What do you do at Straight Line Landscape?
Chris: I’m a sales designer, which means I work with clients from the very beginning to the very end of a landscape project. I connect with Phoenix homeowners looking for landscape quotes and designs, schedule site visits and create plans tailored to both their needs and budgets.
I also help move things along with permits or special orders when needed. Once the job is underway, I stay involved with our construction team to make sure everything is delivered as promised and I’m there for the final walk-through with the client.
What skills and experience have helped you succeed in this role?
I’ve been in landscaping for over 16 years and I’ve worked my way through just about every role in the industry. I started as a service tech, replacing plants and fixing leaks, then moved up to foreman, overseeing installation crews. After that, I became a supervisor managing multiple crews and irrigation techs.
I eventually shifted into sales, design and management, including project management, handling scheduling, materials, homebuilder coordination and contracts. Every part of what I know today about landscaping design comes from years of hands-on experience. I’ve seen how greenery in a desert yard evolves, what grows well, what struggles and how everything changes with the seasons.
That kind of firsthand experience is hard to teach.
True.
When designing a landscape for a Phoenix home, what should homeowners prioritise?
It really depends on the client’s budget and stage of life. For example, a retired couple might prioritize differently than a young family. For families, I usually recommend upgrades like shade structures and play areas, which are practical and fun. As a dad of three young girls, I also know low-maintenance features make a big difference, so I often suggest artificial turf, automated outdoor lighting and, of course, automated irrigation.
Artificial turf creates a clean, usable outdoor space without the upkeep. Artificial grass and automated irrigation are smart choices for water conservation. Landscape lighting enhances safety, nighttime visibility and security. I also recommend low-water, low-maintenance plants and trees as part of a xeriscape design that’s both sustainable and family-friendly.
Other features I also think are must-haves are outdoor kitchens and pergolas. Backyard kitchens are perfect for outdoor entertaining.
Meanwhile, the cantilevered pergola is truly popular right now. It’s a sleek shade structure that opens up the yard by removing some of the vertical posts traditional pergolas need. That makes them ideal for Phoenix landscape designs, where homeowners often want to include various outdoor features-shade structures, turf, outdoor lighting, water features such as a custom pool, etc, even in compact yards.
Can you walk us through your landscape design process?
When working on a new landscaping project, I start by meeting with homeowners to discuss their vision for their outdoor space. I then create 3D renderings to bring that vision to life to let clients see their backyard design before we even start their project. For me, I can quickly envision how these elements will fit, but for many clients, the 3D renderings that I create using our design software help them understand the full scope.
In addition to the design, I bring years of experience in residential landscape construction. As a former production manager, I’m well-versed in the permitting process, which ensures that the design not only looks great but also meets local regulations.
For example, a shade structure has specific requirements, like distance from walls or percentage of coverage allowed on the client’s lot. By considering these factors from the beginning, I help homeowners avoid pricey missteps and ensure their patio design is both functional and compliant with local regulations.
What moments with clients stand out to you the most?
I’m a people person. I’ve always loved connecting with people and getting them excited about their backyard. It’s not just about the design for me. It’s about sharing the knowledge I’ve gained over 16 years in landscape design.
A big part of my job is guiding homeowners on what not to do, helping them avoid expensive mistakes like overplanting or wasting money on unnecessary features. Many landscapers focus on the immediate sale, but I’m more concerned with making sure clients enjoy their outdoor space long-term.
One of my favorite moments is when a client sees their vision come to life, especially when they initially couldn’t picture it. When they see how the plants have grown and how everything fits perfectly, that’s the ultimate compliment.
A well-planned outdoor living space isn’t overcrowded. For example, when creating a design, choosing the right size plants and spacing them properly ensures that homeowners won’t be pulling them out in a few years as they mature. That’s the beauty of experience, it helps me create a design that works for now and well into the future.
What has your experience been like working at Straight Line Landscape?
I’ve been with Straight Line Landscape for about 8 years, but I took a short hiatus at the height of the COVID crisis to focus on my growing family. I had the opportunity to work from home during that time when my wife and I were expecting our first child.
After spending some time away, I realized how much I missed being in landscape design, working outdoors and helping homeowners transform their outdoor spaces. So, when an opportunity arose for another sales position with Straight Line Landscape, I jumped at the chance, knowing it would allow me to work outdoors again. My extensive experience in landscaping and design, both in the field and in sales, makes me feel right at home here.
What sets Straight Line Landscape apart from other companies you’ve worked with?
What sets our landscaping company apart is our commitment to doing things the right way. Unlike other landscaping services that might cut corners for profit, Straight Line Landscape always prioritizes delivering the best possible product and ensuring homeowners are satisfied.
Our clients are primarily referrals and we want them to confidently tell others that Straight Line Landscape did a great job. It’s about doing things efficiently, cleanly and with integrity, ensuring that every project meets our high standards.
Your clients give the team excellent reviews online.
Yes! We have been blessed to work with so many wonderful clients and we love hearing about their experiences.
How have you grown since joining the company?
Since joining Straight Line Landscape, I’ve learned not just how to complete projects correctly but how to design and install outdoor spaces that stand the test of time, ensuring lasting satisfaction for our clients.
What is it like collaborating with the rest of the team?
Collaborating with the team at Straight Line Landscape has been a truly rewarding experience. Our crews are hardworking, reliable and genuinely good people. It’s always a pleasure teaming up with them out in the field. They bring both skill and character to every project.
But it’s not just about the crew, everyone in the office is equally supportive and we all really operate like a family. Whether we’re on-site or in the office, we’re committed to working together, having fun and delivering the best results for our clients.
What do you enjoy doing when you are not designing outdoor spaces?
When I’m not working on yard designs, I love spending time with my family. I’ve been married to my wife, Talia, for seven years and we have three daughters, two that are identical twins.
Being a dad keeps me busy, but I absolutely love it. I also enjoy cooking with my wife and playing golf to unwind outdoors. Staying active is important to me, so I make time to work out. On weekends, we attend church as a family and whenever time allows, I’m usually working on projects around the house. That’s how I spend time outside of work.
That really reflects how thoughtful you are about design and helping people.
Thanks! That means a lot!
