Red Leaf Development specializes in luxury custom pool and landscape design and installation. Backed by award-winning experience, a reputation for eloquent design, service-oriented performance, and a commitment to environmental consciousness, you can expect unique and artistic solutions that are both sustainable and inspiring.
Red Leaf Developments, Inc. was founded in 2005 by Paul Straus, a graduate of the demanding Landscape Architecture program at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo. During his first job as a teenager working in the industry, Paul witnessed the challenges that clients faced: poor communication, incomplete work, unprofessional appearances, and missed deadlines. Paul created Red Leaf Developments as a solution to deliver an exceptional client experience that results in delivering an outdoor living environment that is second to none. Paul built the integrity of Red Leaf on lasting relationships - both with clients and his talented team. His dream of building a design-build firm that houses expertise under one roof has earned Red Leaf the Residential Design Awards in both 2013,2014 and 2015 from the Sierra Chapter of the American Society of Landscape Architects. Voted Roseville’s Best Landscape Design Firm in 2014, Red Leaf is living up to Paul’s early vision as a trusted solution in luxury landscape and pool design and installation.
Nick manages the day to day activities of our construction teams and oversees all quality control and construction performed by Red Leaf. Nick pulls from his 15 years of pool and landscape building experience. His extensive knowledge in every aspect of the job site helps to maintain details on all jobs. Nick plays an integral part in recommending appropriate equipment for pool and landscape products and design that focus on saving energy while protecting the environment. He started with Red Leaf by working in the trenches to become Sr. Project Manager. He has been a valued member of the team since 2008.
Michael joined the Red Leaf Team in 2022 as a Project Manager. Michael spent several years building pools in the Reno area. Prior to that, he worked in a variety of jobs involving pond management and rural irrigation systems. Michael has many years experience in building client relationships. He enjoys the modern approach and attention to detail that Red Leaf offers to their clients.
Alicia joined the Red Leaf team in 2021. She is a Project Manager for the Commercial Division.Alicia spent 14 years in the fire protection industry in various roles including Administrator, Schedule Coordinator, Project Manager, and Estimator for fire sprinkler and fire alarm install,repair, and inspection departments. As a commercial project manager, Alicia bridges the communication gap between the client and field, making sure that both sides have all the information they need to produce a quality, aesthetically pleasing and code compliant project.
Joel has been in the landscape design and construction business for over 30 years. His extensive experience in the industry brings a passion for excellence and attention to detail with a keen eye for design characteristics in our landscape and pool construction projects. As Project Manager, Joel communicates between the client and design team throughout the project;finalizing material decisions, colors and plant selection. He also is responsible for communication between RLD crew, subcontractors and clients on every aspect and detail of a project; ensuring design integrity and the highest quality of work.
Manuel joined the Red Leaf team in 2017. He is Red Leaf’s Labor Manager. Coming from a Landscape and Nursery background, he has added a lot of value to the team. His hard work and passion in the field has grown him into a leader of the field staff. He is very knowledgeable in the field and is often a go to for guidance for the rest of the field crew. His many years of experience and skills make him a valuable asset to the Red Leaf team.
Danielle joined the Red Leaf team in 2021. She wears two hats as the Office Manager and Bookkeeper. With a background in Accounting, she brings a wealth of knowledge to the company. She is the clients' first point of contact for contracts and billing, while being responsible for the company's finances and HR functions and ensuring the office runs smoothly.Her hard work and dedication make her a valuable member to the team.
Born and raised in Italy, Edoardo moved to the United States in 2007 with a desire to explore new opportunities and challenge himself. After settling in the Los Angeles area, he discovered his passion for landscape architecture; a field that combines his love for nature and his creative talents.
Edoardo pursued his education at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), where he graduated in 2011 with a degree in landscape architecture.
As a landscape designer, Edoardo blends his Italian roots with his California experience to create unique and captivating designs that complement the local landscape. His work is characterized by attention to detail and a deep understanding of the interplay between plants,architecture, and the environment.
Edoardo's love for the natural world and passion for design have led him to a fulfilling career as a landscape designer. With over 10 years of experience in the field, he made his new home in the Sacramento area, joining Redleaf Developments as the team Landscape Designer.
Laura joined the Red Leaf team in 2019. Laura has been in the pool industry since 2005,starting out at SCP Distributions. Her strong business skills from SCP have successfully transferred over to Red Leaf, adding to the success of the company.
She is a pivotal member of the Operations team for Red Leaf Developments. She drives the financial goals to keep the company moving forward each week. Laura’s responsibilities include residential and commercial job scheduling to achieve revenue and margin goals. She also assists in managing material and subcontractor procurement. Her knowledge and experience in the industry make her very valuable to the Red Leaf team.
Eric leads the Pre-Construction team for Red Leaf Developments. The Pre-Construction team acts as a conduit between Sales and Operations; ensuring each project is organized and ready to be started. Eric is responsible for managing design deadlines, residential and commercial estimating, providing project specific construction drawings and takeoffs for crews and subcontractors, RFI’s/RFP’s, and acquisition of project specific engineering and permits.
Eric has been with Red Leaf since 2016. He has a Bachelor of Science Degree in Business Administration and Master of Business Administration degree from West Virginia Wesleyan College. Eric’s high attention to detail, critical thinking and problem-solving skills make him a valuable member of the Red Leaf team.
If you’re ready to talk with us about a truly custom landscape, we’re ready to listen.