Steve Pendleton began his journey to being one of the leading landscape designers in the nation in 1972 at Engh Floral where he was the Assistant Manager of the Nursery and Garden Center. He eventually worked as an Interior Plant Designer, Sales and Greenhouse Manager with Engh Floral, and was considered the go-to guy for technical information. He furthered his career at Native Plants Inc. from 1978 to 1985 as the General Manager. In 1983 Steve founded Specimen Trees Inc. and then Bear Canyon Enterprises in 1985. In 1988, Bear Canyon Enterprises became Distinctive Design and offered full landscape design and building services.
One of Steve’s passions has been new tree and plant design and development. In cooperation with others, they have several patents pending on new tree varieties. In addition, he has introduced many new plant and tree varieties to the Intermountain area. In 1988 he pioneered the use of large stone slab patios, which are now an industry standard. As a much sought after design and tree technical expert, Steve is often asked to consult with other landscaping professionals across the country and Canada.
Although his sons had worked for Distinctive Design for many years, Steve wanted to acknowledge their indispensable contribution to the company and decided to change the name to Pendleton Design Management in 2011 to recognize that he couldn’t run the business without them. Steve’s greatest joy comes from knowing that he gets to work with his sons every day; that the company provides a close bond for the entire family, and that the Pendleton name has left its unique signature on Utah landscaping
