About CDL

Illuminating Spaces, Transforming Environments

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.

CDL Team

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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.
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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.
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Brendon Smith, LC

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 and received the LC certification from NCQLP in 2024.
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Aaron Hunt, LC

Chief Operations Officer
Aaron joined CDL in 2007 with an extensive background in electrical, lighting design and product knowledge and received the LC certification from NCQLP in 2024. 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.
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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.
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Tatiana Wells, LC

Lighting Designer
Tatiana received a certificate of design from The American Institute for Interior Design in 2008 and subsequently became an instructor for the lighting division of the school for eight years. Armed with expertise of how lighting enhances and impacts the interior design of high end residential and commercial projects, Tatiana focused on lighting design and has project managed a diverse portfolio of iconic lighting installations. She received the LC certification from NCQLP in 2024.
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Jacob Quinsey, LC

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 and received the LC certification from NCQLP in 2024. He offers experience in AutoCAD/Revit, photometric analysis, assistance in lighting plan design, and construction document preparation.
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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.
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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.
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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.

CDL Milestones Timeline

1978

CDL Founded

On April 1st, 1978, Walter Spitz establishes Creative Designs in Lighting in the garage of his parents home. The initial offering was providing theatrical, entertainment and event lighting design services.
1982

First Office

Walter Spitz buys a home at 56 West Lewis and coverts the garage to the new Creative Designs in Lighting office.
1998

New Office Complete

Construction complete at CDL’s new office building at 1900 E Indian School Road. Additional employees hired and new logo rebranding.
1998

Iconic Mural Painted

The iconic wall mural was painted on the building. Elizabeth Rosensteel developed the design and artist Mark Switlick brought it to life.
2002

Masters of the Southwest

Walter Spitz was named one of the Masters of the Southwest by Phoenix Home & Garden magazine in their annual issue honoring the best in class in Arizona.