About Us
What we do
We create living landscapes that restore the connection between people, place, and ecology.
Habitat Guild is a full-service regenerative landscape company offering design, build, and care services throughout Northern Colorado.
Our Roots
Habitat Guild grew from a belief that landscapes can do more than look beautiful. They can restore ecosystems, support biodiversity, and strengthen our connection to place.
Our team brings together decades of experience across sustainable landscape design, permaculture, irrigation, maintenance, and ecological best practices. Guided by research and inspired by the living systems we work within, we approach every project as an opportunity to create regenerative spaces that give back more than they take.
We are a guild of landscape professionals committed to using landscape as a force for good.
Who We Are
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Principal / Founder
Derek’s work is inspired by the potential of the built landscape to promote a thriving, healthy environment, with an eye for a naturalized place-based aesthetic. His background is a unique blend of the practical application of landscapes with an academic and research-based lens, to design and install functional & beautiful spaces at the intersection of humans and nature.
After earning his degree in Environmental Studies from Naropa University in 2009, Derek deepened his hands-on expertise through years of groundskeeping and earned both Colorado Master Gardener and Permaculture Design certificates. He went on to complete a Master of Landscape Architecture at the University of Colorado Denver in 2016, blending practical skill with research-driven design.
His professional experience spans residential and public projects, from working with The Big Sandbox in Denver and Philadelphia to help school districts naturalize schoolyards, to designing immersive children’s gardens across the country with Didier Design Studio. Before founding Habitat Guild in 2020, Derek led schoolyard habitat initiatives for the National Wildlife Federation, helping K–12 schools and child care centers across Colorado reconnect kids with nature.
Today, Derek continues to design and steward landscapes that serve people, pollinators, and the planet. He is a registered Landscape Architect in Colorado.
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Senior Project Manager and Landscape Designer
Rita brings over 15 years of experience in the design, landscape, and construction industries. With a Master of Landscape Architecture, Bachelor of Fine Arts in Graphic Design, and Permaculture Design Certification, her work integrates ecology and aesthetics to create spaces that are restorative, memorable, and functional.
Her broad design background, which spans placemaking, visual communication, and community engagement, allows her to translate complex ecological ideas into designs that resonate across audiences. Rita specializes in creating landscapes that seamlessly knit together the urban fabric and the natural world.
As the founder of Braid.Work, a landscape architecture collective, Rita “blends ecologically responsive ideas with aesthetically pleasing elements to create unique and stunning designs… integrating natural cycles and systems across all scales to ensure social and environmental harmony.”
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Irrigation Guru
A Colorado native, Yana has worked in the landscape design, build, and maintenance field along the Front Range since 1997. Over the years, he has gained deep experience across public, private, and academic institutions—building a holistic understanding of how outdoor spaces are created and sustained.
Yana holds certifications as a Colorado Master Gardener (CSU Extension), Certified Irrigation Contractor (Irrigation Association), and Landscape Industry Certified Technician (National Association of Landscape Professionals). His expertise spans hardscape, horticulture, and irrigation, and his passion for sustainable ecological practices finds its ideal expression at Habitat Guild.
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Donovan J. Johnson is an experienced landscape construction professional known for his strong work ethic, reliability, and commitment to quality craftsmanship. He excels in fast-paced, hands-on environments and takes pride in completing projects safely, efficiently, and to a high standard.
Throughout his career, Donovan has developed a reputation for adaptability, problem-solving, and a results-driven approach. He brings experience in crew leadership, project coordination, equipment operation, and client communication, ensuring that every phase of a project runs smoothly—from initial groundwork to final details. His skills span hardscaping, grading, site preparation, planting, irrigation, and finish work, and he approaches each task with professionalism and precision.
Donovan enjoys leading teams and supporting a strong jobsite culture built on accountability, respect, and teamwork. His goal on every project is to exceed expectations and deliver durable, well-designed landscapes that look great and stand the test of time.
Currently focused on advancing his career in landscape construction, Donovan is motivated by the opportunity to transform outdoor spaces into functional, beautiful environments. He takes pride in watching a project evolve from plans to completion, and values the craftsmanship and purpose behind every build.
What we stand for
sustainability
Our thoughtful designs aim to restore biodiversity, build resilience, support the local economy and ecosystem, and cultivate landscapes that require fewer inputs to maintain in the long run.
Quality
We build our landscapes to last. Our custom designs are rooted in detail, while thoughtfully considering the big picture. All of our materials are procured from local, high-quality suppliers, and our crew upholds the highest care and attention to detail while building your space. We guarantee all of our work and go beyond the industry standard.
transparency
We are committed to transparency throughout our business. This looks like honest, authentic, clear communication throughout the entire process, and a quality product you can cherish for years to come.