In the Sonoran Desert, outdoor spaces are more than amenities—they’re extensions of architecture, lifestyle, and place. At High Desert Designs, custom putting greens are approached with the same design discipline as the home itself: intentional, sculptural, and deeply rooted in the surrounding landscape.

These are not standalone features or novelty additions. A High Desert putting green is designed to feel inevitable—as though it has always belonged there.

At High Desert Designs, landscape is never treated as an afterthought. It is conceived as an integral extension of the architecture — grounded in place, proportion, and purpose. One of the most recognizable expressions of this philosophy is our signature monumental boulder integration, where natural stone becomes a defining architectural element.

Behind the Scenes: The First Stages of a High Desert Landscape Installation

When people see a finished high desert landscape, they often notice the clean lines, sculptural cactus, and seamless connection between architecture and nature. What they don’t always see is the intense planning, coordination, and precision that happens long before the first plant is settled into the ground—especially on a hilltop property like this one.

This project offers a perfect look behind the scenes at the early phases of a high desert landscape installation, where access is limited, terrain is steep, and every move matters.

Set within North Scottsdale’s prestigious Estancia, this High Desert Designs project is a study in sculptural desert planting, where every cactus, agave, and stone placement is intentional. Rather than relying on ornament or excess, the landscape is defined by restraint—allowing the Sonoran Desert’s natural forms to become the design.

This is desert modern landscape design at its most refined: quiet, architectural, and deeply rooted in place.

As leaders in Scottsdale landscape design, high-end residential landscaping, and luxury desert-modern outdoor living, High Desert Designs is honored to announce a major win at the 2025 ALCA Awards. This year, our team brought home top recognition across several of the most competitive categories in Arizona’s landscape industry—further solidifying HDD as one of the state’s premier design-build landscape firms.

At High Desert Designs, every landscape is an extension of the architecture — a dialogue between form, texture, and light.

This Estancia Scottsdale residence embodies our signature approach: sculptural desert design rooted in ecology and elevated through artistry. Each planting was selected not just for beauty, but for structure, scale, and seasonal expression — transforming the landscape into a living gallery of desert forms.

What begins as blank desert canvas becomes living artistry in the hands of High Desert Designs. From bare soil and unshaped spaces to sculptural plantings, layered terraces, and bold desert-modern lines — every detail is designed to harmonize with the architecture and mountain backdrop.

Our team blends specimen cacti, agaves, natural stone, and custom hardscape to create landscapes that feel both timeless and alive. The result: outdoor living spaces that elevate the home, frame the views, and showcase the true beauty of the Sonoran desert.

When our clients ask, we deliver. This custom Bocce Ball court, designed by John Drew of High Desert Designs, was crafted to create the ultimate outdoor entertainment oasis. Polished black beach pebbles frame the imported bocce sand, while an integrated LED light strip illuminates the court for seamless play long after sunset.

In this striking residence, modern architecture (designed by H&S International) and desert minimalism merge to create a seamless dialogue between structure and landscape. The home’s bold geometry—defined by sharp rooflines, deep overhangs, and matte metal cladding—sets a clean, linear backdrop for an equally intentional planting palette.

In collaboration with Tate Studio Architects, Build.inc and Amirob Interiors—captured through the discerning lens of Cj Tronnier Gershon—High Desert Designs was invited to choreograph a landscape that dissolves the divide between rugged Sonoran wilderness and elevated modern living.

Featured Design and Architecture Article on AZFoothills.com

Tucked into the rugged beauty of the Sonoran Desert, this luxury residence is a masterclass in architectural harmony, where form, function, and nature converge.

Designed by the visionary team at Tate Studio Architects and brought to life with Ownby Design, this Scottsdale home is an immersive experience in contemporary desert living.

Where the wild beauty of the desert meets refined design—every space we touch tells a story rooted in the land.

At High Desert Designs, we blur the lines between indoor luxury and outdoor serenity. Whether it’s the rhythm of a waterfall beside a cactus-framed pool, the clean lines of a bath that gazes into the Sonoran wilderness, or vibrant xeriscapes layered with texture and life—our landscapes are intentional, immersive, and deeply connected to place.

Nestled beneath the warm glow of Pinnacle Peak, this Scottsdale estate remodel—masterfully orchestrated by architect Craig Wickersham and brought to life by the artisans at High Desert Designs—redefines what it means to live luxuriously in the desert. The result is a seamless fusion of natural terrain and curated elegance, where every view feels intentional and every plant tells a story.

This breathtaking residence in Paradise Valley showcases the signature style of High Desert Designs AZ—a seamless marriage of natural beauty and refined desert luxury. With an eye for sculptural impact and a dedication to harmonizing architecture with environment, this project exemplifies what it means to design for the desert while crafting a high-end outdoor experience.

Transforming a Mirabel, Scottsdale home entrance with High Desert Design AZ magic! We anchored the design with our signature organ pipe cactus (a nod to our logo!), flanked by impressive Argentine giants and a magnificent 25-foot saguaro. Golden barrels add pops of color and texture, while massive three-ton boulders ground the space. The rich tapestry continues with Mexican toothpick, blue yucca, terra cotta pots overflowing with succulents, prickly pear, bottle brush, and old man cactus. Prepare for the wow factor!

At the Crusader House in North Scottsdale’s Estancia, architecture and landscape exist in quiet, deliberate harmony. Designed by Drewett Works, the structure’s angular, jet-inspired lines soar over a landscape that feels both curated and untouched.

This project with Tate Studio Architects many years ago is one of our favorites, using strong geometric shapes in the planters to complement the pool and design of the build. This reinforced the modern aesthetic, with primarily neutral color palette, gray tone of the paving and gravel contrasting with the green of the plants and the golden hues of the barrel cacti.

Modern desert xeriscape-inspired design with a low-maintenance and drought-tolerant approach.

The small, minimalist lawns are neatly maintained patches of grass bordered by low shrubs, which provide contrast and a pop of green.

The gravel and decomposed granite pathways are low maintenance and ideal for water permeability.

Lot 351 in Desert Highlands, featured in @phoenixhomeandgarden, (designed by Chad Norris of High Desert Designs) celebrates the natural beauty of the Sonoran Desert. 🌵 With sustainable, low-water cacti and succulents, salvaged trees from across the valley, boulder accents sourced from southern Arizona, and meandering paths inviting exploration, this landscape captures the essence of the desert’s charm.