As if the education sessions, networking opportunities and expo hall weren’t enough, ELEVATE, presented by NALP and powered by Cat, also offers an exclusive facility tour. This year’s On Tour is with Creative Environments, based in Tempe, Arizona, and will take place on Nov. 5, 2025.
Creative Environments is an award-winning full-service landscape firm that has been creating beautiful spaces across the nation and in select countries for over 70 years. The company prides themselves on their innovative designs and red carpet experience they deliver to each and every customer.
They take a personalized, hands-on approach to develop a final design that matches their client’s vision.
“We oftentimes say, ‘If you are selling, you are doing something wrong,’” says Dan Waters, owner of Creative Environments. “This is not a sale, it’s a relationship and an opportunity to enhance the lives of your clients by creating living spaces that will create memories and experiences that they otherwise would not have. We foster this mindset and treat every client as a top priority. Our commitment to proactive communication, customized and thoughtful gestures of appreciation, and building long-term relationships is our focus.”
With an annual revenue of $70 million and 160 employees, Creative Environments hopes to share some of their insights on what has brought them success over the past 75 years and how to create meaningful experiences with clients.
The company’s culture is their ‘forever project’ as they continually work to improve and care for it. This starts from day one, where they onboard new employees and explain their company history, values and mission. Waters says they have invested a notable amount of time, assets, and resources to create the culture they have today.
Part of the way they attract and retain their team members is by encouraging internal skills and relationship development. Waters says people choose to work for Creative Environments because they are trendsetters and known for their innovative designs. They never use a template, and everything is created custom for every single homeowner.
“For our design team, our senior designers have open studio sessions, 3 days a week, every week,” Waters says. “These are intended for any designer that may need assistance on a project or may be having ‘writer’s block’ while designing.”
Waters says many of their designs are incredibly challenging to build as they are constantly raising the bar as part of their commitment to their craft.
Another unique aspect of Creative Environments is their metal fabrication shop. They have their own metal artisans on site, and the fabrication shop will be part of the facility tour.
“We are excited to show others in our industry how unique and passionate we are about what we do,” Waters says. “We hope to inspire others and absolutely blow them away with the experience, knowledge, and innovation!”
You can sign up here to stay in the loop about additional ELEVATE news. Mark your calendars now to save the date for this must-attend event.
On Tour is a separate, ticketed event that attendees can choose to add to their trip. Registration for ELEVATE will open in early June.
