--- title: "Creative Environments — Swimming Pool Builders | Houzz" canonical_html_url: https://www.houzz.com/professionals/swimming-pool-builders/creative-environments-pfvwus-pf~1828944349 markdown_url: https://www.houzz.com/md/professionals/pf~1828944349.md entity_type: LocalBusiness business_name: "Creative Environments" category: ["Swimming Pool Builders"] image: https://st.hzcdn.com/fimgs/45f3fe24014b2182_7274-w400-h400-b0-p0--.jpg address: "P.O. Box 586, Alamo, California 94507, United States" latitude: 37.8537 longitude: -122.0229 phone: "(925) 837-2715" website: http://www.creativenvironments.com rating: 5 review_count: 22 best_of_houzz_awards: 11 followers: 498 last_updated: 2026-08-14 --- # Creative Environments Original Houzz profile: [Creative Environments](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/swimming-pool-builders/creative-environments-pfvwus-pf~1828944349) ## Professional summary - **Primary category:** Swimming Pool Builders - **Location:** Alamo, CA - **Serves:** Oakland, Pleasanton, Walnut Creek, Danville, Pleasant Hill, Lafayette, Orinda, Alamo, Piedmont, Blackhawk, Saranap, Diablo - **Houzz rating:** 5.0 out of 5 (22 reviews) - **Best of Houzz:** 11 awards (2014–2025), for Design, Service. ## About ### Houzz Badges - Star Houzzer - 5 Star Houzzer - Houzz Industry Research - Barometer - Houzz Influencer - Recommended on Houzz - 50,000 Ideabook Saves - Best of Houzz winner - Family owned - 42 years in business Our company has been planning, designing and building outdoor living and entertainment environments since 1979 in the San Francisco Bay Area. The father and son Team, Chuck & Nicco Baumann owners of Creative Environments, family has been in the swimming pool industry for over 67 years in the East Bay Area. ### Services Provided - Swimming Pool Construction - Swimming Pool Design - Natural Swimming Pools - 3D Modeling - Custom Swimming Pool Construction - Rebuild Complete Backyards ### Areas Served - Oakland - Pleasanton - Walnut Creek - Danville - Pleasant Hill - Lafayette - Orinda - Alamo - Piedmont - Blackhawk - Saranap - Diablo ### Typical Job Cost $150,000 - $800,000 Pool/spa with an auto cover. Design, demolition, decks, pavilions, landscape, lighting area all extra that we can provide when needed ## Business Details | Field | Value | | --- | --- | | Business Name | Creative Environments | | Address | P.O. Box 586, Alamo, California 94507, United States | | Phone | (925) 837-2715 | | Website | http://www.creativenvironments.com | | License Number | C-53/C-27 389928 | | Followers on Houzz | 498 | **Social profiles:** - Blog — https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jXbs9v4NSbs ## Contact - **Houzz profile:** [Creative Environments](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/swimming-pool-builders/creative-environments-pfvwus-pf~1828944349) - **Website:** http://www.creativenvironments.com - **Phone:** (925) 837-2715 ## Credentials **Certifications & Awards** - We have won over 50 National and International Design and Build awards through our swimming pool industry. Our company has been selected as one of the top 50 swimming pool builders in the USA from '93-'97. We are proud members of the Carecraft Pool Professional Group. - **Best of Houzz:** 11 awards (2014–2025), for Design, Service. ## Reviews **Overall rating: 5.0 out of 5 — 22 reviews** *Aspect averages:* - Work Quality: 50.0 - Communication: 50.0 - Value: 50.0 ### Reviews **★★★★★ — Anthony Scolini, May 2022** > Creative Environments has built two pools for me. Both projects were planned and executed exactly as the Parties set out. I would strongly recommend Creative Environments to anyone considering building a pool or remodeling an older pool. They have a wealth of experience, do what they say and say what they do. They can be counted on to get the job done right, per code, on time the end result is impressive. **★★★★★ — Jon, May 2022** > Chuck and Nicco at Creative Environments are true craftsmen. They take great pride in their work, are incredibly communicative and go above and beyond to ensure satisfaction. Having never gone through a pool construction project before, I appreciate how Chuck and Nicco took the time to educate us on the details, tailored their design to meet our family dynamics, and worked through any unanticipated curveballs with the utmost professionalism. The quality of their work is only bested by their incredible personalities. I cannot recommend these two highly enough. **Comment from Creative Environments:** > Thank you Jon... It was our pleasure to help you and your family design and build your dream backyard. Your backyard has transformed from the look of needing some creativity and purpose to this dream vacation spot for you and your family to enjoy for many years to come.... Nicco and I were honored that you selected our firm to be the ones to help transform your backyard. **★★★★★ — HU-610453540, May 2022** > Thanks to Chuck and Nico, our dream came to life! We now have the paradise backyard we have planned for so many years! > We certainly had a vision when we started, but there are thousands of decisions along the way which could have resulted in disaster! Our saving grace was the solid experience Chuck brings with him. He has seen and done everything and we relied on his guidance so much! Their is no substitute for experience! > Nico brings a fresh vision to the table and trust me, they have no problems differing in opinion and providing alternate choices. As a customer it creates a Win and our obstacles and choices turned into opportunities along the way. > We could not be happier with the outcome! **Comment from Creative Environments:** > Thank you for taking the time to share so others an understand better how important it is to choose the right talented team of artisans...Nicco and I do appreciate your comments **★★★★★ — Dan B, May 2022** > I met Chuck and the Creative Environments team back in 2019 when we purchased a home in Alamo, CA. Chuck had built the home's stunning pool/spa and backyard living space about 15 years prior. When we took over ownership, I had many questions and concerns about the pool's operating system. I reached out to Chuck and he came over several days later and walked me the pool/spa design, it's operating systems, and suggestions for how best to maintain a fairly complex pool system. He also connected me with an excellent pool maintenance company that helped me get the water crystal clear, and who still does our weekly pool maintenance today. What struck me most about Chuck and the Creative team is their commitment & passion to high-quality, durable, unique designed pools/outdoor living environments, and how well our pool and backyard spaced aged over 15 years. In my experience, Chuck stood behind his product even when he didn't have to after so many since he did the construction and install for the previous owner. Having grown up in Arizona and being around pools most of my life, I can tell you to have a pool look that beautiful after 15 years, takes smart design, craftsmanship, and an emphasis on quality and durable materials/systems. We are hopefully getting ready to start the process to build a new home and we will definitely use Chuck and the CE team in the pool/backyard design and construction process. **Comment from Creative Environments:** > Dan, Thank you for taking the time to share your experience with our team.... I guarantee you that if and when we have a chance to work together on a future project, my son and I will be here to help serve you in any capacity that we can. Pools are our passion and I like to think it shows in the customer's satisfaction and in the finish product. Thanks for the kind words... **★★★★★ — Garrett Bohannan, May 2022** > Being in the construction industry my entire life by blood and trade you work with many different contractors and on a variety of projects throughout the years and come across numerous contractors . It is always refreshing when you are lucky enough to work in the same circles with companies such as Creative Environments . Chuck and Nicco Baumann’s company (Creative Environments) exemplify the exact type of craftsmanship and passion that we ourselves at Bohannan Concrete strive to be . Creative Environments is a generational business that not only holds themselves to the highest (if not higher) of industry standards in terms of construction but more importantly they fully understand the personal and communicative side of this industry . Never have I met better communicators in this industry than the team at Creative Environments. I feel lucky not only to call Creative Environments co-workers but lucky to call them friends as well . Rest assured they build the most quality product on the market as well as being personable and always put the clients needs first . I’m proud to work in the same circles ; and the construction industry as a whole is a lot better off with firms such as Creative Environments , and I look forward to many more successful projects as we continue to build together . If you’re building a pool in the Bay Area and possibly beyond I give them the highest recommendation , and hope to work with them for years to come . > Garrett Bohannan - President > Bohannan Concrete Inc . **Comment from Creative Environments:** > Garrett, Thank you for the very kind words and you're taking the time to add to our reviews, so others can come to know the level of professionalism that all of our team mates (like you and your dad) help bring to every project we build. It has been our honor to also work shoulder to shoulder with you and your company. **★★★★★ — ayorobinson, Aug. 2016** > He installed a wonderful pool for us, and we've been loving splashing around in it all summer! I highly recommend his work to anyone who's looking for a beautiful pool. **★★★★★ — William Whitfield, June 2016** > to have such personal service from an industry leader made for a great experience and an even better final product. I worked closely with Chuck through out the design and construction process and continue to consult with him years after completion. I could not be happier with my pool! **★★★★★ — Joe Castorena, May 2016** > Chuck is truly as good as it gets. He is the epitome of what it means to be a professional, and that is something you don't often find in his business. To say he exceeded my lofty expectations is an understatement. Beyond their extensive expertise, Chuck and his team are honest, responsive, more-than-fair, detail-oriented, on-time, clean, organized, and a complete joy to work with. They take a lot of pride in their work, which is always good for the customer. As I told Chuck during the project, I wish I could hire him for all my needs because you just don't find partners like him in any service capacity these days. **★★★★★ — seanhilchey, Jan. 2015** > Chuck Baumann and his team at Creative Environments built an absolutely beautiful pool at our home in Piedmont. > > Chuck navigated our city's challenging permitting process with ease. > His decades of experience in the industry were obvious from start to finish. > > He worked closely with us during each step of the process. His insight, professionalism and problem solving abilities helped this project move along smoothly. > > Chuck was always available by phone or email. > > Every single person Chuck had working at our home was talented, professional and respectful. > > The end result is a pool (with decking and landscaping that Chuck oversaw also) that has exceeded our very high expectations. We just love it! > > Chuck is an honest, talented pool contractor and hiring his team at Creative Environments was the best thing we could have done. > > We enthusiastically recommend Chuck Bauman and Creative Environments. **Comment from Creative Environments:** > Sean, Thank you so much for the kind words. Your project is one of my favorite projects last year and I love that you and your family have enjoyed it so much…. **★★★★★ — Wet Edge Technologies, Sept. 2014** > You couldn't ask for a more qualified and trustworthy pool builder than Creative Environments. Chuck is one of those fortunate people that truly enjoys what he does for a living and approaches each new project with as much passion and enthusiasm as his first pool build. His eye for even the smallest details proves why he has been so succesful. **Comment from Creative Environments:** > Lora, It is products like yours that make my swimming pools look so good. What a pleasure is to work with you as well and I look forward to the next project that I get to showcase with a Wet Edge product as our interior finish. It's true what they say about "Birds of a feather…." **★★★★★ — mfernwood, Dec. 2013** > I have seen one of their pools and landscape: exceptional design & quality. They diagnosed the problem with my pool heater after others tried unsucessfully. They repaired it and it was a nice clean job. **★★★★★ — Kelly Construction Inc., Oct. 2013** > Chucks integrity and experience has made him a valued partner on every project we have had the pleasure of working with him on. He openly and generously shares his expertise and passion for his craft and is a great communicator. He also brings a sense of artistry and practical knowledge that speaks not only to the water feature but also how it can fit properly in the big picture to enhance the landscaping and blend with the footprint of the surrounding grades and structures. **Comment from Creative Environments:** > Jim, > > What a very nice comment to post about Creative Environments and myself. It has always been my pleasure to work with you as well.... Great Craftsmen work on teams together and I'm proud to always have an opportunity to work with you and your team. I look forward to our next project together... > > Chuck ## Selected projects - [Piedmont pool extreme make over of a 1937 backyard](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/piedmont-pool-extreme-make-over-of-a-1937-backyard-pj-vj~6914811) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 6 - Description: This was a once in a lifetime to make over the master Architect, Thomas Church's design from 1937. Thomas's work is well known throughout Northern California. This yard is in the prestigious neighborhood of Piedmont, California. Creative Environments was hired to redesign and manage the project. The first move we made was to hire Peter Koenig Design. From there we brought on Victor Garcia and Bohannan Concrete to help with the heavy lifting as we joined forces with Creative Environments to rebui… - [Alamo Estate Natural Swimming pool that brings Lake Tahoe home](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/alamo-estate-natural-swimming-pool-that-brings-lake-tahoe-home-pj-vj~6914923) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 17 - [Lafayette Hillside Vanishing Edge Natural Pool](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/lafayette-hillside-vanishing-edge-natural-pool-pj-vj~6914869) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 9 - [West Side Alamo Extreme Backyard Make Over](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/west-side-alamo-extreme-backyard-make-over-pj-vj~353632) - Location: Alamo, CA - Photos: 4 - Description: This project is in a backyard that I use to clean the pool back in the 60's. I then was brought in several years ago to remodel the existing pool, only to be hired this year to completely remove the entire backyard and install a new state of the art swimming pool with auto cover. I brought in our Landscape designer, Peter Koenig to then design the entire entertainment area of the backyard. - [Hawaii Retreat in this limited space backyard in Danville, Ca](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/hawaii-retreat-in-this-limited-space-backyard-in-danville-ca-pj-vj~6930376) - Location: Danville, CA - Photos: 19 - [Extreme Backyard Makeover](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/extreme-backyard-makeover-pj-vj~817521) - Location: Saratoga, CA - Photos: 15 - Description: When you have a willing client that takes the time to assemble a talented group of skilled craftsman and then introduces them to a 1970's back yard with the intent to do an Extreme Backyard Make Over, wonderful magic can happen. This was the case with our clients in Saratoga, Ca, when our team was asked to create a unique outdoor living environments to enhance their active life style. This project was a success because of the combined talents of Peter Koenig Designs, Michael Tebb Landscape Desig… - [Natural Swimming Pool](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/natural-swimming-pool-pj-vj~357723) - Location: Alamo, CA - Photos: 7 - [Hillside Custom Pool and Spa](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/hillside-custom-pool-and-spa-pj-vj~326248) - Location: Danville, CA - Photos: 5 - [Alamo Hillside Extreme Pool Make over](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/alamo-hillside-extreme-pool-make-over-pj-vj~2826367) - Location: Alamo, CA - Photos: 10 - Description: This is an extreme pool make over. We were blessed with a wonderful client that had great vision and taste in materials, a great designer (Peter Koenig Designs) and a wonderful collection of artisans that were true craftsmen to their scope of work. - [Contemporary Pool and Landscape](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/contemporary-pool-and-landscape-pj-vj~2227536) - Location: Oakland, CA - Photos: 4 - Description: This was a very difficult access backyard, however with a very dedicated client and a great team of artisans, we built this beautiful backyard. This was a team effort with Creative Environments and Summit Landscape. - [Hillside Modern Home and Pool](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/hillside-modern-home-and-pool-pj-vj~361786) - Location: Alamo, CA - Photos: 11 - [3-D Modeling of Custom Backyards](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/3-d-modeling-of-custom-backyards-pj-vj~2826255) - Location: Alamo, CA - Photos: 10 - Description: Every project we build starts here. We pride ourselves in creating one of a kind entertainment projects that will be enjoyed by your family for many years to come. Our attention to detail and our high quality craftsmanship help make our projects stand head and shoulder above "just another swimming pool build" From custom swimming pools, added spas, shaded areas to sunning areas, baja shelves, to outdoor fire places and fire pits to water features.... Our backyard designs are guaranteed to meet y… - [Hillside Auto Cover Pool & Spa](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/hillside-auto-cover-pool-and-spa-pj-vj~326253) - Location: Orinda, CA - Photos: 11 - [Alamo Auto Cover Pool/Spa with Pavilion](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/alamo-auto-cover-pool-spa-with-pavilion-pj-vj~6914894) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 8 - [Bluestone Auto Cover Pool and Spa](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/bluestone-auto-cover-pool-and-spa-pj-vj~326264) - Location: Orinda, CA - Photos: 13 - [Alamo Estate](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/alamo-estate-pj-vj~354491) - Location: Alamo, CA - Photos: 13 - Description: This is our entry complete with the hand painted horse painted that my wife bought in the south of France - [Luxury Pool & Hardscape Design](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/luxury-pool-and-hardscape-design-pj-vj~284475) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 48 - [Hillside Pool](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/hillside-pool-pj-vj~1166418) - Location: Lafayette, CA - Photos: 1 - [Hillside Engineered Pool](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/hillside-engineered-pool-pj-vj~326282) - Location: Lafayette, CA - Photos: 18 - [Conservatory of Flowers Project](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/conservatory-of-flowers-project-pj-vj~717881) - Location: San Francisco, CA - Photos: 10 - Description: This is one of the more interesting and challenging projects that I have built in my career. The rebuilding of the SF Conservatory of Flowers tested the talents of our team. The original structure was built in 1880's and then rebuilt over 120 years later. Water in motion played a very critical part in the design and building of this project. [See all 20 projects](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/swimming-pool-builders/creative-environments-pfvwus-pf~1828944349) ## Ideabooks - [Modern Home and Pool](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/20652836/list/modern-home-and-pool) — 39 ideas - [My New Custom home](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/19447514/list/my-new-custom-home) — 254 ideas - [Mountain Cabin Home Ideas](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/58317980/list/mountain-cabin-home-ideas) — 69 ideas - [Vanishing Edge Swimming Pools](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/8717571/list/vanishing-edge-swimming-pools) — 6 ideas [See all 4 ideabooks](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/users/mrcreative1) ## Community Q&A **Q: What material was used on the planter box?** *(in Photo Questions)* They grey looking planter box beside the pool. Thanks! A: Poured in place concrete... that was formed 6" thick **Q: Size of pool please? it is beautiful!** *(in Photo Questions)* Size of pool please? A: Barbie, you are right, this is the perfect size pool and spa.. It was installed in a very small lot with little potential... However we were able to mix up some textures and add in a few interesting features to get this award winning project. The pool is 16x30... it's just under 500 sf.... Glad you liked it. **Q: Patio floor materials** *(in Photo Questions)* Is the patio poured concrete with a finish or concrete pavers? A: What you see is poured concrete with a very light horse hair brush to leave very light brush strokes... today we are doing the same process but sand blasting the concrete to give it a very light sand exposed finish... **Q: Countertop Material** *(in Photo Questions)* What material is the countertop made of? A: This is a black granite... lately we have used black soap stone... work with your local fabricator because he is the one that will be setting it and knows what is best to use... Thank you for the question... **Q: Gorgeous!** *(in Photo Questions)* Can you tell me the dimensions of the hot tub and the pool? Beautiful. A: That's a great question because there is a magical size that is the perfect size to build a spa... that is 50 sf... so a 7x7 or 6x8 or 6x9 is the perfect size... what makes that perfect? the fact that it heats up in 30 mins from 70 degrees of pool water temp. Any bigger it's going to take longer to heat.. any smaller then you are playing footsie with who else is the spa with you... **Q: stone/Tile around the pool** *(in Photo Questions)* Hello. Can you please share the type and color of stone used around the pool. It is beautiful. A: We used a precast coping that was casted to the shape we needed to fit for the design... the precast can be made in any color you desire.... there are normally cast companies around the country of varied qualities.... usually your tile company knows the resources for this material in your market... --- *Source: Houzz professional profile. Reflects the profile as of 2026-08-14.*