Value based landscaping – we are just as much committed to this place as our clients. Preserving our home, Austin, Texas.
Terra Dura Landscapes is a company founded on the principles of restoring our place, Austin, Texas, just as much as creating an aesthetically pleasing landscape for our clients. We work with nature to foster beautiful, inviting, and useful surroundings.
Beginning in the 1950's, there was a move within the American chemical and nursery industries to promote gardens that are extravagant and labor-intensive. What is more, these types of gardens are reliant on large supplies of water, herbicides, pesticides, and petroleum-based fertilizers. At Terra Dura Landscapes, we seek more sustainable ways of utilizing our outdoor space. We are rediscovering the ways of nature to help create ecologically-sound solutions to our landscaping needs.
Ecology
Simply put, invasive plants are over-running our waterways, nature areas, and lawns. Initially introduced by humans, their seeds are spread by wind, animals, and water very quickly. These plants, listed by the city of Austin in their Central Texas Invasive Field Guide, contribute to the destruction of native plants, wildlife habitat, and the overuse of water.
Water conservation is an urgent ecological issue that we must acknowledge as a community very soon. During the summer, approximately 50% of all our water supply in Austin is used on our lawns. As the population of central Texas continues to grow, it is clear that we cannot continue using millions of gallons of water on grass.
By combining the use of Native Texas plant species with principles of xeriscaping, Terra Dura creates lush abundant landscapes which serve to address the ecological problems that face central Texas today.
Community-Oriented Design
Community-oriented design is an approach to design which addresses the usability and welcoming nature of your landscape. The best way to make a street, neighborhood, or city a better place to live is by knowing your neighbor. With this in mind, we create usable and interactive outdoor spaces that welcome human interaction while still maintaining a sense of privacy. Front yard sitting areas, fire pits, low sitting walls, front yard gardens, porches, and inviting walkways are simple ways to make a home more conducive to meaningful relationships. Terra Dura Landscapes can assist you in designing the perfect space for your landscape and lifestyle.
Principle-Based
Ultimately, we are concerned with making the central Texas area a better place to live through installing ecologically friendly landscapes that are visually appealing and inviting. Collaborating with our clients, we design and build landscapes that have a positive impact on family, friends, neighbors, and the surrounding native habitat.
Meet our people
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OwnerAndrew is a passionate native Texas plant enthusiast with extensive experience in land restoration, erosion control, plant identification, and invasive plant management. His work primarily focuses on creating designs that allow people to engage with nature right outside their front door. A deeply rooted Austin native, Andrew is also an avid vegetable gardener, chicken wrangler, and a dedicated husband and father of five. He is committed to fostering a sustainable and nature-connected lifestyle for his family and community.
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Landscape DesignerWith over 23 years of landscape design experience across Ukraine, Russia, and Europe, Olga holds a Bachelor’s and Master’s in Landscape Architecture from Ukraine. Nine years ago, she moved to the U.S., working initially in New Hampshire and now as a landscape designer in Texas for the past three years. Olga specializes in various climate zones, integrating modern horticultural technologies to create resilient landscapes. Skilled in graphic design and 3D visualization, she accurately translates clients’ visions from sketches to reality. Passionate about landscape photography, painting, and traveling, she draws inspiration from these hobbies to enhance design work.
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Office ManagerShannon has dedicated the last decade to excelling in construction and operations management. With a keen eye for design, organizational management, marketing, and software integration, she brings a unique blend of skills to every project. Shannon’s passion lies in transforming ideas into streamlined, actionable plans. Her love for nature, people and communication fuels her drive to keep everything moving forward smoothly and efficiently.
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Project Manager
Justin joined our team in 2017 and has been with us for nearly eight years. Starting on one of our crews, his dedication and reliability quickly earned him promotions to crew lead and then project manager. In his current role, Justin oversees entire projects, often managing multiple simultaneously. He serves as the primary contact for our clients throughout their projects.
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Crew LeadJordan started with us in 2019. He is a hardworking and reliable crew lead who always shows up and gives his best. Known for his dedication and friendly nature, Jordan is one of the nicest guys you’ll ever meet