ABOUT US
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OUR TEAM
Growing up with a family business usually means that there is always work to be done. For brothers Nick and Nate, and their cousin Mark, this meant that countless summers and Saturdays were spent “working for Dad”, learning the family craft. It all started with simple, beginner-friendly tasks like washing equipment and organizing materials. But, as time passed, the nature of their responsibilities grew, leading them to where they are now.
Mark combines a passion for building and innovation with an aptitude for numbers and efficiency. His sensible approach helps guide the construction process and ensures positive results.
Mark completed the Landscape Design program at Fanshawe College. Since then, Mark has honed his craft in the landscape field, developing a hand-eye-mind coordination that gives him a unique edge when it comes to design or craftsmanship.
A caring and compassionate husband and father, Mark prefers to unwind on the water, preferably around the family cabin with his three boys in Northern Ontario.
Nick’s eye for detail and precision are key to the success of every technical project at Environmental. These skills began early, with little boots on the ground and developed into a surety that we rely on Nick for today.
A loving husband, and father of two boys, Nick recalibrates in the North, preferably on the water, and with a fish on the line.
Nate’s love for horticulture began in his youth, in his Opa’s greenhouse with the scent of fresh potting soil in the spring. Working summers and Saturdays in the family business, helped pay his way through Fanshawe’s Landscape Design program, and then onto University of Guelph’s Landscape Architecture program. Nate is a licensed Landscape Architect with the OALA, as well as a Certified Arborist with the ISA.
Nate is a devoted husband and father of four. When not growing or planting trees, he will probably be found near the family cabin fishing for musky.
OUR VISION
Over seventy-one years of experience has shaped our learning and continues to drive our desire for growth and progress. Four generations have passed on their expertise and we have all been united by our shared vision: to create beautiful, multi-functional outdoor spaces that enhance the lives of those who use them and are made to last.
We’ve gained expertise in design, construction, cultivation, craftsmanship, and the pursuit of excellence — all built on decades of experience. It’s at the heart of everything we do.
Our story began in 1951, when our founder Nicholas Torenvliet, his wife, and five children immigrated from the Netherlands to Burlington, Ontario.
Nick Torenvliet begins a small landscape maintenance company called Nick’s Garden Service, hitching a trailer full of tools to the back of his motorbike.
Through hard work and dedication our fledgling company continues to grow, adding innovative equipment and employees to fill demand.
This photo is of a Burlington estate home, where Nick’s Garden Service provided property maintenance.
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Over the years Nicholas's three sons grow up and learn the business, beginning to take over the responsibility of its management and growth.
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Through teamwork and experience, the three brothers continue to grow their families and their landscaping expertise.
In 1988 the name "Environmental Design" is made official and a new look and logo are put to work.
In 2014 the company's branding gets another refresh, introducing a fresh colour palette.
In 2018 Environmental Design is handed off to the third generation of the Torenvliet family, Mark, Nick, and Nate.
To commemorate 70 years of growth and blessings for our family and company, in 2024 we introduced a new logo along with a special 70th anniversary version that pays homage to the original design.
OUR HISTORY
Celebrating 70 years has been a momentous landmark. We owe our grit and determination to Nicholas Torenvliet and all those who came after him that continued to build and grow Environmental Design Group.
Our story began in 1951, when our founder Nicholas Torenvliet, his wife, and five children immigrated from the Netherlands to Burlington, Ontario.
Nick Torenvliet begins a small landscape maintenance company called Nick’s Garden Service, hitching a trailer full of tools to the back of his motorbike.
Through hard work and dedication our fledgling company continues to grow, adding innovative equipment and employees to fill demand.
This photo is of a Burlington estate home, where Nick’s Garden Service provided property maintenance.
Over the years Nicholas's three sons grow up and learn the business, beginning to take over the responsibility of its management and growth.
Through teamwork and experience, the three brothers continue to grow their families and their landscaping expertise.
In 1988 the name "Environmental Design" is made official and a new look and logo are put to work.
In 2014 the company's branding gets another refresh, introducing a fresh colour palette.
In 2018 Environmental Design is handed off to the third generation of the Torenvliet family, Mark, Nick, and Nate.
To commemorate 70 years of growth and blessings for our family and company, in 2024 we introduced a new logo along with a special 70th anniversary version that pays homage to the original design.
Dunington-Grubb Award
1995 | 1996 | 1999 | 2000
Casey Van Maris Award
2009
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