Design Philosophy

Collaboration
At Design Workshop, we believe in collaboration. Our golf team benefits from the larger group of the entire firm. Our golf design projects are developed through a process that involves planners, landscape architects and, of course, golf designers to ensure the overall plan is comprehensively conceived and implemented.

Design Style
Our philosophy is humble and thoughtful. Some architects stand by a minimalist design philosophy while others impose their individual style onto the land, regardless of the native landscape. We believe intense and sensitive analysis of the land dictates a style for each individual course we design. Some parcels of land require little earth-moving as a result of their inherent natural beauty. More often today, new golf properties have fewer “God-given” golf natural features and therefore require a more creative vision and physical shaping. In both scenarios, the existing landscape remains the foundation for our design. Even the simplest landscapes have unique features that may include a small mound or an unexpected view that can be highlighted to create a distinct and memorable golf experience. If a site calls for it, we are not timid about moving and shaping the earth. We are also confident enough to leave it alone. The ultimate goal is to forge the best golf experience possible. Every constraint is a design opportunity we utilize to create memorable golf courses.

Environment and Sustainability
Sustainable golf course development involves meeting critical standards in three major areas: planning and design, construction and maintenance. Design Workshop specializes in environmental sensitivity in planning and design, with extensive experience in construction Best Management Practices. We keep current with the new technologies in all three areas.

We also employ a series of environmentally integrated golf design systems that ensure every site is treated as carefully as possible through the development and life of a course. Our process includes constant referral to cutting-edge practices researched by the golf industry's main organizations, including the Golf Course Superintendents Association of America, United States Golf Association and Audubon International. Using our experience, we design courses to fit naturally into the environment as if they have existed for centuries. Simply stated, our courses do not harm the environment.