When Somerset Hills City Lifestyle caught up with Tracy and Jason Bruno of Bruno Design Associates in Chester earlier this spring, life was buzzing with excitement. Their family was celebrating a trio of academic milestones: their daughter, Alyssa, was graduating from Boston College, while their sons, Nicholas and Dominic, were graduating from West Morris Mendham High School and Black River Middle School, respectively.
“It’s been a little hectic, but in the best way,” Tracy said with a laugh. “It really feels like the end of some big chapters and the beginning of exciting new ones.”
Through it all, one thing remains steady for the Bruno family: a strong sense of community.
“We moved to the Somerset Hills area for the lifestyle, the schools, and the open space,” Tracy says. “Over the years, the friendships we’ve made and the roots we’ve established have given us such a deep appreciation for where we live.”
Tracy and Jason met as students at Delaware Valley University in Doylestown, Pennsylvania, both pursuing degrees in Ornamental Horticulture and Environmental Design. After gaining experience in the industry and raising their young family, they made the move to Chester in 2012.
“Jason was working with a landscape company at the time, and I was a stay-at-home mom,” Tracy recalls. “That’s when I decided to launch my own business, and everything grew from there.”
Today, Bruno Design Associates is a flourishing design/build firm known for crafting high-end outdoor environments across Morris and Somerset counties. The firm’s projects range from custom pools and spas to masonry, lighting, pergolas, fencing, irrigation, and comprehensive landscape design.
“Our niche is high-end residential design/build,” Jason explains. “We focus on larger backyard transformations—master planning outdoor spaces that function beautifully and look stunning. The goal is to take all the moving parts of a complex project and bring them together under one umbrella.”
Jason holds the Certified Building Professional (CBP) and Tracy holds the Certified Master Pool Builder and Design Professional (MCBP) designation from the Pool and Hot Tub Alliance—a credential earned by only a small number of professionals worldwide. This expertise supports their reputation for seamless execution and high-caliber results.
The couple emphasizes communication and transparency at every stage. “We begin with a complimentary in-home consultation,” Jason says. “From there, we explore initial ideas and provide digital 3D models that help the client visualize their finished space.”
Budgeting, phasing, sequencing, and code compliance are all covered well before construction begins. “We make sure there are no surprises,” Tracy adds. “It’s a blend of art, engineering, and trust.”
The Brunos also recognize that outdoor living has taken on new importance for homeowners. “We’re seeing more interest than ever in private backyard retreats,” Jason says. “Covered structures with lighting, fans, fireplaces, TVs, and full kitchens are hugely popular.”
But for the Brunos, outdoor living isn’t just their business—it’s their way of life. A close-knit, sports-loving family, they spend much of their time outdoors with their two Goldendoodles, Finley and Theo.
“We love experiencing nature together as a family,” Tracy says. “Our kids are very active in sports, and we sponsor and volunteer with local teams as much as we can.”
As their family grows and the business expands, their love for the community remains unwavering.
“We absolutely love where we live and the people we serve,” Tracy says. “It’s incredibly rewarding to work with clients who reflect the joy and warmth of this area.”
To learn more or explore outdoor design possibilities, visit www.brunodesignassociates.com.
Bruno Design Associates
Phone: (908) 809-5341
Website: brunodesignassociates.com
Services: Landscapes, Pools, and Outdoor Living design, space planning, project management
Highlights: Known for creative, client-focused residential interiors across New Jersey and beyond!