Portrait by Laura Moss Landscape architect Michael Rockwell stands on the corner of an elevated infinity-edge spa. The Master of the Southwest explains that he loves creating pools because they are tricky yet beautiful. “My passions are water and design.”

Landscape architect Michael Rockwell designs livable spaces that unite site and home

Homeowners may look at their properties and think, “Nothing can be done. It’s too small . . . too steep . . . too rocky.” Landscape architect Michael Rockwell looks at properties like these and sees possibilities.

The more challenging the site, the more options it can present for a creative, unique landscape, he explains. “Constraints lead to opportunity—they result in a design that is atypical.”

Rockwell, who is co-owner of Azul-Verde Design Group Inc. in Cave Creek, Arizona, says he enjoys developing livable outdoor spaces, including pools, that complement a home’s architecture and surrounding property. “Every client is different and every site is different, and those are beautiful things,” he comments. With this type of passion for his job, it is hard to believe that at one time this Master of the Southwest had a less than enthusiastic opinion of the profession.

An Illinois native, Rockwell spent his teenage years working at a 20-acre nursery owned by his father, a horticulturist. Tasks were varied and included weeding, digging, mowing and planting vegetation. Although his father had instilled a strong work ethic that remains with him today, he swore he would never go into landscaping. However, while studying architecture at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, a friend turned him on to the landscape architecture program. The degree appealed to Rockwell, and he switched majors. “I wanted to be creative; I always loved drawing and being outside,” he remarks. “[The profession] was landscape on a broader sense. It was designing for people, instead of just plants.”

To overcome obstacles created by a small patio, Michael Rockwell crafted a pool that is raised 18 inches above ground. The design provides extra seating and overlooks desert vistas.

After graduation, Rockwell moved to Phoenix and joined a landscape architecture firm, working as a draftsman. He soon became established in the design community, started creating his own work, and in 1995 partnered with Gary Orlando to form Azul-Verde Design Group. The two started the company in a shed in Rockwell’s carport and since then have grown the business into one that has garnered more than 70 awards and employs nearly 25 people.

Orlando, who has worked with Rockwell for 25 years, says that two of his colleague’s greatest assets are his abilities to tackle challenging projects and listen to a client’s needs. “Many times clients have their ideas, and he takes all this in. He has a knack for ‘massaging’ [the design]. Continuity between the home’s architectural elements and the outside living environments gel and, in the end, the result is the two becoming one.”

Likewise, designer/builder and fellow Master of the Southwest Barry Smith of Casas del Oso Luxury Homes, who has worked with Azul-Verde Design Group for five years, appreciates the attention Rockwell pays to a client’s needs. “Mike’s concern is what matters to us, not what matters to him,” he says, calling the landscape architect a great listener and forward thinker.

Argentine giant, African ocotillo and twin flower agave were combined in this planting bed.

Jim Shelly of James E. Shelly & Associates, LLC, an architectural design firm in Scottsdale, has worked with Rockwell on more than 50 homes. “Mike has a unique sensibility to the technical requirements of the home site and is able to work with existing conditions and view opportunities to enhance the outdoor living spaces that he designs,” he comments.

Looking back, Rockwell says he is pleased that his career has allowed him to combine his appreciation for the outdoors and the Southwest landscape with his desire to produce usable properties. “I’m creating outdoor living spaces,” he says. “And that I will always love.”

The landscape architect placed a decorative tile fountain near the front entry of an Arizona home to establish a focal point in the courtyard. The area is accented with an array of desert vegetation and garden annuals.

Rockwell configured a geometric-shaped pool and series of planting beds in a terraced design to accentuate the Contemporary architecture of a Scottsdale residence and to take advantage of views of the surrounding mountain preserve. He notes that a well-executed design should be comprehensive and reflect the style and materials found in the home. “The landscape is part of the architecture—one should lead into the other in a seamless transition.”

Grade changes at this property presented the Master of the Southwest with an opportunity to design a raised pool, and tiered patio spaces that draw the eye to the mountains.

This backyard received a complete remodel, including a new pool, patio, water feature and landscape renovation. The result is a relaxing retreat that is accented with rusted-metal agaves in giant wok pots.

With spectacular desert views, this setting includes an infinity-edge pool that seems to spill into the landscape beyond. Michael Rockwell incorporated a swim-up bar to unify the pool with the ramada and barbecue area.

This planting bed includes a pairing of Parry’s and octopus agaves. The landscape architect says he loves the dynamic nature of plants, and the way vegetation complements the static presence of hardscapes.