Denver, Colorado Landscape Architects and Designers

Chris Turner

Co-Founder l Principal

Chris Turner is a Colorado native and award-winning landscape architect with over 20 years of experience designing refined, high-end residential environments. A graduate of Colorado State University with a Bachelor of Science in Landscape Design, Chris is known for creating outdoor spaces that are both architecturally intentional and deeply connected to how people live, gather, and experience place.

Chris was selected as one of Denver Business Journal’s 40 Under 40, recognizing influential business leaders shaping the future of Denver, and was also named Top 5 Under 40 by Colorado Homes & Lifestyles, an honor reserved for the state’s most compelling emerging voices in residential design. His work has been featured nationally and locally in publications including Architectural Digest, Luxe Interiors + Design, 5280 Home, Modern in Denver, Denver Life, and Colorado Homes & Lifestyles, among others.

As a Principal of Elevate by Design, Chris helps lead a studio recognized for its thoughtful, modern approach to luxury landscape architecture. The firm has been named Top Denver Design by 5280 Home for three consecutive years and has been included on Luxe Interiors + Design’s prestigious Gold List annually from 2019 through 2024, placing Elevate by Design among the top design firms in the country.

At the core of Chris’s work is a belief that outdoor spaces should feel effortless, enduring, and quietly powerful—designed to elevate daily life while standing the test of time.

Paul Wrona

Co-Founder l Principal

A native of Indiana, Paul received a Bachelor of Science degree in Landscape Design and Horticulture from Purdue University. After graduation, Paul moved to Colorado and began his professional career in landscape design. After working 12 years at a Landscape Design/Build firm, he decided it was time to start his own firm.

Teaming up with Chris in 2012 to form Elevate by Design, they have now run a successful and distinguished Landscape Architecture firm for 13 years. Paul has a passion for creating cozy and intimate outdoor spaces, designed with the intent to relax and unwind with family and friends. He also has an enthusiasm for simplicity. He loves the challenge of balancing the structures of manmade construction with the unpredictability of nature to produce a space that is calm and inviting. Paul’s work has been awarded both locally and nationally. His projects have been recognized in magazines such as Architectural Digest, Luxe Interiors and Design, 5280Home, Modern in Denver, Denver Life, and Colorado Homes and Lifestyles, among others. He resides in Denver with his beautiful wife and two boys.

Aubrey Ansah | PLA

Lead Landscape Architect
asmith@ebdstudios.com

Aubrey is the lead Landscape Architect at Elevate by Design and has a passion for transforming ordinary spaces into idyllic outdoor oases. She joined EBD in July of 2014 and holds a Bachelor Degree in Landscape Architecture from Texas A&M University.

Prior to joining Elevate by Design, Aubrey worked for a well-known Landscape Architecture firm in Houston, Texas specializing in mixed use land development and large scale community planning. This experience provided her with an invaluable understanding for how team collaboration and communication can provide the best design solutions. She has carried this into her work here in Denver, and values the individual strengths of each member here at Elevate by Design.

Ultimately, the beauty and active lifestyle of Colorado drew Aubrey to relocate from Texas, where she found her passion in residential landscape architecture. Aubrey enjoys every step of the design and construction process and values the relationships she creates with her clients.

She is a firm believer in surrounding yourself with positive people and environments,

which she is proud to fulfill with her work at Elevate by Design.

Our Architects and Designers Create Unique Outdoor Spaces Across Denver

At Elevate by Design, we specialize in Denver landscape design, bringing years of experience to each residential project. From backyard transformations to garden designs, our team creates high-quality outdoor living spaces throughout Denver, Colorado, and beyond. We tailor every element—such as outdoor lighting, irrigation systems, or water features—to boost curb appeal and functionality. Our landscape architects collaborate closely with clients in areas like Cherry Hills, Highlands Ranch, and Greenwood Village to develop personalized design concepts that elevate every outdoor project.

A few of the areas we serve our Denver, Colorado Springs, and Fort Collins. We also serve clients outside of Colorado, including Santa Barbara, California, where our design team applies the same attention to detail, creativity, and craftsmanship to coastal landscapes.

Bespoke Designs that Reflect Colorado’s Character

Our expertise in Colorado landscape architecture allows us to offer bespoke land designs that reflect the unique character of each neighborhood, from Boulder, CO to the foothills of the Rocky Mountains and even urban pockets like Aurora, CO. At Elevate by Design, we integrate elements of environmental design into our projects, balancing the built environment with nature to create public spaces, residential areas, and learning landscapes that inspire and endure.

Whether working alongside interior designers, project managers, or landscape contractors, our approach is grounded in thoughtful planning and collaboration. We partner with firms to maintain excellence in all our landscape design services. From pocket parks to expansive backyard landscaping, we provide complete project management—from design ideas and installation.

Award-Winning Designs with Lasting Impact

Our outdoor design philosophy emphasizes quality and detail across every project. Whether we are adding fire pits and outdoor kitchens to a backyard, holiday lighting to a front yard, or installing retaining walls for stability, we aim to align each space with the highest standards of architecture and design. We have received design awards and recognition from leading publications like Colorado Homes & Lifestyles for our innovative design approach and exceptional landscape plans.

With a focus on both urban planning and residential landscape design, our team transforms properties across the Denver area, from Colorado Springs to the Mile High City itself. Whether you're planning a backyard renovation, or enhancing a public space, we ensure every outdoor space is a masterpiece tailored to your vision. Elevate by Design delivers results that integrate seamlessly into any lifestyle, ensuring your outdoor living areas are functional, sustainable, and built to impress.

Specialized Outdoor Design Services

Beyond landscape architecture, Elevate by Design offers a range of custom services that shape the way people live outdoors. Our team has deep expertise in:

• Swimming Pool Design — integrating water elements that bring both luxury and relaxation into your outdoor space.

• Fire Feature Design — from fire pits to full-scale features, we create focal points that provide warmth and atmosphere.

• Backyard Patio Design — tailored patios that extend your living space and anchor your outdoor gatherings.

• Outdoor Kitchen Design — functional, beautiful cooking spaces that transform entertaining into an effortless experience.

• Residential Landscape Design — complete outdoor environments shaped through structure, texture, and materials suited to Colorado’s terrain and seasons.

• Backyard Design — thoughtful layouts that bring clarity to circulation, gathering areas, and the day-to-day use of your outdoor living space.

• Water Feature Design — streams, fountains, and cascades crafted to introduce movement, gentle sound, and a natural focal point within the landscape.

Each service is designed to pair seamlessly with our broader landscape architecture work, giving you a cohesive vision for your property.