soil Science and a minor in Agricultural Business, Hunter's professional journey includes managing a native tree farm and contributing to the Memorial Park Conservancy. Specializing in landscape installation, maintenance, and design, Hunter's expertise combines science and artistry. With a true passion for sculpting with mediums of nature and promoting floral wellbeing, beyond the professional landscape, Hunter enjoys rescuing plants, exploring nature through deep hikes, kayaking, and savoring moments with family.

Kim Tran- Accounting Specialist I

Kim Tran is a born and raised Houstonian. She joined our team in 2023 as an Accounting Specialist I. Graduated from the University of Houston with a bachelor's degree in science, she has worked in multiple industries prior. During her free time, when not spending time with her family, she can be seen working on digital animations and reading long fantasy novels especially by Terry Pratchett and Neil Gaiman.