CWD CREW

It’s hard to do everything alone. That’s why I work with a talented team of professionals to complete each project on time. We come together from different backgrounds and expertise to help shape the direction of the project with creative ideas and quality work. Learn more about the team I work with below.

JOEL KIRBY

Owner, Landscape Architect & Creative Director

After graduating from Clemson University with a Bachelor’s degree in Landscape Architecture, Joel worked for Arbor Engineering for 8 1/2 years. He started Curly Willow Designs, LLC in 2001 at the advice of friends and family to pursue another one of his passions; event planning and production. While events occupy some of his work week, Joel maintains his initial love for landscape design. Joel is a registered landscape architect and enjoys giving clients warm, inviting, and stylish outdoor spaces.

BARB GUNTER

Office Manager

Originally from Park Rapids, Minnesota, Barb Gunter moved to Simpsonville in 2009 and started with Curly Willow Design in May 2010. Before moving all the way from Minnesota, she was the marketing coordinator for an international company based out of Minneapolis. She is interested in anything creative, such as scrapbooking and crafts, reading, traveling and Minnesota Twins baseball. Barb loves to be active in her community and local sports, which is something she has encouraged her kids to be a part of. She has five children Erica, Kyle, Kilee-ann, with Jaymee and Zach still at home, and one granddaughter, Ava a creative 8 year old and three grandsons; energetic 3 year old Jase, 1 year old Lucas who has the biggest blue eyes and the youngest Mason with the sweetest smile who is 1.

JL DYKES

Senior Landscape Architect

Jimmie Lynn earned a Bachelor of Science in Design from Clemson University, as well as a Masters in Landscape Architecture from the University of Georgia. As a Registered Landscape Architect and South Carolina Master Gardener, JL been with us since day one and specializes in projects of all scales, thinking of innovative ideas and spaces to transform our clients landscapes into special places. She also creates custom jewelry and metal working in her free time. Jimmie Lynn enjoys spending time with her husband, Andy and their two children, Clayton and Dovie Rae.

RAY BRYANT

Team Lead Events

Against the wishes of her former 1st grade teacher, Ray loves to "color outside the lines.” She delights in decorating with color and exploring the feelings that color gives us. Ray combined her love of art, photography, and psychology at Converse College by majoring in Art Therapy. She went on to get a Masters Degree in Art Therapy from Eastern Virginia Medical School in Norfolk, VA.

After grad school, Ray married a graphic designer, who delves into color in a more scientific approach. They lived in Charlotte, NC for 12 years, where she taught art and started a photography and monogram business. Recently, Ray, her husband, and two boys moved "back home” to Greenville, where she jumped head first into helping Curly Willow Designs with their events. Her favorite thing about working for Curly Willow is that it is always something fresh and unique. "I love watching people’s amazement when you create something beautiful out of something unexpected.” In her spare time, Ray enjoys adding splashes of color to the "beige” home they purchased and spending time outside with her active boys.

AMY STANSBERRY

CAD Specialist

Amy joined our office in July 2016. She is our CAD expert and turns our hand drawn designs into CAD renderings. Amy is also a Clemson Grad of the school of Architecture.

COURTNEY COLLINS

Project Director

Courtney is in charge of many of Curly Willow Designs projects, and expertly prioritizes tasks and resources. She is a 2016 graduate of Clemson University with a degree in Landscape Architecture. Curly Willow Designs would definitely not be the same without our incredible Project Director.