Meet Our Denver, Colorado Landscape Architects and Designers
Chris Turner
Co-Founder l Principal
Chris is a Colorado native who graduated from Colorado State University with a Bachelor of Science degree specializing in Landscape Design. Chris was recently chosen as one of Denver Business Journals’ 40 under 40 award which honors influential and accomplished business leaders who are active members in the community and in shaping Denver business. Chris was also recognized by Colorado Homes and Lifestyles magazine, by being named Top 5 Under 40, which spotlight the hottest emerging talent in residential design in Colorado. Selected by an expert design panel, Five Under 40 winners are the people to watch, producing some of the most stunning and innovative work available today. Over the last 18 years, Chris has specialized in the high-end residential market creating outdoor spaces that been recognized both locally and nationally in magazines such as Architectural Digest, Luxe Interiors and Design, 5280Home, Modern in Denver, Denver Life, and Colorado Homes and Lifestyles, among others.
Elevate by Design has been named Top Denver Design in 5280 Home Magazine for three consecutive years. They have also been named to the Luxe Magazine “Luxe Gold List” which recognizes top design firms across the country in 2019 and 2020,2021,2022,2023,2024.
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 12 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.
Stephen Carrolla
Lead Landscape Architect
scarrolla@ebdstudios.com
A New England native and registered landscape architect, Stephen grew up in Connecticut exploring the woods and banks of the Hammonasset River and wading in the tide pools of Long Island Sound. His appreciation for nature and the outdoors led him to the University of Connecticut where he studied Horticulture and received a Bachelor of Science from the School of Agriculture and Natural Resources. After graduation, Stephen began a career researching plant morphology and physiology. Eager to return to his roots and blend his newfound scientific knowledge of plants with art and design, Stephen pursued a Master of Landscape Architecture degree from the Rhode Island School of Design.
Prior to moving to Denver in 2020, Stephen practiced landscape architecture in New York and Boston and brings with him a passion for connecting people with nature along with experience providing landscape design, project management, and construction oversight. Previous work includes residential gardens, parks and open space, and campus and resort master plans. With an ability to work on the finest site details through the broadest master plans, he helps clients visualize creative site-specific solutions and possibilities through his iterative design process and ability to think conceptually and analytically. His approach to placemaking has resulted in several award-winning projects that are ecologically stable, livable, and foster community.
Paige Harris
Landscape Designer
pharris@ebdstudios.com
Paige, a Colorado native, joined the team at Elevate by Design in May of 2022 as a Landscape Designer. She graduated with a Bachelor's Degree in Landscape Architecture from the University of Oregon in 2021.
Paige's journey in landscaping started early in her life, influenced by a family deeply rooted in the industry. This background, combined with her hands-on experience as a residential gardener, has equipped Paige with a unique blend of theoretical knowledge and practical expertise.
Her love for Colorado is not just professional but personal, as she cherishes the diverse landscape and outdoor lifestyle her home state has to offer. Her dedication to landscape architecture is undeniable, evident in the passion she pours into each project.
Creating Unique Outdoor Spaces Across the Denver Metro Area
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.
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.