Originating from the tropics
Elder Jerez was born and raised in Guatemala, a country whose natural beauty coined it “The country with an eternal Spring”. His hometowns have highly influenced his style and appreciation of the elements in his design solutions.
His education took him from the study of Civil Engineering in Guatemala City to UCLA and eventually to Landscape Architecture at UC Berkeley in California.
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The 'micro' Resort.
At the age of 35, Elder started his first business, now known as Micro Resorts in Northern California. Micro Resorts is now celebrating its 33rd year in successful business, which offers Landscape Architecture, Civil and Structural Engineering consulting and Design-Build services.
Joining Disney on the Epcot Project as an Imagineer
While working with the design team for the world renowned Epcot Center, Disney World, Elder became fascinated with the field of Leisure Architecture and made a career-changing pivot from Civil Engineering to pursue it. Taking many queues from the great Walt Disney, he shares the vision and value of designing with the pursuit of finding happiness for his clients.
Innovating Light you can hear and sounds
you can see.
In 2002, Elder invented his first product, the Soundlites System - a fixture that combines both light and sound in one and provides a relaxing and therapeutic sensory experience.
In 2020, the root of his passion for Leisure Architecture met his fascination with design and new technological advances in the field when he started his latest venture, Regeneer.
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This business is centered around Design and Build services being
re-engineered with nature at the heart. He was inspired by the idea that a “Regeneer” finds the most efficient utilization of natural resources and creates harmony between Human and Nature in one system.
Elder is a proud member of both the American Society of Landscape Architects (ASLA) and the Association of Environmental Professionals (AEP).
His designs in the illustrious Blackhawk Plaza won the Excellence of Design Award by the American Society of Landscape Architects in Danville, CA. He also came in first place in the Estate Category for the San Francisco Bay Area by the California Landscape Contractors Association.
Elder credits his success and drive to his humble beginnings in Guatemala. Naturally creative, he drew inspiration from the land and culture around him and grew up in adoration of both the power and beauty of the natural elements that surrounded him. His great talent, in addition to his unyielding commitment to excellence and extraordinary service, has left a trail of highly satisfied clients.
When he hangs his work hat up for the day, Elder enjoys playing the guitar, singing ballads and enjoying some ice cream with his Grandkids.