Design Workshop
| Company type | Private |
|---|---|
| Industry | Landscape architecture, Urban design, Land planning, Strategic consulting |
| Founded | 1969 |
| Founder | Don Ensign, Joe A. Porter |
| Headquarters | United States |
Area served | United States, Canada |
| Products | Landscape architecture, Land planning, Urban design, Strategic consulting |
Design Workshop is a global firm specializing in landscape architecture, land planning, urban design, and strategic consulting, established in 1969. In recognition of its contributions to new communities, urban centers, resorts, public parks, golf courses, and private residences, it received the Firm of the Year award from the ASLA in 2008.
The company maintains multiple offices throughout the United States, including locations in Austin, Aspen, Denver, Houston, Lake Tahoe, Raleigh, and Los Angeles.
In collaboration with Utah State University, Design Workshop has made available a comprehensive archive of its project documentation to support students, landscape architects, environmental planners, and researchers exploring the evolution of the western United States during the 20th century.
History
Design Workshop was established by Don Ensign and Joe A. Porter, who were both college professors and friends. The firm initially focused on serving private clients through an interactive process termed “design workshops.” After moving its base to Aspen, it earned acclaim for tackling intricate issues within sensitive ecosystems and western landscapes.
Throughout more than fifty years of operation, Design Workshop broadened its expertise to encompass master planning for counties, planned communities, urban centers, resorts, parks open to the public, residential areas, and transportation corridors.
Notable projects
Highlighted projects include:
- Aspen Downtown Enhancement and Pedestrian Plan - Aspen, Colorado
- Daybreak Community - South Jordan, Utah
- The Glacier Club at Tamarron - Durango, Colorado
- Kananaskis Village - Alberta, Canada
- Kierland Commons - Phoenix, Arizona
- Rancho Viejo - Santa Fe, New Mexico
- Riverfront Park - Denver, Colorado
- Whistler Blackcomb - Whistler, British Columbia
- Whistler Comprehensive Sustainability Plan - Whistler, British Columbia