Let's Hear It From: Dan Alaback

Dan Alaback is a landscape architect who has worked in more than thirty states over the course of 39 years. He received a Bachelor of Science in Landscape from Oklahoma State University in 1980 where he also worked as a Graduate Assistant. He coordinates and mentors architects, engineers, developers and city officials from coast to coast. 

A day at the hospital sparked a burst of inspiration in Dan Alabak. His wife had just given birth to the couple’s first of three sons, when he decided to launch his own landscaping design business. Dan fell in love with the job after working in the industry for several years, but when he became a dad he decided to move in a different direction.

“I had a sense that I was ready to start,” said Dan Alabak.

The new family quickly rushed home and got to work on what would become a nationwide brand.

Alabak Designs is now behind projects in more than 34 states, creating outdoor spaces for cities, university campuses, commercial and residential buildings, and single-family homes. The team of 7 landscape architects manage all projects from the home office in Tulsa, Oklahoma. They take care of the master planning, site planning, and construction project management. Nearly all of it is done virtually, thanks to today’s technology.

Despite any distance, Dan and his team have long lasting relationships with their many clients, and a strong network within the industry. Dan also works closely with other industry professionals, advising young designers across the country. 

"I am a people person & I love working with others.
To create something out of nothing, as landscape architects do, it is always satisfying."

Then to earn respect from people who you’re working for, and they love what you do, it is even more rewarding.”

OSU CHS by ©Jenny Eslick 

Dan’s interest in landscape architecture began while working with an installation company in high school. He attended Oklahoma State University, starting out in the forestry program. That changed in 1976. 

“The professor in forestry said, look to your left, look to your right. Neither of these people will have a job in forestry in 4 years because you have to be at the top of your class. I decided I was not.”

It took a little research, but Dan found a new career route and never looked back. Dan earned his Landscape Architecture degree from OSU, and has worked in the industry for 41 years. He and his team have been honored by several landscaping and small business awards, and will celebrate the 35th year in operation this August. Dan is even getting to leave his mark on his alma mater. 

One of the firm’s latest projects was to redesign the OSU Welcome Plaza in front of the Student Union and Undergraduate Office of Admissions. The school earned the “Keep Oklahoma Beautiful” Collegiate Award because of the project. Dan says it is drawing more students to Stillwater.

“The plaza is the first thing potential OSU students see as they come onto campus. Staff members say they love the space because it is so welcoming.

Dan Alaback at Centennial Park

"These are the most successful places.
Where people can engage."

Alabak Designs go far beyond Dan’s home state though. The landscape architects obtained new licenses to maintain relationships with clients who expanded outside of Oklahoma. Right now, the team can work in 24 states. 

This does pose some unique challenges.

“When we are doing work in California, we need far different material than what we’re using in Tulsa. The same is for Colorado, Georgia, South Carolina, etc.

"The biggest difference I see between
states is the water conservation issues."

For example, Oklahoma has an abundance of water. When we worked in Colorado, everyone was worried about sustainable plant materials and low water consumption.”

Along with climate challenges, architects must also stay up to date on codes in each city.

“We talk with a lot of the city planners or the zoning officers to be sure we are clear. We’ve built a great repertoire with them. Many of the planners and health department officers even know us by name.”

A lot of those code and planning details are managed by Dan’s wife, she still works with the business three decades after helping it launch. At the moment, the Alabaks and their design team are working in 10 states, bringing new ideas and spaces to life. 

"That is the beauty of doing any of these projects. You’re doing something special."

Get In Touch

Alabak Designs
Phone: (918) 742–1463

alabackdesign.com