ABOUT ECOSCAPE
Employee Bios
Ecoscape as a company is as diverse as the landscapes that we create. We are comprised of a very dynamic group of fascinating beings that have come together to share the vision of creating beautiful and functional landscapes for your enjoyment. We are made up of organic farmers, engineers, Permaculturalists, foresters, backcountry trial builders, cooks, environmentalists, runners, herbalists, nurserymen, poets, photographers, entomologists, music and mountain lovers, and much more...
Bill Melvin - Owner, Landscape Designer & Project Manager
Bill is a graduate of the University of Colorado's School of Environmental Design in Boulder, has been a certified Permaculture Designer for over 12 years, and has extensive hands on experience working the land for over 2 decades; from landscaper to organic farmer, forester to outdoor education.Bill shares his passion for our native flora, edible and medicinal landscaping, and ecological land management through his teachings, locally and beyond. He has been an adjunct faculty member of Naropa University, teaches through local non- profit organizations, at the Denver Botanic Gardens, and now through Ecoscape who is expanding their work to include a diversity of educational classes and workshops on our local flora, medicinal herbs, ecological forest management, and sustainable living practices.
Although an East Coast transplant, Bill has lived over half of his life in Colorado. As a landowner with 12 acres at 7,200 in elevation, he has developed his property into a stunning example of appropriate forest management combined with an integrated edible landscape of fruits, berries, herbs, and vegetable gardens. The water feature that anchors the gardens brings the elements together for a peaceful retreat in the hills.
When not working, Bill spends much of his time playing in the outdoors of Colorado with his wife Jen and young toddler Daniel. Whenever possible he loves to escape to the hills with his mountain mutt Cliff for hiking, skiing, and mushroom hunting forays. His extensive travels around the country and the world keep him in search of inspiring natural wonders and culinary delights!
Maggie Schmidt - Landscape Designer, Estimator and Project Manager
Maggie Schmidt started out in the farmlands of Pennsylvania but has moved from coast to coast and halfway in between over the years. Her experience of the farm life in Pennsylvania really stuck a chord at a very young age when she started working in the nurseries. Learning about the plants and their requirements eventually lead to the start of her designing and maintenance skills. After having played in the nurseries for roughly 8 years she realized it was time to expand her knowledge. She moved to Colorado and graduated from CSU with a bachelor in Landscape Architecture and has worked for several design firms in the region.Maggie's extensive plant knowledge and design experience is a wonderful addition to Ecoscape. Not only does she love what she does but she can't get enough of playing in the dirt as she spends her weekends tackling her own "farm." Her goal is to do her best to make landscapes functional and beautiful.
Scott Hurd - Landscape Manager
Growing up in the mountain town of McCall, Idaho, Scott has always had a natural affinity to exploring and appreciating the outdoors. A recent move to the Boulder area provided the opportunity for Scott to join the Ecoscape team. Impressed with Ecoscape's commitment to the community and sustainable landscaping, he enjoys working with customers to design and deliver functional and beautiful projects.Prior to joining Ecoscape, Scott helped build and grow a busy landscape business in Boise. He honed his expertise in landscape design and construction, including water features and outdoor living spaces. as well as all aspects of project management and customer relations. In addition, Scott brings strong project management and problem-solving skills from the time he spent working in the aviation industry in roles such as production supervisor and manufacturing engineer.
In the winter months, you'll find Scott teaching skiing and snowboarding to students of all ages and abilities. An instructor for over 10 years, Scott enjoys the opportunity to share his passion and inspire others.
Robyn Grasseschi - Landscape Maintenance Manager
Robyn was born in Montana and has spent her life in the mountains, either working or playing. Growing up in Montana, Idaho and Wyoming, she developed an deep appreciation for mountain ecosystems and the wilderness they encompass. She has extensive experience as Supervising U.S. Forest Service trails crews in the backcountry, working at and managing nurseries in the high deserts of eastern California and nearby mountain towns. Her international travels led her to New Zealand where she worked on a variety of Permaculture farms and became captivated by sustainable living systems. Now she enjoys working for a company that embraces these same sustainable practices. When not on the clock, Robyn and her husky Caleigh can be found exploring the wilds of the local foothills, the high mountain wilderness, and national parks of the west.
Lisa Hope Thorson - Office Manager
Lisa was born and raised in Chugiak, Alaska where her love for nature grew among the towering Chugach Mountains of the Last Frontier. She finished her bachelors of Marketing and Entrepreneurship at Milwaukee University. After finishing school she realized she could no longer be away from the mountains and moved to Boulder, CO. Lisa has carried out a variety of marketing contract work for diverse industries such as Solar, Construction, and Manufacturing companies. Once meeting and learning more about Ecoscape she was hooked into the goal to conserve water and create Permaculture and Xeriscapes that provided functionality to the landscape world. Finally her business background and love for nature could be combined for working for a company that is truly working with Mother Nature.Lisa brings to Ecoscape a business viewpoint to help advance the positive impact of this company's goal of creating a healthy environment for our community. Through marketing, human relations, and project management duties, Lisa plays an integral role in all of Ecoscape's projects and daily operations.
W. Brooks Buckles – Crew Supervisor
Brooks is a southern boy at heart. His charm and intellect make him an ideal employee with an extremely hard work ethic. Through his studies at Louisiana Tech and State University and his extensive experience in golf course maintenance, he honed his skills in turf management, golf course design, and employee management skills.
