Business Details
19 Years
experience
Landscape Architecture & Urban Design in Fort Collins, CO
Founded in 2007 by Craig Russell and Paul Mills, Russell + Mills Studios has established itself as a trusted leader in landscape architecture, urban design, and master planning. Our collaborative approach combines decades of international experience with a commitment to creating spaces that inspire communities. With offices in Fort Collins and Denver, Colorado, we deliver award-winning projects across diverse sectors including public parks, campuses, urban spaces, and resort environments. Our team of licensed professionals draws on global expertise from projects in the Caribbean, Middle East, and Australia to provide innovative, context-sensitive solutions. We prioritize a team-based design philosophy that values creative freedom, client collaboration, and sustainable practices.Our work spans from conceptual programming to construction administration, ensuring quality execution at every project phase. Recognized with multiple ASLA awards, we maintain active involvement in all projects to guarantee timely delivery and exceptional results. Our mission focuses on understanding client visions to create timeless, community-centered spaces that evolve with their surroundings. With a dedicated design team passionate about their craft, we combine technical expertise with artistic vision to shape environments that connect people with place.
Services
Landscape Architecture
Urban Design
Master Planning
Campus Planning
Public Parks
Botanical Gardens
Resort Development
Community Spaces
Alley Enhancements
Children's Gardens
Details
- Year established: 2007
Highlights and features
- We offer 15+ years of experience in landscape architecture and urban design
- Our team includes registered landscape architects licensed in multiple states
- We maintain a collaborative design approach with direct principal involvement
- Our firm has completed projects across six countries and three continents
- We've received multiple ASLA design awards for innovative solutions
Associations and certifications
- American Society of Landscape Architects (ASLA)
Services
Landscape Architecture
Our landscape architecture services integrate natural and built environments through innovative site planning and sustainable design solutions. We create functional outdoor spaces that enhance community engagement while respecting ecological systems. Our team delivers comprehensive services from concept development to construction documentation for diverse project types including parks, campuses, and urban plazas.
Urban Design
We shape vibrant urban environments through context-sensitive design that balances development needs with community character. Our urban design services focus on creating walkable, mixed-use spaces that foster social interaction and economic vitality. We specialize in downtown revitalization, streetscape improvements, and public realm enhancements that respond to local culture and environmental conditions.
Master Planning
Our master planning services create comprehensive frameworks for large-scale developments and community projects. We combine strategic vision with practical implementation strategies to guide growth over time. The process includes stakeholder engagement, site analysis, and phased development plans that address infrastructure, land use, and environmental sustainability for both public and private sector clients.
Public Parks
We design dynamic public parks that serve as community gathering spaces while preserving natural resources. Our approach creates recreational areas that balance active programming with ecological conservation. Services include playground design, trail systems, water features, and accessibility improvements that meet diverse community needs across urban and regional park settings.
Botanical Gardens
Our botanical garden designs create immersive educational and recreational environments that showcase plant collections and natural ecosystems. We specialize in themed gardens, children's discovery areas, and sustainable horticultural displays. Each project integrates artistic elements with environmental stewardship to create spaces that inspire visitor engagement and ecological awareness.
People
Craig Russell
Principal
Co-founder with 20+ years of landscape architecture experience. Licensed professional dedicated to creating inspiring public spaces through collaborative design. Active in all project phases from concept to completion.
Paul Mills
Principal
Co-founder and award-winning designer with international project experience. Focuses on innovative solutions that respond to site-specific conditions while maintaining strong client relationships throughout the design process.
John Beggs
Senior Associate
Registered Landscape Architect with expertise in urban parks and public spaces. Brings technical knowledge and creative problem-solving to complex site developments across multiple project types.
Shelby Waddell
Designer
Emerging professional contributing creative design solutions with fresh perspectives. Actively involved in concept development and visualization while supporting senior staff in project execution.
Alisha Graham
Office Manager
Certified accounting professional managing financial operations and business administration. Ensures smooth office operations and supports project teams with budgetary oversight and organizational leadership.
Questions
What services does Russell + Mills Studios offer?
We provide landscape architecture, urban design, and master planning services for public parks, campuses, botanical gardens, urban spaces, and mixed-use developments.
Where does the firm operate?
While based in Colorado, we work nationally and internationally with projects across the United States, Caribbean, Middle East, and Australia.
What makes your firm unique?
Our collaborative approach combines direct principal involvement with international experience to create context-sensitive designs that respond to community needs and environmental contexts.
How do you approach the design process?
We use a team-based methodology emphasizing stakeholder engagement, site analysis, and creative problem-solving to develop solutions that balance functionality with aesthetic value.
What project types do you specialize in?
We focus on public parks, urban spaces, botanical gardens, campus environments, and mixed-use developments with particular expertise in children's gardens and community spaces.
