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Environmental Leadership and Innovation

Overcoming Today's Environmental Challenges
CreativEnvironment team strategizing

Strategic Advisory Services

Designed to provide comprehensive support for federal, state, and local agencies and private firms in navigating the complexities of program development and project execution, CreativEnvironment Group’s strategic advisory services support successful project delivery while mitigating risks and aligning with regulatory requirements.

The process begins by asking essential questions to gain a deep understanding of the client’s vision and objectives. This analytical approach continues throughout each phase of the project, allowing for constant evaluation and refinement of strategies.

By continually engaging in dialogue and inquiry, our team ensures that efforts remain aligned with the client’s desired outcomes. With a clear roadmap for the project, CreativEnvironment Group collaborates with clients to create detailed project delivery plans while proactively managing risks to avoid execution setbacks.

From Vision to Project Delivery

We guide our clients through a comprehensive strategic advisory process that transforms visions into successful project delivery. A focus on collaboration, risk management, and sustainability aligns project development with regulatory requirements while positively addressing environmental challenges.

1. Vision

In the initial phase of strategic planning, the focus is on establishing a clear and inspiring vision for a program or project. This involves collaborating closely with our clients to articulate overarching goals and aspirations that the project aims to achieve. 

The vision serves as a guiding star, providing criteria for decision-making and shaping the deliverables throughout the project lifecycle. By integrating diverse perspectives into the initial planning stage, this approach not only fosters alignment among team members but also enhances the value each participant brings to the project. 

Ultimately, this phase emphasizes the importance of dreaming big and setting ambitious objectives that drive innovation and success.

2. Concept

This phase of strategic planning refines and clarifies the vision after the initial groundwork has been laid. Critical to the success of project delivery, this phase is often described as ‘think slow, act fast.’ Starting with a detailed description of the vision, our team identifies what is required to make it happen. To assess whether the necessary components are consistent with the core objectives of the program or project, discussions are facilitated about intent and whether the mechanisms used to deliver the components for project success achieve the vision.

This collaboration fosters clarity across the team, ensuring alignment with a unified vision for successful project execution.

An important aspect of this phase is creating a safe space to address potential biases that can affect decision-making. By encouraging open dialogue around these biases, team members are empowered to challenge assumptions and voice concerns. Acknowledging and mitigating these biases strengthens the planning process, enhances collaboration, and leads to more informed and innovative project outcomes.

3. Planning: Creating Your Playbook/Roadmap/Strategy

This phase typically involves engagement with a broader set of experts, where input from internal and external groups is solicited to understand diverse perspectives and develop effective mechanisms. The process begins by identifying the key components and leads within teams such as project controls, design, engineering, legal, procurement, environmental, real estate, and communications. Collaboration with these groups supports an ongoing, thorough evaluation of risks and resources needed for the project.

4. Planning: Environmental Review and Regulatory Compliance

As part of the planning process, the focus on environmental review and regulatory compliance is essential for building the project successfully. Our team interprets local, state, and federal environmental laws and regulations, ensuring that all necessary permits are obtained and that the project adheres to environmental standards. Throughout the process, monitoring systems are implemented to track compliance, regular audits are conducted, and emerging environmental concerns are proactively addressed. By approaching these requirements with a mindset of seeking adaptive solutions, sustainability is promoted, and negative environmental impacts are minimized, setting a strong foundation for the project.

This phase may include:

During planning, the CEQA/NEPA document, permits, and program outline specific outcomes that establish the requirements and conditions the owner and their contractor must implement before, during, and after construction. Our team aims to develop feasible requirements and conditions that allow for flexibility in how they are met, ensuring alignment with the intent of the law and regulations while providing adaptable solutions.

5. Delivering the Vision, Building the Project

The planning phase of a project serves as a safe harbor, while the delivery phase is where the true challenges emerge—this is where conflicts between what is outlined on paper and the realities of actual construction become evident. The focus is on implementing core components effectively and efficiently to support project delivery while proactively identifying these conflicts.

In this phase, resources are mobilized, activities are coordinated, and delivery partners are engaged to facilitate smooth execution. Key actions include identifying essential staff and skill sets, constructing the necessary infrastructure, deploying compliant practices, and monitoring progress against established benchmarks. Practical solutions are prioritized to meet the intent of regulations while accommodating various means and methods of construction.

Effective communication and collaboration among team members and community partners are crucial for addressing challenges as they arise. Regular assessments refine strategies and enhance outcomes, fostering a sense of shared ownership and commitment to the project’s success. By navigating these complexities, the team plays a key role in advancing the project and achieving the environmental objectives.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does CreativeEnvironment Group tailor environmental strategies to address the specific needs of businesses across different industries?

CreativeEnvironment Group tailors environmental strategies by leveraging the unique insights clients provide about their vision, culture, and projects. Through collaborative planning, our team develops customized solutions that align with these insights. This approach minimizes costly mistakes during delivery while effectively addressing the diverse needs of our clients and their teams

What do clients say about the long-term benefits of working with CreativeEnvironment Group?

Clients consistently highlight CreativeEnvironment Group’s ability to excel in both technical and policy issues, allowing the team to identify and address potential challenges early, preventing costly mistakes. The team embraces challenges, rapidly overcomes steep learning curves, adapts quickly, and maintains a positive attitude. Strong relationships are prioritized with internal and external teams and contacts, fostering collaboration and trust.

Communication is clear and respectful across discussions, written communications, and meetings. The team provides invaluable assistance in identifying and elevating major issues for resolution at the appropriate organizational level, while also creating effective solutions to address them. Ultimately, Creative Environment Group consistently delivers on commitments in a professional, collaborative manner, empowering every team member to contribute to project success.

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What sets CreativeEnvironment Group apart from other environmental firms and professionals?

Unlike firms that prioritize rigid structures and business metrics, CreativeEnvironment Group thrives on exploration and innovation. We embrace fresh thinking, challenge conventions, and pursue solutions that truly serve our clients. More than just a small business, we distinguish ourselves as a dynamic environment where creativity and curiosity flourish—driven by a founder who prioritizes client satisfaction over corporate agendas and continually seeks new ideas and approaches. Our passionate team is dedicated not only to delivering exceptional results, but also to the journey of discovery that comes with every project—fostering pride in the work we accomplish together.

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Why Choose Us

CreativEnvironment Group (CEG) brings a strong technical foundation and a solutions-driven approach to every project. Their ability to balance precision with practicality ensures efficient execution, mitigates risk, and delivers high-quality outcomes. Working with CEG has been a seamless experience, and I appreciate their commitment to achieving project goals with clarity and expertise.

Jeff Kivett, Brown and Caldwell

Stephanie Parsons and CreativEnvironment Group bring a rare combination of deep technical expertise and a refreshingly practical approach to environmental and regulatory compliance. With years of experience navigating the complexities of state and federal regulatory processes (including CEQA, NEPA, wetlands and endangered species permitting processes), Stephanie anticipates challenges before they arise and crafts innovative, well-structured solutions that keep projects moving forward—efficiently and effectively.

From complex to more straightforward projects, Stephanie organizes and schedules required environmental evaluation and permitting authorizations, integrates and streamlines the processes required to obtain needed state and federal approvals, reduces risk, and ensures regulatory success. She is more than just an expert—she is a strategic partner, seamlessly integrating with teams to foster collaboration and drive impactful results. Her ability to develop creative solutions, provide a playbook of actionable options, and recommend additional experts when needed sets her apart from other environmental planning firms and professionals.

For those seeking a trusted guide through environmental and regulatory hurdles, Stephanie Parsons is the professional you want leading the way.

Mary Lynn Coffee

Stephanie has been a great help on our construction management contracts and proposal interview teams. She is very responsive, professional, and extremely knowledgeable on environmental compliance. She has been helpful on projects and very easy to work with.

Bert Gross