Fifteen-year-old John Van pushed his lawnmower across a client’s lush, verdant lawn. The smell of freshly cut grass permeated the air as he meticulously cut it to his father’s standards. He never anticipated that the rest of his career would be about taming Colorado terrain and designing award-winning landscapes with Four Elements, founded by his father in 1987. “While in high school and college, I would help my parents out,” John explains. “I realized that I could make a couple of dollars, and that maybe I should continue. Twenty-plus years later, here I am! I try to make the company better every day and expand it every year.”
Four Elements specializes in outdoor living spaces. Colorado’s weather is unpredictable, to say the least, but it is perfect for outdoor living, as the sun shines 70 percent of the year. Spring, summer and fall are ideal seasons to enjoy the outdoors. Winter can be enjoyable too if a fireplace, heaters or an enclosed patio is in place.
“The goal for outdoor living spaces is to create ambience – a place for people to relax and enjoy being outside,” John says. “It doesn’t have to be a full-blown, expensive project. You can spend less and still achieve ambience. We can create something simple, like a small sitting area where a husband and wife can enjoy a glass of wine at the end of their day. We can add a water feature, a fire element or a pergola with furniture. It can be affordable and achieve the same goal as a larger project, with the same ambience. Our team treats every customer equally, regardless of the project's size.”
A highly skilled team collaborates to transform a project from the initial design on paper into a stunning landscape. “It is satisfying and amazing to see the finished product,” John states enthusiastically.
The team consists of Ron Athison, the in-house architect/designer, Jeremy Hillman, the sales lead and Jimmy To, the lead project manager. Crews operate under the direction of these departments.
The team is well-educated in Colorado’s native landscape, selecting low-maintenance, functional and sustainable elements for each property. For instance, if the house faces east and west, the design incorporates plants that thrive in that orientation. The soil composition, the land contours, the lot size and the customer’s budget and priorities all play a part in choosing materials and creating the original design.
Hardscapes, the non-living elements of landscape design, are a key part of Four Elements' design. The company is known for its creative, high-quality hardscapes, including stone, concrete, paver pathways, patios, decks, planters, outdoor kitchens, fire features, water elements and more. They tailor to the client's desires and the team's suggestions during the initial planning phase by selecting durable, low-maintenance materials well-suited for the climate, which enhances the property's value and provides the homeowner with years of enjoyment.
Lighting is the key to showcasing the design, creating atmosphere and extending the day into the night. Four Elements is adept at creating and installing lighting options that make its projects stand out.
Customers rave about John and his crew for their outstanding customer service. Tom, a client in Littleton, says, “John’s employees are the hardest-working people I’ve ever had on my property. Working with John and his crew was fantastic! There are very few contractors that I would allow on my property because I am very particular. John and his crew are quality, good people.”
For clients, David and Danathe Lyons, Four Elements redesigned their lot, seamlessly blending it into the natural terrain of their land. The project features various hardscapes, patios, a seven-drop waterfall, a fountain, a fire feature, pathways, planters and precision lighting.
“We have the most beautiful landscape in our neighborhood. The work is phenomenal!” Dana exclaims.“They were always courteous and cleaned up after themselves. I watched the precision with which these guys cut the pavers; it was impressive. As an artist, I pay attention to these things. Their attention to detail was amazing.”
David Lyons added, “These guys are artisans, hands down. His crews take the time and do a great job! He is personable and wonderful to work with. The team brought in a lot of organic elements, like we have in our home. We wanted to reflect the inside on the outside and make it look like the house was built around the natural landscape first, not the other way around.”
John won’t be mowing lawns anymore! Instead, he oversees each project as a designer and general contractor to ensure his team’s work meets exceptional standards.
Visit fourelementslandscape.com for a gallery of projects, a form for project inquiries, a list of services, testimonials and more.
"The goal of outdoor living spaces is to create ambience—a place for people to relax and enjoy being outside. It doesn't have to be a full-blown, expensive project. You can spend less and still achieve ambience."
-John Van of Four Elements