Team

Based in Minneapolis, Minnesota, biota is an award-winning landscape design, build and horticultural firm that works on residential and commercial projects. Our mission is to create innovative designs that invite interaction and inspire the imagination using the highest-quality plants, materials and construction techniques. We strive to share our knowledge and foster an ongoing stewardship to create lasting enjoyment.

  • Steve Modrow

    Steve oversees design services at biota. He is a member of the American Society of Landscape Architects and is the past President of the Minnesota chapter. He is also the chair of the Design Network Committee of the Minnesota Nursery and Landscape Association. Currently, he is a member of the Minnesota State Designer Selection Board. Steve received his master’s degree in landscape architecture from the University of Minnesota after completion of his bachelor’s degree in environmental design.

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  • Jim Saybolt

    Jim oversees biota’s general business operations. He is a MN Licensed General Contractor, licensed PLT with MN DOL and a Certified Professional Fellow with the Minnesota Nursery & Landscape Association. He studied Natural Resources at the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point, Environmental Sciences & Spanish-Portuguese at the University of Minnesota and attended Harvard’s Graduate School of Design CD program in landscape architecture. Jim also currently serves on the Minnesota Nursery & Landscape Foundation trustee board.

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  • Elizabeth Wynne

    Elizabeth is a multiple award-winning landscape designer. She holds an Associate of Arts and Sciences Degree in Landscape Design and Construction and is a Certified Landscape Professional (CLP) with the Minnesota Nursery & Landscape Association (MNLA). Elizabeth currently sits on the MNLA Board of Directors.

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  • Eric Alward

    Eric is an Associate of the American Society of Landscape Architects. He completed his bachelor’s degree in fine art and received his master’s degree in landscape architecture from the University of Minnesota.

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  • Dan Nipstad

    Dan received a degree in landscape architecture and firmly believes that we are never done learning. As an associate of ASLA, he relishes the opportunities to enhance the biota of the metro one home at a time.

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  • Ethan Ridgewell

    Ethan is an Associate of the American Society of Landscape Architects. He completed his bachelor’s degree in general biology from St. Thomas and his master’s degree in landscape architecture from the University of Minnesota.

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  • Tim Dyer

    Tim has been in the Green Industry for over 25 years. He studied Construction Management and Business Law at the University of Minnesota. Tim has held a variety of positions in the industry in several states, from laborer to Regional Director, giving him a broad knowledge in all aspects of the industry. He is a Certified Landscape Professional (CLP) with the Minnesota Nursery & Landscape Association.

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  • Tania Parent

    Tania has been working in the landscape industry for over 10 years. She looks forward to implementing her diverse and unique experience as she works with biota’s clients. Tania is a Certified Landscape Professional with the Minnesota Nursery and Landscape Association.

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  • Gentry David Schweiger

    Gentry is a Certified Landscape Professional (CLP) with the Minnesota Nursery & Landscape Association. Since joining the Horticulture/Maintenance department at biota in 2018, he has enjoyed developing relationships with our clients, getting to know the intricacies of each garden and enhancing their landscape.

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  • Caroline Bristol

    Caroline joined biota in 2024 after working a variety of roles in public botanical gardens. She earned an Associate of Arts and Sciences degree in Landscape Gardening and is a Certified Landscape Professional (CLP) with the Minnesota Nursery and Landscape Association.

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  • Natalia Magnusson

    Natalia has been passionate about plants her whole life. Growing up in Brazil, she’s gathered experience with many unusual plants and loves learning about them. With over 10 years in the plant industry, including greenhouses, landscaping and annual planting design, she is excited to bring a taste of the tropics to your life.

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  • Tom Kobayashi

    Tom has been in the landscape industry for over twenty years, bringing his vast knowledge, dedication, and experience to the biota team.

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  • Joe Hafner

    Joe started landscaping during summers when he was home from college. Joe has been in the industry for over ten years.

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  • Henry McGlasson

    Henry recently graduated from the University of Minnesota – Twin Cities with a bachelor’s degree in environmental design. He has been with biota since 2019 enjoying the connections made to the landscapes he is working in.

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  • Will Kotovic

    Will has been working in the landscape industry for multiple years. He studied business at the University of Iowa and brings a diverse set of skills to his role as a site supervisor.

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  • Carmen Freeman

    Carmen is our office manager and has worked in a variety of industries: surveying, civil engineering, land planning, and small business management. She has a Bachelor of Science in Geography from the University of North Dakota.

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