Strong leadership starts with treating people well.
At Set Roots, we are guided by respect, clear expectations,
and open communication. We strive to foster an environment where
employees feel valued, empowered, and supported.
In 2017, Kyle McLaughlin launched Set Roots, seeking a creative outlet to work outdoors and bring landscapes to life. Since then, the company has grown from small-scale projects to large, complex landscapes, driven by craftsmanship, integrity, and sustainable expansion. With a strong focus on hiring, training, and nurturing talent, we ensure consistency and excellence while fostering a company culture built on respect and collaboration. Looking ahead, we remain committed to innovative design, lasting landscapes, and thoughtful growth—elevating industry standards while staying true to our core values.
“Our success isn’t measured by how big we become, but by how intentionally we grow. We choose to expand at a steady, thoughtful pace—prioritizing our people, our values, and the integrity of our work above all else.”
— Kyle McLaughlin, Principal & Founder
With 20 years of experience in the landscape industry and certifications as a CLT and CLP, Kyle has built his career on craftsmanship, creativity, and a deep connection to nature. In 2017, he acquired Set Roots, seeking a creative outlet that allowed him to work outdoors and bring landscapes to life.
For Kyle, success isn’t just about creating stunning outdoor spaces—it’s about fostering relationships. Whether collaborating with clients or mentoring employees, he finds purpose in building a company rooted in respect, integrity, and lasting impact. His leadership philosophy is simple but powerful: people want to be treated well. By listening to employee feedback, refining processes, and maintaining clear expectations, Kyle ensures that his team feels empowered and valued.
Under his guidance, Set Roots has maintained steady, thoughtful growth, prioritizing quality over rapid expansion. He remains hands-on in projects, ensuring each design reflects both innovation and sustainability. Beyond his work, Kyle enjoys snowboarding, wake surfing, exercising, and spending time with family—finding balance between his passion for landscapes and his love of adventure.
“My philosophy is simple: above all else, people deserve to be treated well. When subcontractors feel valued and respected, their work reflects that. A well-supported team produces exceptional results. We prioritize thoughtful gestures—from fair compensation to meaningful traditions like Christmas celebrations, crawfish boils, and providing new work shoes each year—I want my team to feel appreciated and empowered.” – Kyle
As Managing Partner at Set Roots, Davis oversees daily operations, project management, and sales. He became a partner in March 2023, bringing a wealth of industry experience to the team.
Originally from Huntsville, he earned a Business degree in Entrepreneurship from the University of Oklahoma. His leadership at Set Roots is grounded in a commitment to quality craftsmanship, client satisfaction, and fostering growth within his team. Seeing a project come to life is one of the most rewarding aspects of his work, along with making customers happy and helping team members build their careers.
Outside of work, Davis is actively involved with CASA, a nonprofit advocating for children in need. He enjoys spending time with friends, listening to music, hunting, fly fishing, riding motorcycles and spending time with his golden retriever, Jed.
Blair Chesnut is the newest Partner and Lead Designer at Set Roots. A Charleston native with a passion for outdoor living, Blair brings over 16 years of experience in landscape architecture, blending technical expertise with a love for creating spaces that connect people to nature.
After nearly a decade in Houston and three years in Atlanta, Blair has returned to Houston for good. She earned her Landscape Architecture degree from Clemson University, with a minor in Horticulture, which laid the groundwork for her thoughtful, client-centered design process. Blair leads initial client meetings, develops conceptual designs, manages projects, and oversees field crews—all with a focus on crafting outdoor spaces that invite joy, relaxation, and connection.
Blair is supported by her husband Will and her father, Robert, a landscape architect in Charleston. Her cockapoo Teddy joins her on walks, travels, and just about everything in between. Off the clock, you’ll find her in the garden, on the tennis court, or exploring new places. A former member of ICAA, ASLA, and her local Garden Club, Blair looks forward to reconnecting with Houston’s design community and continuing to grow her roots at Set Roots.