CEDG was founded in 1978 by Brooks Cavin III, FAIA and Mark von Wodtke, FASLA, both professors at Cal Poly Pomona, to bring an integration of the environment with the practice of architecture and landscape architecture. In fact, they employed the ideas of sustainability before the word was coined. Von Wodtke and Cavin were members of Land Lab, the multi-disciplinary group of professors that created the Center for Regenerative Studies at Cal Poly Pomona, an educational and living environment which uses the earth’s cycles and sun energy as a model for the design of human settlement. In establishing CEDG, they brought together the innovation of the university and the practical, real life needs of individuals.    

After 35 years and with a second generation of leadership, CEDG has a depth and sensitivity to the needs of natural and human systems unique to the field. Projects realized by the firm are diverse in size, type and location. It is this experience combined with an unyielding commitment to meet the needs of clients that most distinguishes the firm's work. CEDG’s clients have come to expect innovative design coupled with a seasoned approach to the practical constraints of design and budget. CEDG’s systems approach to design integrates landscape architecture, architecture and land planning resulting in life affirming and sustaining environments.