About Outside Living Concepts, Inc.

My construction background is quite extensive and goes back for more than 40 years. I am a third-generation contractor raised in Marblehead, Massachusetts, which is a small seacoast town just north of Boston.

After graduating from Arizona State University with a Bachelor of Science degree in marketing, I have spent the better part of the last 35 years using my vast construction experience in a variety of applications. I have been a certified home inspector, general contractor, and television host of a national home improvement show called “Home Improvement Magazine”. I was one of the pioneers of home improvement television in the late 80’s and early 90’s. The success of the show landed me a guest expert opportunity on the OPRAH WINFREY SHOW in 1992. I am a contributing writer to the Foothills Living & Ocotillo Living Magazines, featured guest on numerous valley television programs, and talk radio guest expert….endless professional credits.

I have worked as a landscape designer & builder for more than 15 years. In 2004 I started my own company, Outside Living Concepts, to streamline the design and build process. I truly look to provide the very best in customer service, contracting knowledge, and I absolutely love using my construction background, business degree, and creativity as a landscape designer to help residents of the valley bring their wish list from dream to reality. I look forward to earning your business and would like to show you our version of the WOW factor! My direct line is 602-369-4198. Pick up the phone and call for a free consultation & landscape design today!

My love for an outside living space started at a young age. Watching my father Curt Havens transform our backyard into a tropical oasis all while living in Arizona made me realize that you’re only limited to two things, money and your imagination. When I was just a kid, I would follow my dad around going from job to job listening to local homeowners share their visions. Then in just a few short months watching those same visions come to life.

When I was finally old enough to get a job, I started off at a local restaurant. Of course, like anyone getting there first job I started at the bottom as a busser/dishwasher. I wanted to quickly climb the ranks and did everything in my power to prove to my managers that I wasn’t just an average employee. After just two years of hard work and promotions, I worked my way to the top and became manager. After doing that for quite some time, I decided to make the leap into the landscape design business. It didn’t take me long to realize that I made one of the best decisions of my life.

I fell in love with helping homeowner’s landscape dream a become reality. Landscape design is so much more than just making the yard look pretty. It’s creating a usable outdoor living space where family and friends can be entertained. It’s a place to get away after a long day at work. It’s a place for the kids to play. It’s a place to create memories!

Derek Havens is a fourth-generation contractor specializing in outdoor landscaping. The Massachusetts native grew up in Phoenix and has spent years working with people all over the valley to extend their outdoor living space. His goal is to create an outdoor landscape tailored to specific needs and desires of his clients. Derek prides himself on building lasting relationships with home owners for current and future projects. Communication, trust and finding creative solutions sets Derek apart from the competition.

I am an Arizona native who grew up enjoying the creativity of Outside Living Concepts transforming our beautiful backyard into our great room for making family memories year after year. Summer days are filled with splashing water in our pool, our putting green continues to challenge our skill and competitive spirit year-round, our firepit is our favorite place to gather for S’Mores, laughs & genuine conversations.

In 2016 I earned a degree in general business in addition to obtaining my NRA certified firearms instructor rating. During my career in the firearms industry, I chose to keep my network tight with dynamic and innovative thinkers. I was able to develop a dynamic thinking mindset to overcome challenges and find quality solutions with the support of my dynamic network of friends and family.

As your designer, my mission is to transform your vision into reality. During the process you can expect transparency with honest recommendations and quick response times to answer questions. I will be the first person on your project for an initial consultation, daily to check on progress and answer questions and I will be there for the final walk through after your project is complete. Outside Living Concepts will help you plan and build a dynamic innovative living space to create everlasting memories for years to come!

“Environmental Challenges Lead to Innovative Designs Resulting in Dynamic Living Spaces” – Corbin

I went to school for architectural design in 1988 and decided quickly I had a passion for designing outdoor living spaces in Phoenix.

By 1994 I was taking classes learning Arizona plants and trees. Since then, I have designed and consulted for several landscape firms here in the valley and New Mexico, along with designing and overseeing several important projects in Vegas and Prescott Valley. What can I say… I like the heat.

I specialize in Spanish/Tuscan designs with a desert tropical influence. Since we live in the desert, it is smart to follow certain themes that complement our environment while balancing our lifestyle.

I listen to my customers and incorporate my expertise in all my designs. If something doesn’t make sense, I’ll explain my reasoning and advise my clients accordingly so we capture their wants and needs thru artistic planning and execution.

It is truly satisfying when I can see my clients and friends enjoy a beautiful back yard that I designed and help them build. We are a detailed and customer-oriented company that works hard for our homeowners in a very straight forward fashion. Our dedicated crews and sub-contractors make the construction process fun while creating beautiful outdoor living environments that compliment your home and lifestyle. This team approach has made us highly successful for nearly 13 years. Simply put…I’d love to be your designer and look forward to working with you.

Todd Comin is a Senior Landscape Designer with nearly three decades of experience in the industry. He has helped build some of the largest companies in the Phoenix area, and trained dozens of design professionals and project managers along the way. Equally versed in traditional and contemporary styles, Todd brings a wealth of knowledge to your landscape project. His experience with every facet of outdoor remodeling makes the client experience exciting and low stress.

Living in the Valley for 35 years makes qualifies nearly Todd as an Arizona Native. He attended High School and College here in Mesa and Tempe. He resides in Gilbert with his wife of 21 years, 3 children, a dog, and a cat.