Meet Jaime Nielsen
FOUNDER & PRINCIPAL 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.
With a professional background that spans property development, outdoor living design, and functional space planning, Jaime offers a rare blend of creative vision and technical expertise. Her projects are known for their balance of timeless structure and organic flow—where architectural elements, softscapes, and outdoor amenities are seamlessly integrated to support the way her clients live and gather. Whether it's a full-scale yard renovation, custom pool design, or refined garden space, Jaime approaches each project with a systems-thinking mindset and a keen eye for detail.
At the core of her design philosophy is the belief that outdoor spaces should be intentional extensions of the home—spaces that feel grounded, meaningful, and designed to be lived in. Every element of her work is customized, from 3D planning and layout to plant palette selection, lighting, material finishes, and the relationship between indoor and outdoor zones.
Clients are drawn to Jaime not only for her elevated aesthetic and professional insight, but for her approachable, collaborative style. She is passionate about education, guiding clients through the design process with clarity and creativity—making sure they feel seen, heard, and confident from concept to completion.
Jaime currently resides in Queen Creek, Arizona with her husband and their two Mini Aussie-doodles. She is the proud mom of two married children and loves spending her free time playing competitive pickleball, hosting friends, and traveling to beach destinations that often spark her next wave of design inspiration.
With Oak & Elm, Jaime’s mission is simple: to craft outdoor spaces that are as functional as they are beautiful—spaces that tell a story, hold memories, and feel like home for years to come.
