Arizona Landscape Design

Bespoke landscape design for

modern desert living.

Assorted building materials and natural elements on grass
Woman sitting on a white couch, smiling, wearing a black shirt and jeans, black and white photo.

Meet the Designer

Jaime Nielsen is the founder and principal designer of Oak & Elm Design Co., bringing more than two decades of hands-on experience in real estate, residential construction, and landscape design. Born and raised in Arizona, Jaime has developed a deep understanding of the desert environment, allowing her to create landscapes that are not only visually stunning but also thoughtfully adapted to the climate, soil, and seasonal rhythms of the region.

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  • "Jaime and the Oak & Elm team completely transformed our backyard into a space we never want to leave. From the plant selection to the layout and lighting, every detail was thoughtful and intentional. It feels like a natural extension of our home."

    Emily R. | Queen Creek, AZ

  • "We felt heard and cared for through the entire design process. Jaime’s ability to combine form and function was exactly what we needed—now we have a space that works for entertaining, relaxing, and letting the kids run free."

    — Jason & Mia G. | Gilbert, AZ

  • "It’s more than a yard—it’s where we spend sunsets with our kids, host friends, and unwind after long days. Jaime brought our vision to life in ways we never could’ve imagined. Worth every penny."

    — Nina D. | Chandler, AZ

  • "The 3D renderings were so realistic, it was like stepping into our future yard before a single shovel hit the ground. The final result matched the vision perfectly, and Jaime was a dream to work with."

    — Taryn L. | Scottsdale, AZ

A rustic stone water fountain surrounded by gravel and succulents in a garden setting.

    • A yard renovation is a comprehensive transformation of your outdoor space, designed to improve both its beauty and functionality. It can involve everything from regrading the land and updating hardscapes like patios and pathways to installing new plantings, lighting, and irrigation systems. At Oak & Elm Design Co., we approach each project with a thoughtful eye, tailoring every element—from garden beds and gathering areas to fire pits and water features—to reflect your lifestyle and the natural character of your space. Our process often begins with detailed 3D landscape design plans, allowing you to visualize the layout and flow before any work begins. Whether you're looking to refresh a single area or completely reimagine your entire yard, a renovation brings new life and lasting value to your home.

  • Yes, and you'd be surprised how much. A well-designed yard renovation can completely transform how your outdoor space flows, feels, and functions. Whether it's creating zones for entertaining, adding privacy with thoughtful plantings, or building paths that guide movement naturally, we approach every element with intention.

    At Oak & Elm, we specialize in bringing cohesion to fragmented spaces—turning underused areas into extensions of your home that feel both grounded and inspired

A straw hat on the edge of a swimming pool with sparkling blue water and sunlight reflection.

  • A lot more than you might think! A thoughtful custom pool design includes not just the size and shape of your pool, but how it integrates with your home, yard layout, sun exposure, drainage, safety, materials, and lifestyle. At Oak & Elm, we consider everything from lounging zones and water features to lighting, surrounding plantings, and even how your pool connects to existing or planned patios. It’s about creating a cohesive space—not just a place to swim.

  • At Oak & Elm, we don’t just design pools — we design experiences. Every pool we create is rooted in your lifestyle, your environment, and your long-term vision for your home. We take a holistic approach, considering how the pool integrates with your landscape, architecture, and natural light. Our detailed 3D designs allow you to visualize your entire outdoor space before construction even begins, ensuring it flows seamlessly with patios, plantings, shade structures, and more. We value timeless design over trendy add-ons, and we’re known for creating pools that feel like they’ve always belonged — intentional, inviting, and uniquely yours.

    It's not just about swimming; it's about creating a space that feels like home.

Olive tree in a pebble-filled courtyard with low bushes and stone feature.

  • Absolutely. A well-designed garden is not only beautiful but also sustainable and tailored to your lifestyle. Whether you want a vibrant pollinator-friendly space, a peaceful desert retreat, or something that blooms effortlessly throughout the year, we’ll create a garden plan that works with your desired level of upkeep—not against it. Thoughtful plant selection, proper spacing, and smart irrigation go a long way in keeping your space thriving with minimal effort.

    At Oak & Elm, our garden designs are built around how you truly live—prioritizing balance, beauty, and long-term ease so your outdoor space becomes a source of joy, not a chore.

  • That’s exactly where we shine. You don’t need to know the names of plants or worry about layouts—we’ll guide you through every step. Through visuals, mood boards, and 3D garden planning, we’ll translate your vision into a design that reflects your style, suits your space, and brings out the natural beauty of your home. Whether you want structured beds, wild organic flow, or a mix of both, we’ll make it feel cohesive and custom.

    Oak & Elm specializes in turning inspiration into tangible, timeless design—making your garden feel as if it was always meant to be there.

Grounded in Nature, Designed for Living.

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Grounded in Nature, Designed for Living. *