As we celebrate our 33rd year in business, we are especially grateful for our long-standing partnership with Colorado State University. From the beginning, CSU’s Landscape Design & Contracting Program has played a pivotal role in shaping our team and our approach to creating beautiful, sustainable landscapes across Colorado.

Watch the full video about partnership

Supporting the Program

We were honored to partner with CSU to provide their new design studios where students can gain hands-on experience with up-to-date tools and materials, preparing them for real-world projects. 

CSU faculty member Zachary S. Johnson notes the importance of private support in higher education:

“With budgets always a challenge at higher learning institutions, we rely more and more on private investment and it has been a great relationship where folks have been able to come in and really help us do amazing things, which in turn, helps the profession.

As we were brought into this space that we previously occupied really came at an important time to solidify the program as it had gone through a number of changes. What was important to me about partnering with individuals and companies was really to find somebody who philosophically aligned with what we’re working and trying to instill in our students — and that’s excellence, that’s always getting better, that’s honesty, that’s integrity. And the first person that came to mind was Phil Steinhauer.”

Expanding the program. 

In addition to the studios, our support helped CSU hire Chris Tragakes, a dedicated program coordinator focused on recruitment. Chris has been instrumental in growing the program and connecting with students who might not have otherwise considered a career in landscape design and contracting.

“We didn’t have any recruitment beyond students coming to talk to professors or finding us on the website. So where my role has really been able to excel is connecting with high schoolers and connecting with folks on campus that maybe didn’t know this was an option or it was a profession. We’ve been able to grow and in my role we’ve grown the program by a little over 140% in about two years,” states Tragakes.
 

Why This Matters

By creating environments where students can test designs and construction techniques, CSU is preparing graduates who are workforce-ready — professionals who can contribute immediately to the industry. The studios and program expansion foster collaboration between students, faculty, and industry partners, creating opportunities for mentorship, internships, and real-world projects that benefit the local community.

Investing in Tomorrow’s Professionals

Much of our success comes from hiring talented graduates from CSU. Currently, we have 15 full-time employees on staff, including 5 new hires from the program and 3 interns who are learning hands-on skills that will guide their careers. Our continued relationship with CSU ensures that we are not only supporting the next generation of landscape professionals but also welcoming exceptional talent into our own company.

We are excited for the future of CSU’s Landscape Design & Contracting Program. Thank you to Colorado State University for being such an important part of our story. 

Build Your Future with Us

Looking to grow in the industry? Join our team and help us build and shape Colorado’s outdoor spaces.