Landscape Architect James Hyatt Joins Valleycrest, Establishes Hyatt Studio

Internationally-acclaimed and award-winning landscape architect and urban designer James Hyatt joins ValleyCrest Companies to head Hyatt Studio, a newly- established landscape architecture and planning firm in Denver, Colo. Under his leadership, Hyatt Studio will create outdoor environments for resorts, residential getaways, master-planned communities and unique shopping destinations. This announcement was made by Richard Sperber, president and chief operating officer of ValleyCrest Companies.  

“For a landscape architect of Jim’s caliber to join ValleyCrest marks a major milestone for our company,” Sperber says.  “For years, I have wanted landscape architecture services to be a part of our portfolio to compliment our landscape construction and maintenance operations.  That Jim recognized the value we can deliver customers with the full-service offering of design, installation and maintenance, as well as integrated design-build services for select clients, is not only a testament to our vision but indicative of where our industry is heading.” 

Formerly a Vice President and Principal at EDAW, one of the world’s leading planning and design firms, Hyatt brings more than 20 years of landscape architecture experience to ValleyCrest. A seasoned professional, he has devoted a substantial portion of his career to the planning and design of world-renowned resorts, resort communities and private residential properties. 

Some of his high-profile projects include the Monte Rei golf resort community in Portugal, the Four Seasons Santa Barbara Biltmore (Montecito, Calif.), Fairmont Scottsdale Princess Spa (Scottsdale Ariz.), L’Ermitage Hotel (Beverly Hills, Calif.), Peninsula Beverly Hills (Beverly Hills, CA), San Ysidro Ranch (Montecito, Calif.), Four Seasons Troon Resort (Scottsdale, Ariz.), Hualalai Resort (Big Island, Hawaii), Mauni Lani Resort (Big Island, Hawaii), Cayo Espanto Resort (Ambergis Cay, Belize), Broadmoor Hotel (Colorado Springs, Colo.), Sonnenalp Hotel Bavaria Haus (Vail, Colo.), Four Seasons Sharm El Sheikh (Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt) and the Four Seasons Bahrain (Manama, Bahrain), to name a few. 

Additionally, Hyatt is responsible for creating compelling urban environments such as Stapleton Town Center (Denver, Colo.), Kierland Commons (Scottsdale, Arizona), Auvers Gardens (Taichung, Taiwan) and the China World Trade Centre and Kerry Centre (Beijing, China), which have become cornerstones of success worldwide. Hyatt also counts four of the Middle Eastern royal families as his longstanding clients.

Known within the industry for his ability to integrate big picture functionality and economic factors with highly detailed design, Hyatt has received numerous awards from the American Society of Landscape Architecture, the American Institute of Architects, and the Urban Land Institute.

“Since we first met Jim, everyone at ValleyCrest was not only impressed by his design talents but also his deep horticultural knowledge," Sperber adds. "He is a true plantsman who understands the complexities of different geographic environments and designs his landscapes with those insights in mind.”  

“Over the years, I have collaborated with ValleyCrest as they brought many of my designs to life,” Hyatt says. "Through these experiences I was exposed to a highly professional, hard-working and smart group of people. As we discussed the concept of Hyatt Studio, I was intrigued by the idea of working with a company as equally committed to its clients and the natural environment as myself. I am truly excited to start the next chapter of my career with ValleyCrest.” 

Hyatt resides in Evergreen, Colo. with his wife Leland Lauder and two children, Chapman and Lachlan. 

In March 2006, ValleyCrest announced its movement into landscape architecture and integrated design-build when it acquired Orange County, California-based HRP LanDesign and Fairhope, Ala.-based Site Works.  These studios along with Hyatt Studio will offer standalone landscape architecture services, or will partner with ValleyCrest Landscape Development on integrated design-build projects.