A Collaborative Team
At the heart of every Kane Brothers project is a collaborative team of innovative and highly trained professionals. Drawing on a broad and deep well of interdisciplinary knowledge, our comprehensive approach has earned us national acclaim for our ability to develop unique solutions that stand out in ingenuity and impeccable beauty. Kane Brothers, Inc. carries several tenets that guide each project we approach. We believe that through the aggregate of thoughtful client interaction, comprehensive team development, perpetual education, and high attention to detail, we can offer our clients compelling environments and features that will stand the test of time.
Founded in 1994 by brothers Frank and Chris Kane, Kane Brothers, Inc. has always been family-owned and operated. Since its inception, Kane Brothers, Inc. has progressed into a full-service design, build, and maintenance firm revered for its creation of unique garden environments with an emphasis on the natural beauty and power of water. Today, the firm continues to grow under the culture established by the founding brothers. By promoting education, research, and fostering artistry, Kane Brothers continually steers the state-of-the-art in our industry. With Chris and Frank’s continued involvement and dedication to the success of their projects, the company has earned its stellar reputation, as well as numerous local, national, and international awards. From their home office in Illinois, they continue to design and install distinctive gardens throughout the nation.
We always think of the landscape as an extension of our clients
Frank & Chris Kane
Leadership
Frank Kane
Founding Principal
A year into pursuing a business management degree at St. Xavier University, Frank founded Kane Brothers, Inc. with his brother, Chris. “In the beginning it was Chris and me. I have a great appreciation for where we came from but am really proud of the team we have brought together that ensure we take care of our clients”. Much of Frank’s time is spent overseeing the construction side of the business which includes ongoing client coordination and working very closely with the field staff to enhance their skill set and ensure they continue to grow and achieve their goals. “I realize how much trust our clients put in us and strive to deliver something beyond their hopes and expectations. I want our entire team to share in that appreciation”.
The majority of Frank’s time outside Kane Brothers is spent with his wife raising their four boys and traveling as much as possible. Frank is an active member in the ICAA.
Christopher Kane
Founding Principal
Chris founded Kane Brothers, Inc., with brother Frank, in 1994 while in high school. “At the time we had no clue as to what it took or what we were getting into, but we were young enough to have nothing to lose. I’m certainly glad we took the risk and were able to build this company into something special.” Chris’ current role in the firm is fostering client relationships and leading the design department on new projects. “There are so many facts of this business I love. Getting to know our clients and understand their lifestyle then having the opportunity to create a space that enhances their lives is truly rewarding. And when I can get out of the office and get dirty, I do really enjoy the craft of physically putting the materials together.”
Chris is currently an active member in the ICAA, LDC, and DLN. Outside of work Chris enjoys spending time with family and friends, traveling, painting and cooking. Recent trips include Austria, the Netherlands and Switzerland.
Angelo Zielinski
Senior Designer
Angelo joined Kane Brothers, Inc. in 2008 upon graduating from the University of Illinois Champaign-Urbana. With a diverse background and passion for architecture, horticulture, and art, it did not take long for him to advance in the firm. In his current leadership role as a senior designer, Angelo ensures clients visons are translated into a cohesive plan which enhances their lifestyle. “As designers, we are tasked to devise the language by which our clients’ stories are told. Indeed, it is that responsibility and honor that inspires me to create spaces and settings that will serve as the backdrop of countless memories.”
Angelo is an active member in the ICAA, APLD, ILCA, and AOPA. Outside of the office, he can be found trekking with his family, wrenching on a project, or creating and seeking out art in any form.
Jason Bowen
Vice President of Customer Care
Jason has been a valued member of the Kane Brothers leadership team since 2004. After graduating Eastern Illinois University with a degree in Business Management. Jason began his career with a fortune 500 company based in Illinois. Jason’s current role with the firm is maintaining a high level of customer satisfaction by ensuring clients continually have a great experience with the entire Kane organization. “Integrity is everything. Kane Brothers has provided me the opportunity to grow in many facets; all while supporting a focus on the experience of the client. The communal belief of quality and service at Kane Brothers reinforces my personal views on the value of integrity.” Jason is an active ICAA member and serves on the ILCA Awards Committee.
Outside of the office Jason enjoys a variety of outdoor activities, a quality meal with family, and playing cheerleader/chauffeur to his two socialite sons.
Kimberly Miller
Office Manager
Joining the Kane Brothers team in 2018, Kim brings an extensive leadership and organizational skills to the team. Prior to joining Kane Brothers, Kim worked at one of the largest National Laboratories in the country where she developed extensive safety, organizational and management skills. In her current leadership role, Kim oversees many of the daily operations of the business including scheduling, accounts receivables and human resources. “I appreciate the independence I have been granted to prioritize and perform my work. I enjoy the variety and challenges of my daily activities and am grateful I have been afforded the opportunity to work with such a talented team.”
Kim received her bachelor’s degree in human resource management from Lewis University and has completed OSHA General Industry Safety Training. Outside of work Kim enjoys volunteering with her husband in missional opportunities, traveling with family and friends, and spending quiet time reading in her outdoor gazebo.
Cynthia Kane
Chief Financial Officer
Cindy has served as the company’s CFO since its inception in 1994. Though her work load has been lightened a bit over the years, she still oversees the firm’s payroll and accounting practices. “I’ve enjoyed watching the business grow and meeting wonderful people along the way. I look forward to what comes next.”
Outside of the office Cindy enjoys working in the garden (created by Frank and Chris for her and her husband) and spending time with her seven grandchildren.
Collaborators and Partners
- CaprioPrisby Architectural Design
- Design Workshop
- Ernest Schieferstein Architecture
- HKS Hill Glazer Studio
- H.O. Schulz
- Liederbach and Graham Architects
- MGM Construction
- Stillwater Architecture
- Timm T Martin Company
- Wade Weissmann Architecture
- Wright & Company Construction
- Wujcik Construction
Affiliations
- Association of Professional Landscape Designers
- Design Leadership Network
- Institute of Classical Architecture & Art
- IL American Society of Landscape Architects
- Illinois Landscape Contractors Association
- Leaders of Design Council
- North American Japanese Garden Association
Awards
- AQUA National Design Award, Third Place
- Association of Professional Landscape Designers (APLD), International Design Award
- Chicago Flower and Garden Show, Best in Show
- Chicago Flower and Garden Show, People’s Choice Award
- Chicago Flower and Garden Show, Gold Award
- IL Landscape Contractors Association, Judges Award (2x)
- IL Landscape Contractors Association, People’s Choice Award
- IL Landscape Contractors Association, Gold Award – Landscape Construction (14x)
- National Spa and Pool Institute (NSPI) International Award of Excellence
- Professional Landcare Network, National Landscape Award of Excellence – Grand Award
- WI Landscape Contractors Association, Gold Award – Landscape Construction (2x)
Publications
- Robb Report, 23 Ultimate Gifts, December 2014
- Crain’s Chicago Business, Hate Chlorine? Leery of Lakes? Here’s a Pool for You, May 2014
- Chicago Tribune, Elements of Beauty, March 2009
- Robb Report Collection, The Water Bearers, July 2007
- Landscape Architect + Specifier News, A Water Garden Redesign, July 2005
- Landscape Architect + Specifier News, Five Falls O’er the Fox River, July 2004