At Creative Environments, we know you’re not just building a backyard. You’re creating a lifestyle. A sanctuary. A statement. For over seven decades, we’ve helped homeowners, builders, and developers transform open spaces into luxurious, livable environments that elevate every moment.
We’re here to help you imagine more — and build it beautifully.
Founded in 1950 by Charles Hammond, Creative Environments began as a humble landscape contracting business in Tempe, Arizona. With a strong foundation in craftsmanship and service, the business steadily grew — but it wasn’t until 1985 that a pivotal change began.
That year, a young summer laborer named Dan Waters stepped onto the job site.
By 1993, Dan had become a partner, restructured the company, and began building something extraordinary. Creative Environments quickly became known for pushing boundaries, blending art and nature, and delivering exceptional results — all while growing into a national leader in luxury landscape design and outdoor living.
Charles Hammond establishes a landscape contracting business in Tempe, Arizona.
From a single truck and a few hand tools, Hammond begins helping homeowners bring nature to their doorsteps. The company earns a reputation for integrity, quality, and personal service — values that still guide us today.
Dan Waters joins the team as a summer laborer.
With dirt under his fingernails and a growing passion for outdoor design, Dan quickly rises through the ranks. He absorbs everything — from plant science and construction to customer service and leadership.
Dan purchases 50% of the company and renames it Creative Environments.
With only five employees, Dan brings big vision and an entrepreneurial mindset to the company. He sets out to redefine what’s possible in the world of outdoor living. Over the next few years, the company transforms from a local landscape contractor to a growing design-build firm.
Creative Environments becomes the primary subcontractor for top pool companies.
Trusted by Presidential Pools, Shasta, California Pools, and Paddock Pools, Creative Environments plays a key role in transforming thousands of residential backyards across Arizona. These partnerships allow the firm to hone its craftsmanship and expand capabilities.
The company completes its first hotel landscape project.
The transition from residential to commercial takes root, as Creative Environments begins designing spaces that enhance guest experiences. This sets the stage for future work with resorts and multi-family communities.
Out of 650,000 U.S. landscape companies, Creative Environments is named in the Top 150.
Industry leaders begin to take notice. The company’s ability to blend design creativity with construction discipline sets it apart in the market.
Metal fabrication shop opens and landscape maintenance division is introduced.
To maintain full control of quality and creativity, Creative Environments brings more services in-house. At the same time, a landscape maintenance division is launched to preserve clients’ investments year-round.
Creative Environments opens a new office on Hardy Drive.
With more space and an expanding team, the company scales to handle more complex projects across residential, commercial, and hospitality sectors.
Creative Environments begins designing and building its own pools.
This major milestone allows for seamless integration of water, stone, fire, and plant elements — giving clients truly unified outdoor living environments.
Partnerships expand with homebuilders and commercial developers across Arizona.
The company becomes a go-to design-build partner for high-end model homes, golf communities, HOAs, and resorts.
A second Tempe office building opens as the team continues to grow.
The demand for signature-level outdoor design brings in more architects, project managers, and artisans from across the country.
Creative Environments begins collaborating with Camelot Homes.
Together, they produce multiple award-winning homes that become showcase pieces for both companies — blending modern architecture with timeless outdoor spaces.
Projects completed across TX, NC, FL, PA, CO, UT, and CA.
Creative Environments evolves into a national force — delivering model homes, community developments, and private residences across the country. Clients now request Creative Environments by name from coast to coast.
Recognized in the Top 50 Landscape Firms in the U.S.
Featured in major media and publications including Luxe, Phoenix Home & Garden, and NAHB Gold Nugget Awards
For 70+ years, we’ve been helping clients design with purpose and build with vision. Today, our team of 700+ designers, craftsmen, and project managers delivers breathtaking outdoor environments for private estates, multi-family communities, resorts, golf courses, and more.
We believe in pushing boundaries — in design, in service, and in what’s possible.
We know your space is more than square footage. It’s where life happens. Let’s build something worthy of it.