Design Workshop Expanding Globally

DENVER—Design Workshop, an international landscape architecture, planning, and urban design firm with work spanning the globe, has opened five new office locations in Beijing, Chicago, Dubai, Houston and California and the launch of their new, international website.

Why the push for greater geographic diversity? Design Workshop has proven that being in the right location is very important. “We are prepared to follow the work and locate in new geographies that are the centers of the new economy. We will continually adapt to changing times. As America continues to urbanize, this suggests more urban locations in addition to the resort locations that have typically been our lifeblood,” noted chairman Kurt Culbertson.

During the great recession, Design Workshop benefited greatly from work in China. They are proceeding with the establishment of a Wholly Foreign-Owned Enterprise (WFOE) which will provide them with greater latitude to operate in the country. They are also publishing a book titled; International New Landscapes, which documents some of their most recent work. The new office in Beijing will be led by principal Jim MacRae and associate Fenglin Du.

Design Workshop is also doing a great deal of work in the Midwest including the Eaton Center in northern Ohio. The opening of a Chicago office location provides them with an opportunity to establish a presence in the region and build upon strong existing relationships. Office director Jon Brooke, a former principal at Hoerr Schaudt, and associate Sara Egan are leading the effort.

Dubai is one of the most dynamic, dense, urban environments in the world. As a result Design Workshop opened an office in the Dubai Marina. They have completed and are working on several projects in the Middle East including Petra and MENA, a Moroccan ski area. Chuck Ware, a 15 year employee, returned to the firm this year after living in Saudi Arabia for two and a half years is the principal-in-charge.

Design Workshop's Austin office has been very active in Texas since 2008 and has contracted significant work in Houston including the Houston Arboretum and Post Oak Boulevard. As a result Design Workshop opened an office in Houston's Midtown District. The office is being led by president, Rebecca Leonard, principal Steven Spears and office director Amy Harbert, a former Associate at SWA. As the fourth largest city in the country, Houston is a gateway to both Latin America and the Middle East and offers tremendous potential for growth.

The firm is also developing a presence in California having recently opened an office in Los Angeles that will be led by office director Lance Lowrey. Design Workshop is also assessing locations for a Northern California office that will be led by principal Steve Noll.

To celebrate their recent growth and expansion, Design Workshop recently launched a new, international website.

Founded in 1969, Design Workshop has been recognized with nearly 300 prestigious awards for their work in community planning, new communities, urban centers and mixed-use resorts, public parks, golf courses and residences.