CO-FOUNDER

John Baran

Hi, I’m John! I am a 40-year veteran in the commercial office environment industry. I started my journey in 1983 and became an entrepreneur in 1989, where I co-founded several companies, including Workscape Designs, in 2012. My wife, Heather, and I are very hands-on and love a good challenge - the more complicated the project, the better!

“Aim small, miss small” is my battle cry. I am a functional perfectionist by DNA, stemming from a family of engineers and architects. Having worked for Baylor Construction (now Medco) in the late ’70s to early ’80s, I offer higher education in the complete construction process.

I have extensive experience working with large corporations in the late ’90s and early 2000s. This nationwide exposure led to a network of service partners to service companies with real estate portfolios passing 1 million square feet, focusing on insurance and mortgage companies with more than 250 satellite locations.

Downtime includes restoring classic cars, taking my dog Cosmo to Agility classes, and working out. My happy place is each morning when I enjoy sipping a hot cup of coffee with my wife while snuggling our dogs.

817-528-2905

john@workscapedesigns.com

www.workscapedesigns.com

CO- FOUNDER & INTERIOR DESIGNER

Heather Baran

Hi, I’m Heather! I am a Co-Founder and President of Workscape Designs and have a Bachelor of Science degree in Interior Design from Wentworth Institute of Technology in Boston. After 12 years in the industry, I have obtained skills that make me an extreme asset to my employees and clients.

For ten months, I was hired by Caliber Home Loans, a nationwide mortgage lender, to be their in-house Project Manager for the West Half of the United States. My portfolio included 70 branches delivered on time and under budget for $771k in project savings. This assignment resulted in extensive knowledge and expertise in the backend lease process, construction, and data infrastructure.

I ALWAYS see a project from the client’s side and work to balance aesthetics with budget for the best result. My goal is to design spaces that are affordable to everyone so that their employees can LOVE where they work!

In my spare time, I enjoy taking my dogs to agility classes, practicing yoga, and tackling DIY projects around the house. While other kids were watching cartoons on Saturday, I was in the recliner with my Dad watching Bob Vila’s - This Old House. My Grandfather and Uncle were carpenters and owners at Groleau Construction in Vermont, so you could say it is “in the genes.”

817-773-1696

heather@workscapedesigns.com

www.workscapedesigns.com

CHIEF OF OPERATIONS

Sky Johnson

Hi, I’m Sky! I joined Workscape Designs as our Chief of Operations in February of 2023. With extensive experience in People Operations and Facilities Management, I have been a PERFECT match for the Project Management team and the company overall.

I have worked as a Facilities/Operations Manager for several tech companies, including Accruent, Redis, and Google. I am passionate about culture and coaching and enjoy creating a work environment that people love.

I am originally from Houston and have two neurodiverse teenage boys with whom I love spending time! I have a Bachelor of Arts in Dramatic Arts from the University of St. Thomas. In my spare time, I enjoy creating art, singing karaoke, and taking as many naps as possible with my two dogs and cat.

737-802-3138

sky@workscapedesgins.com

www.workscapedesigns.com

PROJECT MANAGER/COORDINATOR

Chase Baran

Hi, I’m Chase! I have been with Workscape Designs since January 2018 as a Project Manager, where I have been sharpening my skills and building strong client relationships ever since.

I understand the importance of balancing quality and budget during a project and deliver excellent problem-solving skills by tapping into my extensive vendor and product knowledge.

A few notable clients include PMG Worldwide, Austin Wood Recycling, and Lightsource BP.

In addition to being a car enthusiast, I enjoy hanging out with my Cane Corso Caiera, stand-up comedy, and sports.

817-343-6577

chase@workscapedesigns.com

www.workscapedesigns.com

PROJECT MANAGER

Ann Ethridge

Hi, I’m Ann! I am a Project Manager at Workscape Designs and have a Bachelor of Interior Design degree from Louisiana State University. My favorite aspect of my job is relationship-building through exceptional service and creative problem-solving.

Space planning and project logistics are my strong suits, as well as restacks and reconfigurations. I tend to get into the weeds and plan my projects to the last detail leading to the ultimate end goal - a successful project!

Over the last 29 years in the Contract Design Industry, I have held positions such as Senior Designer, Project Manager, and Account Manager - servicing projects of all sizes. A few notable clients include Motorola, US Cellular, Caliber Home Loans, and NewGen Strategies.

Outside work, I love serving others through hospitality, volunteering, and nurturing life-long friendships. I am married and a very proud mom of two successful young adults. My favorite “Ah” place…the Rockies or any mountain range that calls my name!

214-316-7246

ann@workscapedesigns.com

www.workscapedesigns.com

PROJECT MANAGER

Gabby Kunkel

Hi, I’m Gabby! I am a Project Manager at Workscape Designs and have lived in Round Rock, Texas, since 2018. I began my journey at Workscape Designs 3 years ago as a Service Coordinator on the DoorDash Account.

My biggest accomplishment to date has been my promotion from a Service Coordinator to a Project Manager, where I plan, prepare, oversee, and control the delivery of commercial design projects to our clients nationwide.

I believe that communication, leadership, and management are three key attributes that you need to succeed in managing projects.

In my personal life, I LOVE to work out and have been doing weights and CrossFit for the last 4+ years. I recently dove into making jewelry for family and friends utilizing natural stones with healing properties. In addition to being fluent in Spanish, I am also teaching myself Italian.

512-460-1389

gabby@workscapedesigns.com

www.workscapedesigns.com

PROJECT MANAGER

Angela Thomas

Hi, I’m Angela! I cut my teeth in Customer Service for Workscape Designs, eventually promoted to Project Management three years ago. My specialty is helping businesses with their decommissions and relocations.

“Aim small, miss small” is my battle cry. I am a functional perfectionist by DNA, stemming from a family of engineers and architects. Having worked for Baylor Construction (now Medco) in the late ’70s to early ’80s, I offer higher education in the complete construction process.

I am working towards my goal of getting involved in design projects while continuing my education in design. I have a Bachelor's Degree in Early Childhood Education and was an Educator for twenty-two years before becoming a Project Manager.

In my off time, I love traveling to historic places, crafting, and being with my family. I have two very athletic children who excel in baseball and softball. They keep this Baller Mama very busy!

512-962-7574

angela@workscapedesigns.com

www.workscapedesigns.com

PROJECT MANAGER

Krista DeLisle Velasquez

Hi, I’m Krista! Over the past six years at Workscape Designs, I have developed skills that make me an effective Project Manager. These diverse skills include the ability to plan, organize, and manage nationwide projects from initiation to completion.

I am passionately devoted to my clients and their success by ensuring we meet project objectives within scope, budget, and time constraints. In my opinion, communication is KEY!

Whether working with a large corporation or a small private company, my ultimate goal is to make the furniture-buying process a pleasant experience versus not a daunting task.


I strongly believe in continuing education and am currently pursuing my PMP certification.

As a native Austinite, I enjoy exploring nature, live music, and working out. I am married and have two boys who keep me busy between school events and soccer games. I love fishing excursions and spending time with my family in Pensacola, FL. The beach is my happy place!

512-621-1066

krista@workscapedesigns.com

www.workscapedesigns.com