Founded by Walter Spitz, Creative Designs in Lighting (CDL) is a Scottsdale, Arizona based firm specializing in interior and exterior architectural lighting design. Since 1978, CDL’s portfolio has featured a diversity of projects including luxury residential estates, restaurants, corporate office spaces, resorts and master planned communities. The passionate team at CDL is dedicated to providing innovative design solutions and building long-term client relationships. Using the latest lighting technologies, the CDL team maximizes the technical and aesthetic characteristics of lighting to provide dynamic and functional spaces and enhance the visual environment.

Walter Spitz, Principal, Senior Designer, The One

Creative Designs in Lighting was established in 1978 by Walter Spitz. Walter gained a vast knowledge of lighting products through employment at a large lighting showroom. He then developed a “theatrical eye” by designing for the stage, including stage productions, musicals and dance. This knowledge, combined with a growing fascination in lighting, led him to study at Banff Center of Fine Arts under Laszio Funtek. Walter is an award-winning lighting designer, recognized across the country as a residential lighting expert. He is known for his ability to create warmth and intimacy through lighting and has a flair for drama and richness in detail. He has designed commercial and residential projects throughout the United States and abroad.

Mark Greenawalt PE, Senior Project Manager, Lighting Design Engineer

Mark Greenawalt earned a BS degree in Electrical Engineering from Penn State University in 1989 and began his career in design and engineering in the hospitality, educational, and commercial sectors.  His credentials include Professional Engineer registrations in AZ, CA, and UT, (LC and LEED credentials earned/inactive).  Greenawalt is the recipient of multiple IES Illumination Awards and is a past president and current board member of the Phoenix Section of the Illumination Engineering Society.

Brendon Smith, Senior Project Manager, Lighting Designer

Brendon specializes in design and specification of lighting for residential projects including the design, programming, and startup of lighting control systems. Brendon has also been responsible for the production of lighting plans and construction documents since 2004. Brendon graduated from High Tech Institute of Phoenix in 2005.

Aaron Hunt, Senior Project Manager

Aaron joined CDL in 2007 with an extensive background in electrical, lighting design and product knowledge. With his strong artistic background, he brings an additional creative eye to the team. His background is in retail lighting sales, which aids tremendously in his knowledge of the most up to date and cutting edge lighting products and applications. Aaron takes part in all aspects of CDL ranging from design to the final aim and focus of the lighting.

Sandy Benash, Office Manager

Sandy has been an essential part of CDL since 1996.  Her responsibilities include preparing proposals and contracts, administrative support, and maintaining the marketing information.  Sandy has worked in the design industry for over 25 years.  Before joining the CDL team, she was the marketing coordinator for a large international architectural and engineering firm.

Jen Kelley, LC, Project Manager, Lighting Design Engineer

Jen earned her degree in Architectural Engineering with a specialty in lighting design from the Pennsylvania State University. Her professional career began in NYC, developing a portfolio in corporate interiors and healthcare facilities. She joined Creative Designs in Lighting in 2018, expanding her knowledge and design to residential projects. Driven by project complexity and latest technologies, she brings creative approaches to integrated architectural lighting design.

Tatiana Wells, Lighting Designer

Tatiana received a certificate of design from The American Institute for Interior Design in 2008 and then went on to be an instructor for the lighting division of the school for eight years. Since graduating, she has been practicing interior design with a focus and love of the lighting design layer. Tatiana brings an understanding of how lighting enhances and impacts the interior design of high end residential and commercial projects. She is adept at meeting with clients, assessing their existing interior installations, and developing new designs using the latest trends and technologies for decorative lighting fixtures and interior finishes.

Jacob Quinsey, Senior CAD Technician

Jacob joined the Creative Designs in Lighting team in 2016. He earned a Bachelor’s of Arts in Cinema Art and Science from Columbia College Chicago. He offers experience in AutoCAD/Revit, photometric analysis, assistance in lighting plan design, and construction document preparation.

Tammy Gaskins, Finance Director

Tammy joined the Creative Designs in Lighting team in 2022 and is responsible for the financial side of the business. She has 35 years of experience in corporate accounting.

Doug Bollig, Warehouse Manager

Doug  is CDL’s warehouse manager and service technician. He works with the design team testing and troubleshooting new products before they are specified.   He is also an integral part of the construction administration crew and responds to field service calls, troubleshoots/repairs lighting and electrical issues, and assists in the final aim and focus of interior and exterior fixtures on signature projects.

Jessica Bendig, Executive Assistant

Jessica’s responsibilities include administrative support to the team, maintaining and tracking database, and phone and reception responsibilities for our esteemed clients.