About Us
Design Workshop is a 100% employee-owned architecture and design company headquartered in Denver, Colorado. In 1969, Joe Porter, Don Ensign, and two other faculty members from North Carolina State University founded Design Workshop as a collaborative space for faculty, students, and practitioners. Over time, the firm began focusing on planning new communities in North Carolina's environmentally sensitive coastal areas.
In 2006, Design Workshop became employee-owned when they implemented an Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP). Being 100% employee-owned distinguishes Design Workshop in the design industry and fosters a strong sense of ownership among its team members. This model encourages collaboration and camaraderie, where each employee is a vital part of the firm’s success.
In an industry where ownership is often limited to a few, Design Workshop’s ESOP model empowers every employee to contribute to the firm's growth and share in its success. This collective mindset drives the team to infuse every project with creativity and strive for excellence in all endeavors.
Clients benefit from this ownership culture, receiving a high level of commitment and passion that comes from shared investment in the work. Design Workshop values the trust clients place in them and appreciates the stability and expertise the ESOP structure provides, nurturing lasting client relationships.
The ESOP framework at Design Workshop is designed to ensure that every employee’s investment in the firm's success strengthens collaboration and creativity. This forward-looking approach not only secures a sustainable legacy of excellence but also reinforces the firm's commitment to creating vibrant and resilient spaces for future generations.