Team
Architerra
Since 1982, Architerra has proudly provided full-service landscape solutions to both residential and commercial properties throughout Lake County. With decades of experience, we bring expertise, creativity, and care to every project we take on.
As a woman-owned business, we take pride not only in the work we do but also in the communities we serve. Architerra actively supports local youth sports through sponsorships and donates our time and labor to local churches and non-profit organizations. We're more than a landscaping company—we’re your neighbors, committed to helping our community thrive.
Tracey Lester
Owner/President
Tracey began her career in sales and management with The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company, where she developed a strong foundation in corporate structure, customer relations, and operational excellence.
After transitioning into real estate, she joined Architerra during its formative years and played a key role in building the operational structure and leadership framework that helped drive the company’s long-term growth.
Tracey later joined Architerra full-time and has since devoted more than three decades to roles spanning sales, management, human resources, and operations. Throughout her time with the company, she has been a steady force behind its growth—helping shape its culture, nurturing meaningful client relationships, and instilling a deep, lasting commitment to excellence in everything it does. Under her guidance, the company proudly became a woman-owned business, marking a meaningful milestone in its continued evolution and success.
Throughout her career, she has focused on building strong teams, optimizing systems, and cultivating lasting relationships with clients, employees, and partners. She finds the greatest fulfillment in seeing how a thoughtfully transformed landscape can enhance someone’s home or business and brighten their day.
Outside of work, she enjoys golfing, attending live concerts, exploring local festivals, traveling, and—most importantly—spending quality time with family and friends.
Tyler Atkinson
Turf Care Technician/Department Lead
Tyler has been working in the lawn care industry for nearly two years, building on his background in organic farming and his strong interest in plant science. What began as a passion for growing plants developed into a deeper focus on turf care, where he has enjoyed learning and continually improving his skills. Tyler especially likes the diversification each property brings and identifying the care needed for various properties.
Tyler holds Illinois and Wisconsin pesticide operator licenses and recently earned my pesticide applicator certification. “One of the most rewarding parts of my work is seeing lawns improve throughout the season and knowing I played a role in that transformation.”
At Architerra, Tyler values the strong team environment, positive attitude, and feeling of being heard and appreciated. He is motivated by loyalty, respect, and the opportunity to grow within a company that invests in its people. Outside of work, Tyler enjoys cooking, growing hot peppers and other edible plants, and staying active through pool, soccer, and volleyball.
Gerardo Hidrogo
Landscape Maintenance Field Supervisor
With 17 years of experience in the landscaping industry, Gerardo is passionate about helping clients create beautiful gardens and outdoor spaces they truly love. He especially enjoys seeing the transformation of a property and the happiness the team’s work brings to homeowners.
Gerardo has formal training in drainage mitigation, while much of his expertise has been built through hands-on experience and a strong family background in landscaping, which first inspired his love for the industry and the beauty of nature.
At Architerra, Gerardo values the creative, collaborative, and supportive environment that makes every project unique. From design to construction, he takes pride in treating each property as if it were his own and in building long-term trust with clients—"ensuring every
landscape we create continues to thrive and bring enjoyment for years to come.”
Laurel Hocin
Administrative Assistant
Laurel has been with Architerra for 12 years, playing a key role in keeping the field and office connected and running smoothly. She values being part of an industry built on hard work, where each day brings tangible progress and meaningful accomplishments.
What Laurel enjoys most about working at Architerra is the variety each day brings, the strong relationships formed along the way, and the opportunity to meet and speak with clients.
Rosendo Jimenez
Landscape Installation & Snow Operations Field Supervisor
Rosendo brings 29 years of experience in the landscaping industry; he specializes in landscape construction and takes great pride in turning clients’ visions into reality. From building gardens, ponds, patios, and walls to solving drainage challenges, he enjoys working outdoors and creating spaces that bring beauty, functionality, and lasting value to people’s lives. “The most rewarding part of my work is seeing clients’ joy and satisfaction at the completion of a project.” He is passionate about listening to clients, understanding their concepts, and making
their dream a reality.
Over the years, Rosendo has had training in landscape construction, drainage, patios and walls, and snow management through SIMA. Rosendo values the family-like culture and strong commitment to quality at Architerra, where every day is engaging and meaningful.
Outside of work, he enjoys gardening, walking, and listening to music, all of which keep him inspired and connected to the natural world he loves creating for others.
Andy Kolton
Controller
Andy has worked at Architerra for five years, where he focuses on identifying challenges, designing creative solutions, developing team members, and driving meaningful change. His training in analytics, finance management, and helping others recognize their strengths enables him to support both the team and the business in achieving growth and success.
He enjoys working at Architerra for its family-oriented culture and growth mindset, where collaboration, innovation, and personal development are highly valued. What motivates Andy most is helping others reach their full potential, providing the guidance and resources they need, and seeing the positive impact on both individuals and the company.
Outside of work, Andy enjoys reading, exercising, cooking, and spending quality time with his son—including throwing batting practice—activities that keep him energized, balanced, and connected to the people he cares about.
Dan Lester
Account Manager
With three years of experience in the landscape industry, Dan has developed a strong foundation in both client relationships and hands-on project execution. He is especially passionate about hardscape projects, where thoughtful design, precision craftsmanship, and collaboration come together to create outdoor spaces that families and friends will enjoy for years to come. From the first client conversation through early construction and the final reveal, Dan values being present every step of the way — ensuring clear communication, trust, and an end result that exceeds expectations.
After his collegiate football career was cut short due to injury, Dan joined his family’s business, Architerra, part-time to learn the industry from the ground up. What began as an unexpected next step quickly became a genuine passion for landscaping and project management. Working alongside experienced professionals in a supportive, team-oriented culture strengthened not only his skills but also his appreciation for the relationships that drive the company’s success.
The competitive mindset he developed through athletics continues to shape his approach today — pushing him toward continual growth, accountability, and high standards. Dan takes pride in making every client feel heard, valued, and confident throughout the process, recognizing that each project is more than just work — it is a reflection of his family’s name, the trust clients place in Architerra, and the long-term relationships the company is built upon.
Francisco Perez
Fleet Manager
Francisco has 23 years of experience in the landscaping industry, specializing as a certified small engine and automotive mechanic. He enjoys working in the shop, being outdoors, and taking on new challenges every day, which keeps his work engaging and rewarding.
Francisco values working at Architerra because of its dedication to motivating employees and providing the best tools and equipment, allowing the team to consistently deliver high-quality results for clients. “I was encouraged by friends to join the landscaping industry after moving from another state, and I have appreciated the opportunity to grow professionally within a local, family-owned business that truly values its people.”
Outside of work, Francisco enjoys working on his cars, combining his mechanical skills with a hands-on passion that keeps me energized and focused.
Mallory Small
Landscape Designer
Mallory is beginning her landscape design career at Architerra with a passion for creating outdoor spaces that offer year-round beauty and connection to nature. She especially enjoys the planning and design process, finding it incredibly rewarding to see a concept come together and transform a space.
Mallory was drawn to landscape design from her background in interior design, where a floral design class sparked her love for working with plants and experimenting with textures, colors, and mood. At Architerra, she values the supportive, family-like environment and the opportunity to learn from experienced mentors while contributing to a woman-owned business. Her motivation comes from designing spaces that help people slow down, reconnect with nature, and enjoy their surroundings.
Outside the office, Mallory’s creativity shows up in fun, unexpected ways — building intricate sets from LEGO (especially botanical ones), hunting for great finds in her Pokémon card collection, bringing competitive energy to classic Wii game nights, and unapologetically keeping up with every era of Taylor Swift.
Jim Wollney
Account Manager
Jim has been working in the landscape industry since 1985, beginning as a child helping at a family-run farm stand. He is a horticulturalist and floral and landscape designer with a strong eye for color and attention to detail. “My work brings me joy, especially when giving flowers and plants in person and seeing the smiles they create.”
Jim is a licensed turf applicator with expertise in trees, irrigation, native and invasive plants, and conservation. At Architerra, he enjoys being part of a team full of personality and laughter, where the team creates beautiful landscapes and works alongside enjoyable people. He is motivated by helping others and creating well-maintained, vibrant outdoor spaces.
Outside of work, Jim enjoys photography, writing, and collecting old signs, coins, and paper money—a reminder to keep a little childlike curiosity alive.
