We design outdoor spaces that are thoughtful, distinctly beautiful, and crafted with integrity — creating a meaningful connection between buildings, nature, and the people who inhabit them both.

Terrain Workshop is a landscape design and construction firm located in Dallas, TX. Our firm specializes in original, site-specific landscape design that is informed by the natural world.

Projects

On Point

Hanover

Sidelong

Patrician

Aloft

Chiswell

Preston Hollow

In Progress

White Rock Creek

In Progress

Cabin in the Woods

In Progress

Prestonshire

Approach

Design+Build

Although our work’s foundation is based on timeless design principles, we are always endeavoring to discover and embrace new concepts, materials, and methods to achieve a landscape that is beyond the ordinary and expected. In part, this desire determined our identity as a workshop.

We are inspired by the efficiency and clarity of modern architecture. We also believe that landscapes need not be guided solely by a pre-determined set of stylistic principles for the primary reason that our gardens are built for people and therefore each should be unique.

Our Process

  • 1 / Vision

    We explore the space from a high-level and establish how it will be used, how it will look and feel, and ultimately, why it’s being built. Our process is custom-tailored through robust research into our clients and their lifestyles.
    1 — 2 Weeks
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  • 2 / Schematic Design

    Starting from sketches, we actualize our design through several rounds until we land on a final concept with the client utilizing Sketchup and 3D software. We establish a detailed budget based on the final schematic design, which is realized in a detailed CAD sheet set.
    2 — 4 Weeks

  • 3 / Construction Drawings

    CD’s are detailed blueprints that tell our tradesmen exactly how to construct your design. The drawings include technical and structural information as well as information about the size, shape, and location of everything, from trees, plants and grass, to paths and other features. Think of construction drawings as a step-by-step guide that helps turn an idea into reality.
    2 — 4 Weeks

  • 4 / Construction Management

    In tandem with CDs, we begin building our projects by handing the work off to the construction management team. A schedule is set based on the design’s needs and all necessary trade partners are mustered, and the design starts to become reality.
    3 — 6 Months

  • 5 / Enjoyment

    More than just a cause for celebration with clients, a project’s completion is a time for reflection as well. We determine what went well and what didn’t, and how we can be sure we both finish exceptional work and leave an exceptional reputation in our stead.
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Throughout history, humans have always been drawn into nature to explore, rest, and reflect. To harness the beauty of the world around us, every known culture and society has designed and built outdoor spaces. The longing to be in and create gardens transcends cultures and time. It is an innate desire of every human to connect to, marvel at, and enjoy nature — to flourish.

Our team is varied, coming from many backgrounds and with different strengths. What unites us is our mission to create outdoor space for people to flourish and connect with nature through bold and insightful design. As a team we are uniquely capable of high-level design and execution — a rare combination among landscape firms.

TEAM

Ross Burke

PRINCIPAL DESIGNER AND FOUNDER

With two decades of landscape design experience and a vast knowledge of horticulture and construction methods, Ross leads the daily operations at Terrain Workshop. As an avid outdoorsman and mountain climber, Ross takes on each project with an adventuresome mindset willing to push conventional boundaries and explore new approaches to design and construction.

Ryan Glenn

PROJECT DESIGNER

With a decade of experience as an Art Director in Advertising and 5 years of experience designing and building custom furniture as a woodworker, Ryan is our Project Designer. This native Texan is a bit of a renaissance man, a lover of the outdoors, an artist at heart, and knows his way around the kitchen.  Ryan is full of new ideas and not afraid to question the norm. 

Iris Soh

LANDSCAPE DESIGNER

Iris graduated with a Bachelor of Landscape Architecture degree from Texas A&M University and has a diverse portfolio that spans international projects including public parks, and mix-use residential communities. She is passionate about crafting efficient systems that foster positive interactions between people and the environment. A fun fact about Iris is that she is not yet 5 feet tall, and has a goal of mastering the art of the backflip.

Walid Elashri

PRE CONSTRUCTION AND ENGINEERING

Walid has nearly 14 years of extensive construction experience, and he brings a wealth of knowledge in engineering to the team. He has successfully led and managed diverse projects, and is commited to excellence and creative problem solving in the field. Walid is a recent transplant from Cairo, but his favorite place he’s ever visited is Amsterdam.

Josh Boop

CONSTRUCTION MANAGER

With a wealth of experience spanning over 16 years in the construction industry, Josh brings a seasoned perspective, and outstanding communication to every project. Beyond the blueprint, Josh was a four-year collegiate baseball starter at Northwestern State University and now spends weekends coaching his daughter’s softball team.

Joe Foster

PROJECT MANAGER

With a passion for architecture and years in project management, Joe is our fearless project manager. You will find him on our job sites doing everything from managing trades to quality control. When he’s not on our job sites, Joe fills his time with his family, camping and cooking out. 

Krista Lear

OPERATIONS COORDINATOR

Bringing over a decade of business operations experience to the team, Krista is the go-to person for administrative tasks and keeping things organized. She finds joy in tackling challenges, especially the problem-solving aspects of her job. When she's not immersed in work, you'll likely find her with her 3 young daughters exploring the shores of Lake Grapevine.

OUR TRADE PARTNERS

Nothing exceptional happens without an amazing team.

We have known and worked with many of our trade partners for 10 years or more. More than simply a means to an end, we hope that our relationships embody clear and dignified communication, job cleanliness and quality, and above all, integrity.

See our latest work on Instagram

LETS WORK TOGETHER

We value landscape design that is sensitive to the existing site, preserving its notable features where possible. We find that the most enriching designs develop with harmony between “what was” and “what is to be”.

In the end, our work stands alone as a testament to our dedication to excellence, attention to detail, and our curated trade partner relationships. That’s something we can be proud to leave behind us as we look ahead.