A passion-driven journey
Mindful Construction all started with Tony and Cynthia, two family members who shared a simple passion - helping people live better outdoors. Driven by their enthusiasm and aligned values, they brought together a hand-picked crew of talented individuals with diverse skills but one common goal: to elevate outdoor living. From designers and builders to landscapers and beyond, each team member brought their unique expertise and a dedication to turning ordinary backyards into extraordinary outdoor havens where people could truly embrace nature and enhance their living experience. Meet the minds behind Mindful Construction.
James “Tony”Trowbridge
Co-Founder & Chief Executive Officer
After a successful journey in the field of IT, I've been fortunate to embark on a second career that resonates with me even more deeply – assisting families in enhancing their outdoor living spaces. The act of aiding others holds significant importance in my life. Witnessing families rediscover their love for their yards brings me immense joy; it's the ultimate reward.
The process of landscape renovation, spanning from initial design to material selection, installation, and managing the inevitable mess and disruptions for clients, is undoubtedly challenging. Achieving excellence in this domain requires exceptional communication, patience, a genuine desire to assist, and a commitment to prioritizing the client's needs. Above all, a profound love for the work is essential. Additionally, I firmly believe in infusing enthusiasm into each project and fostering a collaborative environment throughout the renovation process.
Forming and nurturing dynamic teams is another aspect of my professional journey that I'm deeply passionate about. I recall Jack Welch's philosophy at General Electric, where he emphasized that the company's greatest assets were its people, not its technology or facilities. Similarly, I hold the belief that the well-being and success of my team members and their families are paramount. It's both an honor and a responsibility to lead a team, one that I cherish dearly.
In my personal life, much like my professional endeavors, I've been blessed to find love later in life. My wife and I exchanged vows in Monterey in October 2023. She brings with her two wonderful grown sons who are now married. Together, we delight in exploring new destinations, spending serene moments in Tahoe (my favorite retreat), discovering hidden gems along the California coast, indulging in cozy coffee houses, exploring wine country, and ensuring there's ample time for tennis and golf.
Cynthia Torp
Co-Founder & Chief Financial Officer
Having grown up in the automotive repair industry, my fascination with tools, craftsmanship, machinery, and aesthetics has been deeply ingrained from an early age. Assisting my father in managing his repair shop provided me with a holistic understanding of running a business, encompassing everything from understanding the ins and outs of vehicle repair to delivering friendly and attentive customer service, as well as maintainting a solid financial foundation.
Despite finding fulfillment in this line of work, I felt a calling toward something different - the great outdoors. Transitioning into outdoor design and construction has allowed me to leverage my affinity for numbers in managing finances while channeling my passion for assisting others create inviting and visually appealing outdoor spaces. Drawing upon my background in psychology, I approach client interactions with empathy and understanding, recognizing the potential stress associated with home disruptions during construction.
My love for nature and the outdoors extends far beyond my professional pursuits. Dirt biking is where I find the greatest joy and sense of freedom and has led me to discover some incredible locations on the West Coast. When i'm not riding I enjoy stand-up paddle boarding, vintage racing, yoga, and hiking. Additionally, I gain satisfaction from expressing my creativity through various artistic mediums such as painting, repurposing items, and making art installations.
Lyndsay Hern
Outdoor Living Designer
With over a decade of experience, design has always been the primary focus in many aspects of my life. I have a very strong eye for detail and the ability for envisioning possibilities that others may overlook. Along with these attributes, at Mindful Construction I bring my unique perspective and creativity to every project to assist in creating designs that reflect each clients’ taste and style. From the initial design phase to the final touches of decorating, I love being a part of the process that helps our clients’ achieve an outdoor space they love.
When I’m not immersed in design, you can find me staying active with my two boys and keeping fit with my husband through working out in our home gym or tending to our meticulously maintained yard. I also enjoy trips to the beautiful Napa Valley where I unwind, indulge in wine tasting and enjoy the beauty and inspiration of the outdoor spaces around me. My love for design also extends to decorating sugar cookies. Whether it’s decorating custom sugar cookies or helping clients transform their outdoor living spaces, the satisfaction in seeing my clients’ faces when they see the end result is incredibly rewarding.
As an Outdoor Living Designer for Mindful Construction, I have the privilege of working with a talented team to ensure our clients’ visions for their outdoor living spaces are brought to reality. I am dedicated to ensuring that every design is not only visually stunning but a functional extension of ones home that meets the desires of each client. I am truly grateful to be doing what I love and to make a difference in peoples lives through mindful and beautiful design.
Rosendo Perez
Client Success Manager
As a dreamscaper and client success manager at Mindful construction, I bring years of expertise in landscape design, build, and decoration. With a passion for creating stunning outdoor spaces, I thrive on bringing clients' visions to life, transforming their yards into captivating retreats.
Outside of work, I cherish time with my loving family—my wife, three wonderful daughters, and I share a deep appreciation for the outdoors. Whether it's hiking through lush trails or enjoying a picnic in the park, nature is where we find joy and inspiration.
My dedication to enhancing outdoor living extends beyond personal enjoyment. With a keen eye for detail and a commitment to excellence, I take pride in guiding clients towards realizing the full potential of their outdoor spaces. From conceptualizing innovative designs to overseeing meticulous installations, I am dedicated to exceeding expectations and creating outdoor havens that enrich lives.
Let's collaborate to transform your outdoor dreams into breathtaking realities!
John Santos
Project Manager
As a project manager at Mindful Construction with over 10 years of experience in paving and landscaping, I am committed to transforming outdoor spaces into beautiful and functional environments. My extensive field experience has equipped me with the skills to manage projects from start to finish while ensuring quality and attention to detail.
I am passionate about building strong relationships with my clients, believing that open communication is vital for success. I take the time to understand their visions and incorporate their feedback into every project. Additionally, I am dedicated to not only managing my crew but also supporting them on the ground, working alongside them to tackle challenges and ensure we all succeed together. My goal is to create a positive, productive atmosphere where both clients and team members feel valued and empowered throughout the entire construction process.
Dena Rochelle
Landscape Designer
My interest in horticulture intensified while digging into dense clay soil at my East Bay mid-century modern home. I realized my life-long love of design translated outdoors.
A bit of history first: my editorial endeavors began in the fashion, design + architecture division of Abrams Books in NYC. Magazines lure me away for a bit and then tech, upon resettling in California. A decade spent leading social media campaigns for lifestyle, fashion and clean beauty brands… NorCal, SoCal, and back to the Bay Area again. I’ve also been a writer and an editor for various magazines and websites over the years. Should have known when I was writing garden articles for California Home + Design years ago that I would eventually end up being a landscape designer when I grew up.
After a decade of experimental (and limited) landscaping at beloved rented Eichler houses, I’d gratefully been presented with the opportunity to go deeper. So I spent the next few years using my yard as a lab while studying landscape design and received a dry garden design certification from Ruth Bancroft Garden.
I love curating planting plans that blend modern aesthetics and naturalistic qualities. I am intentional about making realistic choices with regionally appropriate selections. Think of it as an artful stylization of plants, which inevitably and wonderfully evolves over time.