I remember the first time a shovel felt like an extension of my hand. Born and raised between New York City and Long Island as the son of Puerto Rican parents, I grew up in a family where landscaping was more than a trade—it was a way of life. By age seven, I was on job sites with relatives, learning plant names, soil textures, and the rhythm of seasonal care. Those early mornings and long weekends laid the foundation for a career that now spans more than three decades.
I earned a degree in landscape design with a minor in turf management, which provided me with formal training; however, my education extended far beyond the classroom. Over 30-plus years, I’ve worked across every corner of the green industry, maintaining pristine golf course turf, working in nurseries, designing and installing green walls, creating water features, managing lakes and ponds, and overseeing irrigation, lawn maintenance, and full-scale outdoor design-build projects. My portfolio includes everything from intimate NYC rooftop gardens to sprawling 20-acre private estates, and it encompasses federal, state, and municipal properties. Each project has broadened my technical skill set and deepened my understanding of what makes outdoor spaces thrive.
This breadth of experience is what sets my team and me apart. I feel fortunate to have seen landscapes at every scale and in every condition. Whether it’s a compact rooftop or a multi-acre estate, the principles remain the same: listen to the site, respect the climate, and design for the people who will live in it. My command of irrigation systems, plant selection, construction materials, and maintenance realities allows me to produce landscapes that are both beautiful and practical—durable, low-maintenance, and tailored to how my clients actually live.
Nine years ago, in the late part of September, I had the opportunity to visit a family friend here in Anthem. My last visit to Arizona was in 1997, and a lot had changed since then! I immediately fell in love with the North Valley. It was completely different from what I was familiar with in New York. I loved the open valley feeling with the panoramic views of the surrounding mountains! It was like looking at a painting! I felt connected to the true feeling of being engulfed in the outdoors. I knew this had to become my future! I could see the connection between people’s homes and the outdoors—pools, spas, outdoor fire pits, and kitchens are a no-brainer!
I decided to relocate to Arizona, drawn by the chance to apply my East Coast roots and decades of experience to the unique challenges of the desert. The North Valley’s culture of outdoor living—year-round entertaining, seamless indoor-outdoor transitions, and an appetite for functional beauty—has proven to be fertile ground for my creative vision. Since founding Arizona Outdoor Design Group LLC, my team and I have become known for crafting “dreamy” yet functional environments that honor desert constraints while maximizing comfort and aesthetic appeal.
My approach is hands-on and client-centered. I emphasize clear communication throughout design and construction so that clients understand their choices, budgets, and timelines. I bring craftsmanlike attention to every detail, from drought-tolerant plant palettes and energy-smart lighting to shade structures and hardscapes that age gracefully under the sun. For me, success isn’t just about a polished photo shoot; it’s about watching a space be used, loved, and filled with life.
What I find most rewarding is watching a yard become a stage for life. I don’t just build patios and pools; I create places where families gather, celebrate, and make memories. When a space is finished and I see it filled with laughter and life—that’s the win. This ethos has earned me repeat clients and steady referrals, a testament to the trust I build with homeowners.
Family and work ethic remain central to my identity. I credit my father with instilling a tireless commitment to doing the job right. He always said, “There is no such thing as mañana.” Never put off what you can do today for tomorrow—I still live by that. Friends and clients have teased me about working too much, but I shrug it off: “I’ve been blessed to have never worked a day in my life. #lovewhatyoudo.” That passion shows in my insistence on putting clients’ interests first—after all, they’re entrusting me with their homes, time, and money.
I also place high value on the teams and tradespeople who bring designs to life. Having collaborated with countless crews over the years, I prioritize partnerships with local suppliers and contractors who understand desert materials and construction techniques. These relationships keep my projects grounded, reliable, and beneficial to North Valley businesses.
Looking ahead, I plan to expand the footprint of Arizona Outdoor Design Group across the North Valley while preserving the personalized service that defines my practice. I hope to continue educating homeowners about sustainable choices—smart irrigation, heat-reducing materials, and designs that balance beauty with efficiency—so outdoor spaces remain enjoyable for years to come.
No matter where my work takes me, I live in and love the North Valley. It is my Paradise Valley. I’m here to be of service to anyone looking for help and guidance in the outdoor design-build world. I would love to meet you and see how we can create your dream outdoor space. In a career born from family tradition and fueled by clear-eyed craftsmanship, I have turned my childhood love for the land into a life that helps others make memories outdoors.
“Every project begins by understanding how the homeowner truly lives outdoors.”
“Everything I design is rooted in decades of hands-on experience, family work ethic, and a deep respect for the land, creating outdoor spaces that feel natural, purposeful, and truly lived in.”