I’m proud of our diverse team of designers, estimators and field experts who all work together to create a robust landscape that engages aesthetics, function, safety and maintenance. Whether the task at hand is creating an entirely new landscape, revitalizing neglected green spaces or simply correcting a drainage problem, Sunrise can help you implement a complete design/build program that fits your budget and your lifestyle.
Joe is a native of the Northern Virginia area. He was born and raised in
Great Falls/Reston and has lived here his whole life. In 1986, Joe started
Sunrise Lawn/Landscaping Services with one truck and a mower and has grown
the business into what it is today. Joe is a Certified Landscape
Professional and recently received his horticulturalist certification. In
his free time Joe enjoys bass fishing, duck hunting, working in his yard,
and playing soccer and football with his kids. Joe currently lives in
Leesburg with his wife and 4 children.
Richard Pocs, Landscape Designer
Richard has been with Sunrise since March 2001 and has over twenty years
experience in the landscape industry encompassing the aspects of design,
contracting, maintenance and management. Possessing a 
Bachelors of Landscape
Architecture degree from the University of Illinois, Richard has worked in
Illinois, Florida, Maryland and Virginia. While at school he worked for the
university grounds department and at the golf course. After graduating,
Richard landed in Florida, working at first for a landscape contractor
spending most of his time in the field. Thereafter, he worked at a small Landscape Architecture firm using AutoCAD and LANDCADD in the design process. Upon moving to this area, Richard
was operations manager for the Washington D.C. office of a national interior
landscape company. After a stint as an at-home-dad, Richard joined Sunrise
and very much enjoys the mix of indoor and outdoor work. He describes his
design philosophy as practicality based and specializes in integrating hardscape functions with plant material.
Peter Rhyne, Landscape Designer
Peter is a modern landscape designer, specializing in computer aided landsc
ape design. Peter graduated with an Associate’s Degree in Landscape Design from NVCC, and plans on finishing his Bachelor’s while he continues working as a designer. He joined the Sunrise Team in 2011, and helps clients visualize landscape plans through computer generated models, and photo renderings of the designs. Peter likes to spend his free time with his wife, and their families, and enjoys working on cars, biking, and reading.
Tom Kniezewski, Account Manager
Tom Kniezewski is one of the account managers for Sunrise Landscape and
Design. Since his arrival to 
Sunrise in June 2008, he has assisted in the
internal transformation Sunrise has been undergoing and shaping the account
manager position. He has been given the honor of ‘best hair” by the
accounting department and is presently ranked in the top two for account
managers in the company. He recently completed the rigorous task of becoming
a Certified Landscape Technician (CLT). Tom received his bachelors degrees
from American University in applied mathematics and business, but his
personality and desire to be part of the outdoors, plants, and beautiful
landscapes was too strong for him to be stuck behind a desk all day
crunching numbers. He plans to continue to advance his knowledge, skills,
and customer relationships for many years to come.
Grant Christie, Production Manager
Grant Christie, our Maintenance Department Production Manager joins us as a 30 year veteran of the Green Industry via California, Florida and now the DC Area. 
Grant started in Irrigation in California where he became a licensed contractor, and later on in Florida where he became a Certified Water Auditor with the Irrigation Association. Wanting to expand his knowledge of the outdoors, he completed a Certificate in Landscape Design Program at Diablo Valley College in California, and he was also one of the first in our industry to become a Certified Landscape Technician in Landscape Construction. He also has an Associate Degree from Santa Monica College, has attended numerous seminars related to our industry, and looks forward to continuing his education and certification. Grant originates from Canada, is married to his wife for 25 years, and has two daughters. In his spare time he enjoys hiking, canoeing and being outdoors.
Jill Berrier-Administrative Assistant
Jill is a part-time employee at Sunrise. She assists in the Maintenance Division with contracts, 
marketing, client scheduling and overall support to the division. Jill earned a B.S. in Chemistry from Loyola College and has taken many graduate courses in Computer Science. She has worked for Martin Marietta as a research chemist and for the American Chemical Society as a Computer Support Engineer. In addition to those positions, Jill has written computer training manuals and software documentation and has served as a computer instructor for many years. Jill enjoys biking, running, team sports, hiking, camping and gardening. Jill resides with her husband and three children in Ashburn, VA.
Brian is a native resident of Reston and a Herndon High School graduate. He joined Sunrise in 1993 initially as a crew leader in our maintenance division, then moving over to our landscaping division. With his mechanical background prior to his employment with Sunrise, it wasn’t long before Brian was promoted to the head mechanic position. Brian enjoys his time away from Sunrise playing with his dog Jack.