Daily Inspiration: Meet Abby Rupsa

Today we’d like to introduce you to Abby Rupsa, landscape designer and owner of Botanical Living. 

Hi Abby, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
After raising kids, I had to figure out what I wanted to do with my time and needed to create a career path for myself. I went back to school for landscape design and absolutely fell in love with the field. I knew I had to be creative and make the world a more beautiful place, so exterior design was the perfect avenue for me. 

I specialize in residential new builds and renovating existing landscapes all along the Front Range. Designs include patios, decks, pergolas, fire and water features, outdoor kitchens all surrounded by a thoughtful plant palette that takes into consideration Colorado’s harsh climate and poor soil. 

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Being a one-woman show can be daunting at times. I am the face of Botanical Living and people are essentially “buying” me and my creative spirit. Servicing approximately 80 clients per year can be a bit difficult, but I pride myself in giving each homeowner a unique space that stands apart from the rest of the houses on the block. I care for my clients’ yards and design them as if they were my own space instilling confidence that they will have an amazing space at the end of the entire process. I give the clients what they want, but also what they need and I develop a functionally good design that elevates the space and flows seamlessly to create a beautiful extension of their home. 

Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
Colorado is a major provider of water to other western states and it is becoming a delicate commodity which we need to protect. I try to reduce turfgrass whenever possible. I’m constantly choosing plants that are water-thrifty so that if water restrictions ever do come into effect, the plants will continue to thrive. Birds and insects also benefit from pollinator plants, so I try to incorporate them whenever I can. Right plant, right place is an important mantra in my choices and clients can get a more xeric landscape without it looking like a yard in the Arizona desert. 

In terms of your work and the industry, what are some of the changes you are expecting to see over the next five to ten years?
With the pandemic forcing everyone to stay home, the market has become ripe with renovation requests. Building is booming and Colorado is growing exponentially which is great for the green industry. Last year I did more business than ever before and 2021 has been even busier. I am poised to have another record-setting year. I’m eager to see how long we will sustain this pace, but I’m excited to see where it takes me! 

Contact Info:

• Email: abbyrupsa@gmail.com
• Website: botanicallivingdesigns.com
• Instagram: instagram.com/botanical.living
• Facebook: facebook.com/botanicalliving

Image Credits
Bill Strong