Our Team

As one of the founders of our company, Amy was instrumental in the formation of A&C Development.

With a PMI certification and experience in International Business and a family residential construction business, Amy’s attributes were invaluable in the earlier days of this organization. Over the years her day-to-day role has morphed from CFO, to President, and her role today is predominantly behind the scenes, as she works to raise three young boys.

Chris Sears, founder of A&C Development, has over 20 years of industry experience in the Atlanta market and holds a Commercial General Contractor’s license (unlimited tier). Chris is also a Registered Landscape Architect, and owner of Sears, Smith and Associates, Inc., a full-service, Atlanta-based Landscape Architecture firm. He has a passion for building client relationships, and strives to build unique and memorable places across Atlanta.

His earliest industry experiences include humble beginnings working on landscape construction crews, as a nurseryman, working in forestry and even as a survey technician. Chris began his career in Atlanta with a small firm where he gained experience working on projects for developers, homebuilders, and large residential estates. In 2001, Chris moved to a Project Management role for ValleyCrest, the largest landscape contractor in the nation. This move allowed him to gain valuable management and construction experience on large multimillion-dollar commercial projects. With continued success at the firm, he was promoted to a business development role, then ultimately went on to create and lead their Design-Build Department. While exceeding all corporate goals and expectations, Chris had a vision to provide superior service to his clients and decided to devote all of his efforts to establishing a company that would do just that.

In 2005, Chris established Sears, Smith and Associates, Inc. (SS&A), which has since provided clients across the metro Atlanta area with analysis, planning, design, management and stewardship of the natural and built environments. SS&A has created memorable designs for its clients’ outdoor spaces ranging from mixed-use and commercial landscaping, to stunning private, residential backyard makeovers and golf course communities.

Understanding the need for a seamless option for the implementation and installation of these designs, Chris and his wife, Amy, then established A&C Development, Inc., as a general landscape contractor in 2005. Since then, A&C has delivered many visions into realities. We continue to strive to build memorable places, whether designed by SS&A or in partnership with any of the other great Landscape Architecture firms, General Contractors, Developers, or Property Owners in Atlanta!

"I love to work on projects where the client appreciates our expertise and talents, and is ultimately amazed by our process and deliverables. Being able to enjoy a project after completion with a client is what makes us enjoy continuing what we do!"

Duncan serves as the main Point of Contact for all residential projects or projects for residential developers, builders, and residential property managers. His responsibilities include management of the entire scope of the project from start up to completion. Duncan’s role is to ensure A&C client satisfaction, managing the process to ensure the end product meets or exceeds all expectations. He is not only the client’s primary point of contact, but is instrumental in coordinating the many valuable trade partners that handle landscape, irrigation, fencing, concrete, pavers, etc. He is Instrumental during permitting and coordination with local municipalities to ensure project compliance. Duncan has more than seven years of industry experience and a degree in Landscape Architecture from the University of Georgia.

"My Favorite job is actually a collection of jobs I did for a very high-end custom home builder. I was involved from the design through the construction/implementation of each job. The project included a robust plant package and highly detailed hardscapes, including water features. The builder’s home prices were typically $2 million and above. I enjoyed being involved in the early stages of the design, all the way through to completion with very particular clients."

With more than 33 years of construction experience, David is A&C’s Development Manager for all commercial projects. David oversees the management of the entire project from preconstruction bidding to project turnover. His day-to-day responsibilities include the field management of all subcontractors including landscape, hardscape, irrigation, fence, electricians, plumbers, concrete flatwork contractors and more. David’s extensive experience will ensure your project is delivered on time and on budget.

"My favorite projects are those where the entire construction team and I work with a team approach to ensure a high-quality project within the budget. One such project was Skyland Trails Young Adult Center in Brookhaven. It was a beautiful blend of creating a structure with very intriguing hardscapes that was softened and enhanced by the landscape surrounding it. As a construction team, we had to work together closely with everyone to ensure all the elements of the project were added at the right time all the while respecting each other’s work. It was also one I was happy to do because I knew the need for a place that these young adults could be comfortable in and develop in a very safe environment."

Jeremy has over 20 years’ experience in the construction industry. His extensive knowledge of this industry includes all facets of landscape, irrigation and hardscape systems. His responsibilities include project coordination, technical review of cost estimates, contractor procurement, project cost review, value engineering, and contract negotiations for a variety of project types. Jeremy is a LEED Accredited Professional, a Project Management Professional, a certified Commercial Building Inspector, and holds Contractor Administrator and Construction Estimator certifications.

"I’ve been involved on some very large, special projects, most notably the GA Aquarium which was with a previous employer, but a special project to me. Here at A&C I'm using my past experiences to help shape our team to execute as efficiently as possible. Currently I am excited about leading the charge as we embark into new territory launching a new construction software, that will increase our overall productivity."

With almost 20 years in the construction industry, Matt supervises the on-site operations for A&C. Matt oversees on-site subcontractors for scope and quality of work, and that budgets and schedules are met or exceeded. Matt will work directly with the owner to ensure satisfaction.

"My more memorable project was a bandstand behind a local municipality’s City Hall. Due to its location and the approaching Memorial Day holiday, a large televised celebration and unveiling was scheduled for that weekend - all eyes were on this project and me. With the team’s hard work and dedication, the project was completed the Wednesday before with no punch out needed. And since, the bandstand and celebration are still seen on TV every Memorial Day weekend. People call every time to say they saw the bandstand on TV, and I’m proud to have been a part of that."

Jonathan has more than 20 years of experience in both the residential and commercial construction industry. Not only does Jonathan ensure quality and satisfaction to his customers through oversight of the on-site subcontractors, he also has an Master’s degree in Business Administration and this gives him experience with budget and schedule management to make sure the project stays on track.

"My favorite job to date with A&C is the Special Olympics Headquarters. The project team was amazing and I am moved by the Special Olympics organization and all they do and stand for. It truly is special."

As the Office Manager, Ginger handles all of the invoicing, Accounts Receivable and Accounts Payable for A&C Development, Inc. Ginger does whatever she can to help make everything run smoothly and keep A&C’s clients happy!

"I enjoy doing something different every day. I love working with A&C because each day has its own unique challenges and responsibilities."