Daniel Woodroffe Landscape Architecture | What It Takes: Business Owners Tell All
In this episode of What It Takes: Business Owners Tell All , we explore the journey of Daniel Woodroffe, a leader in landscape architecture and founder of the award-winning firm dwg.. With offices in Austin, Texas and London, Daniel has redefined how we view urban green space—transforming forgotten and polluted areas into biodiverse, high-performance landscapes that are as meaningful as they are beautiful.
Daniel’s career reflects a deep commitment to ecological design, community engagement, and innovative placemaking. From reclaiming industrial brownfields like Springdale Green to advocating for “performative landscapes,” his story is packed with insights on leadership, sustainability, and resilience in business.
🌿 Daniel Woodroffe’s Approach to Landscape Architecture
“I didn’t just want to make beautiful spaces. I wanted to make spaces that give back—spaces that heal.”
Daniel Woodroffe’s landscape architecture work focuses on creating environments that serve both people and the planet. His firm, dwg., is known for fusing science, sustainability, and aesthetics to reimagine what urban public spaces can be.
Key elements of his approach include:
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Ecological restoration as an art form
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Integration of native species and biodiversity
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Landscapes that perform—clean air, reduce heat, and support wellness
🏗️ Building a Landscape Architecture Business with Purpose
“Running a design firm means holding the vision and the budget at the same time—and not letting either drop.”
As a business owner, Daniel has grown dwg. into an internationally respected firm, blending creativity with structure. In this episode, he shares how he:
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Launched dwg. from the ground up in Austin
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Expanded to the UK while staying rooted in mission
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Navigated the challenges of scaling a values-based studio
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Led teams while keeping design integrity intact
🌎 Urban Design, Sustainability, and Resilience
Daniel’s work, like many leaders in landscape architecture, is deeply tied to solving urgent urban issues: climate change, disconnection from nature, and the need for restorative public space.
“There’s a grit behind every green space. It’s invisible to most people—but it’s everything.”
He speaks about the long, often unseen effort behind every project—from community engagement and permitting battles to budget negotiations and ecosystem planning.
💬 What It Takes to Be a Business Owner
We close the episode with our signature question: What does it really take to be a business owner?
“No one tells you how personal it gets. You’re not just building a business—you’re building a belief system, a culture, a place people trust.”
Daniel’s insight is a reminder that leadership, especially in design and impact-driven fields, isn’t just about output—it’s about staying connected to your why and being willing to do the hard things when no one’s watching.
🔗 Related Episodes You’ll Love:
🎧 Listen to the Episode:
Daniel Woodroffe Landscape Architecture | What It Takes Podcast
🎙️ Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and Google Podcasts
📱 Connect with Daniel:
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Website: studiodwg.com
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LinkedIn: Daniel Woodroffe
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Instagram: @studiodwg
