Inspiring Conversations with Thomas Vogelsang of The Root Design Company

Today we’d like to introduce you to Thomas Vogelsang

Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I started this business wanting to make a difference for our planet. Our environment is dying, this is well known. Many of us want to change that, but are unwilling or unable to do what is required to be that force for change. I was in that camp for a long time, spending years struggling to transition from a cozy white-collar job in the Financial Services industry because it was guaranteed, well-paying, and comfortable. Who wants to give that up? But a feeling nagged at me. It felt wrong. I had to make a change. That required making some radical personal change as well as professional change.

I began re-educating myself. I started with agriculture and permaculture, then project management, then energy and design, then urban planning. I networked, gathered data, and decided to start small. About three years ago I started Root Design in Denver, CO as a side passion project, beginning as a permaculture-centric design and planning studio. Later we evolved into The Root Design Co., an ecological landscape design and installation business, after moving to Kansas City. It has been tough work, but also a great pleasure to design and build wonderful landscapes that showcase a new, harmonious relationship with our land.

It’s deeply satisfying to be part of the solution. We still have many problems to solve, but we’re on our path. When you’re living your dream, the work becomes lighter.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It absolutely has not been easy. There have been (and will continue to be) many highs and lows. Some months the business flows in, others you have to chase it down. Sometimes the pathway forward is clear, but more often it’s obscured in fog. Self management has been the biggest lesson. Staying consistent and not getting caught up in negative emotions is key. You just have to keep going, be adaptable, and continue to be open to new opportunities.

Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about The Root Design Company?
We are an ecological landscape design and installation firm. We consult, design, and install beautiful, environmentally beneficial landscapes that help solve pressing ecological issues. In addition to increasing property values and creating vibrant outdoor spaces, our landscapes use less water than traditional models, create less waste, build habitat for local pollinator species and native birds, fight soil erosion, filter water, combat pollution, reduce heat capture in cities, and much more.

In many ways, we are fighting our own industry, which provides limited ecological benefit at best and is a destructive force at worst. We are changing the landscaping industry for the better by thinking of the fuller picture in our design, actions, and relationships. We strive to be a force for good in everything we do.

Can you talk to us a bit about happiness and what makes you happy?
I really love traveling. My wife and I recently spent three months traveling through Europe and Asia which was a truly great experience. Delving into new cultures, foods, traditions, and ways of life exposes new parts of yourself and keeps life interesting! We grew a ton from the experience, including becoming open water certified scuba divers.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.therootdesigncompany.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/root.design.co?igsh=eDZzYnI0Z2VoZno2&utm_source=qr
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100083304038885