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.

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.

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.