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Creating Inspired Places Together

Founded by Craig Russell and Paul Mills in 2007, Russell + Mills Studios was established in Fort Collins, Colorado with a vision to work locally, regionally, and nationally.  Driven by a shared design philosophy, vision, passion for design excellence, and collaborative design experience, Russell + Mills has grown to become one of the most trusted and respected firms in Colorado and beyond. Our complementary abilities and collaborative skills provide clients with a rare synergy that has produced numerous award-winning projects. 

Professional Services

Russell + Mills currently has offices in Fort Collins and Denver, Colorado.  We provide landscape architecture, urban design, and master planning services for a variety of land-based projects. Our firm has experience in urban spaces, public parks and botanical gardens, civic environments and community planning, new communities, resort and entertainment, national parks, and campus planning. We provide a full range of services from design and conceptual programming to construction documentation and administration.  Our design team is licensed in multiple states, and our list of projects spans from coast to coast.  


We draw heavily on the world-class project experience gained by both partners while working previously for international firms. With experience that spans the USA, Caribbean, Middle East, and Australia the firm has the capabilities to work on various project types, and sizes. 

Culture/ Philosophy

At Russell + Mills Studios, our philosophy supports a team-based approach to design, fostering creative freedom and expression that respects all ideas regardless of tenure.  As a smaller firm, we believe in succeeding, celebrating, and growing as a team.  We’ve cultivated a fun and flexible work environment that is rooted in a collaborative design-based approach. Our design team is passionate about our profession and is committed to supporting creativity and innovation for our projects.

Our Mission

We work together for the success of our clients by understanding their vision.

We create places that invite and inspire the community.

We aspire to be valued as a leading and influential design firm.

Our Values

Collaborative
we uncover the answers working together

Process
we use a dynamic approach that provides structure and acknowledges the client’s vision

Contextual
we design places that connect with the surrounding community

Responsive
we are attentive to our clients and their vision

Timeless
we design places that remain inspirational as the community evolves

Passion
we are personally invested in and love what we do

Our Founders

Our history is rooted in the experience and passion of our principals and their professional journey.  Craig Russell and Paul Mills met at the Fort Collins branch of EDAW, once the world’s largest Landscape Architecture, Planning, and Environmental firm, in 2000.  They worked together on a number of projects until 2004 when Paul transferred to the Manhattan office of EDAW as a Senior Associate.  After AECOM purchased EDAW, Paul moved back to Colorado to start Russell + Mills Studios with Craig Russell in 2007.   


Craig and Paul share a design philosophy focused on creating memorable and inspiring spaces for people while responding to site conditions in innovative and sustainable ways. Both partners are actively involved in all projects within the office and are committed to ensuring the highest quality of work and timely responses to deadlines. Paul and Craig work closely with their dedicated design team, clients, and stakeholders to ensure each project is managed with the highest level of care and attention, regardless of scale.  

We create inspired places together.