Dunaway Expands Central Texas Presence with New PLA Studio

Dunaway is proud to announce the launch of a dedicated Planning and Landscape Architecture (PLA) studio in its Austin, Texas office. Founded in Fort Worth in 1956, Dunaway has built a nearly 70-year legacy as a multidisciplinary design firm and trusted client advisor, committed to improving lives in communities throughout Texas, with locations in Dallas, Midland, Austin, San Antonio, as well as Houston and Farmersville. The launch of the Austin-based PLA studio aligns with the 10th anniversary of Dunaway’s presence in the capital city, marking a decade of collaboration, innovation, and community engagement in one of the nation’s most dynamic urban environments.

While Planning + Landscape Architecture has been a core service line at Dunaway since 2005, anchored by a strong foundation in their Fort Worth, Dallas, and San Antonio offices – the firm is excited to expand its Austin presence with the addition of three accomplished landscape architecture professionals: Brendan Wittstruck, PLA, ASLA, LEED AP, Kelsey Ross, PLA, ASLA, SITES AP, and Shelby Horton, PLA, ASLA, whose expertise will help shape the future of the firm’s work in Central Texas.

Meet the Central Texas Team

Brendan Wittstruck, PLA, ASLA, LEED AP, joins Dunaway as a Studio Lead and Associate, bringing over a decade of experience in landscape architecture, urban design, planning, and community engagement in Central Texas. A long-time Austinite, Brendan has worked with notable local clients including UT Austin, the City of Austin, and Foundation Communities. Currently, he serves as the District 9 appointee to the City of Austin Design Commission and will lead Dunaway’s new Austin studio, collaborating with both public and private clients.

Kelsey Ross, PLA, SITES AP, joins as a Discipline Lead, with deep experience in parks and trails, urban infill, education, and multifamily projects. She holds a master’s degree from UT Austin, further strengthening the team’s local roots and design insight.

Rounding out the team is Shelby Horton, PLA, ASLA, a talented Landscape Architect now based in the Austin office after more than two years working in Dunaway’s Ft. Worth office. “I’m so excited to have Kelsey and Shelby at the core of this studio,” Wittstruck says, “This is a team of creative, innovative designers committed to their craft and to the communities in which they work.”

The addition is impactful not only to Central Texas but to the entire Planning + Landscape Architecture Line of Business. “Dunaway is thrilled to grow our Central Texas team with the addition of Brendan, Kelsey, and Shelby in Austin. These three talented designers bring a shared passion for creating beautiful places that thoughtfully steward each project’s resources,” explains Line of Business Executive and Principal, Elizabeth McILrath Jarrell, PLA, ASLA. “Their arrival strengthens our team’s ability to serve local clients and deliver collaborative, community-focused projects. We’re confident their contributions will elevate our work and deepen our roots in the Austin community.”

The new studio will focus on a wide range of landscape architecture and planning services, including urban design, park and open space planning, green infrastructure, and community engagement. With this addition, Dunaway strengthens its ability to deliver holistic, location–specific solutions that reflect the unique character and aspirations of Central Texas communities. Local projects are already underway, including preliminary design services for Steeplechase Park and Lake Kyle Park, part of a larger Parks, Recreation, and Open Space (PROS) Master Plan update for the City of Kyle.

Rooted in Austin, Growing for the Future

As Dunaway celebrates a decade in Austin, the launch of its local PLA studio underscores the firm’s continued commitment to design excellence, regional leadership, and sustainable growth – positioning the firm to continue making a lasting impact across Central Texas.