With more than a decade of work behind us, Sticks & Stones has grown into one of Vancouver Island’s most trusted names in landscape design and construction. Our team brings together some of the region’s most skilled tradespeople, working with precision, care, and expertise to create outdoor spaces that last.
at the intersection
of design and durability
BUILT ON excellence since 2013
Sticks & Stones began with Cassidy and Steve, whose shared commitment to quality and professionalism has shaped the company from day one. Over the years, their steady leadership and high standards have turned a small operation into one of Vancouver Island’s most trusted names in landscape design and outdoor building. Their approach continues to guide every project, shaping a team recognized for honest communication, reliable service, and luxury designs.
The DUO
behind the name
Built with care, led together
Each project is managed from start to finish under one roof. This allows for clear communication, consistent quality, cohesion, and a seamless experience from design to build. We approach every site with deep respect for the land and a meticulous eye for detail, creating work that feels both refined and built to last.
Sticks & Stones began with Cassidy and Steve, whose shared commitment to quality and professionalism has shaped the company from day one. Over the years, their steady leadership and high standards have turned a small operation into one of Vancouver Island’s most trusted names in landscape design and outdoor building. Their approach continues to guide every project, shaping a team recognized for honest communication, reliable service, and luxury designs.
The DUO behind the name
Built with care, led together
Our full-service approach makes the path from concept to completion effortless. Whether you’re building new, refreshing what exists or designing an outdoor escape, we blend artistry, skill and care to bring timeless beauty to the everyday.
services
Landscape Design &
Project Management
Pergolas, Sheds
& Out Buildings
stone stairs, fire pits & retaining walls
Fences, Decks &
Privacy Screens
Driveways, Paths
& Patios
Horticultural
Services
Our full-service approach makes the path from concept to completion effortless. Whether you’re building new, refreshing what exists or designing an outdoor escape, we blend artistry, skill and care to bring timeless beauty to the everyday.
services
Fences, decks & privacy screens
Driveways, Paths
& patios
HORTICULTURAL
SERVICES
pergolas, Sheds & Out Buildings
landscape design & Project Management
stone stairs, fire pits & retaining walls
Ryan brings a natural eye for detail and a love of working with stone, wood, and earth. With more than ten years of experience, he’s known for his artistry and creative approach to problem-solving on site. His favorite part of the job is watching ideas take shape through teamwork and skill. When he’s not building, Ryan spends time on the farm with his animals or out in the woods, recharging in nature.
With three years at Sticks & Stones, Tyler brings skill, focus, and determination to every build. He enjoys the variety of work, the challenge of detailed designs, and the satisfaction of seeing each project come to life. Known for his leadership and straightforward approach, he takes pride in building with care and intention. Outside of work, Tyler spends his time cooking, working on personal projects, and exploring the island on road trips.
Connor joined Sticks & Stones a year ago and brings five years of industry experience to the team. He enjoys learning new skills, working with his crew, and putting care into every detail. Known for his steady attitude and strong work ethic, he takes pride in turning ideas into lasting spaces. Outside of work, Connor loves trying new foods, staying active, and spending time with his dogs.
Josh has over thirteen years of carpentry experience and a calm, focused presence that steadies every project. Trained under a master carpenter, he’s guided by patience, precision, and a deep respect for quality work. He enjoys seeing plans come to life and collaborating with the crew to make each build exceptional. Outside of work, he spends time with friends outdoors and takes his dog, Atlas, to the beach.
Shaun leads his team with energy, skill, and an easygoing attitude that keeps the job site running smoothly. With seven years of experience, he thrives on the variety each day brings and the creativity that comes with the work. Known for his reliability and teamwork, Shaun takes pride in projects that balance function, form, and fun. When he’s off the clock, you’ll find him outdoors with his pets or diving into something delightfully nerdy.
Kurtis has spent sixteen years mastering his craft, from restoring historical stonework to shaping modern landscapes. He takes pride in sourcing local materials and using traditional tools to create structures built to last. Known for his focus, efficiency, and drive, he brings a steady hand and sharp eye to every project. Outside of work, he enjoys creating bonsai, biking, kayaking, and camping.
Colin combines creativity and craftsmanship with a thoughtful, detail-oriented approach. With a background in international relations and nearly a decade of carpentry and landscaping experience, he bridges design and build with ease. He values the care and collaboration that define the Sticks & Stones team and takes pride in work that feels both personal and lasting. Outside of work, he enjoys practicing yoga and making music.
John is a skilled stone mason with a talent for shaping raw materials into lasting, functional art. In his five years with Sticks & Stones, he’s become known for his steady craftsmanship and collaborative spirit. Alan Block certified, he takes pride in work that blends structure, beauty, and purpose. Outside of work, John enjoys time with his wife and four kids, playing chess, and family Dungeons & Dragons nights.
MEET THE TEAM
At the heart of Sticks & Stones is a small team of builders, designers, and craftspeople who care deeply about their work. Together, we bring skill, integrity and a refined sense of design to every project, creating spaces that simply feel right.
OWNER, landscape designer + project manager
cassidy shivas
Cassidy Shivas is the co-founder and lead designer of Sticks & Stones. A Certified Horticulturist and Landscape Designer with a strong foundation in carpentry, Cassidy bridges creative vision with technical precision to shape outdoor spaces defined by intention and beauty. Her forward-thinking approach keeps Sticks & Stones at the forefront of the industry, continually refining processes and embracing emerging tools in digital design. Known for her professionalism, thoughtful eye, and dedication to her clients, Cassidy has built a reputation for creating landscapes that feel cohesive, enduring, and deeply connected to place. Her leadership and passion continue to guide the heart and direction of Sticks & Stones.
Steve Shivas is the co-founder and owner of Sticks & Stones. With a Diploma in Landscape Technology and a Bachelor of Applied Science in Landscape Management, Steve offers a rare blend of technical expertise, hands-on skill and grounded leadership. His deep knowledge of construction, materials, and process allows him to guide each project with precision and purpose. Respected for his integrity, strong work ethic and discerning eye, Steve has built a reputation that reflects the company’s own values; thoughtful execution, lasting results and unwavering standards. Under his direction, Sticks & Stones has grown into a trusted name in landscape construction, known for work that marries natural artistry with a sense of effortless luxury.
OWNER + project manager
STEVE SHIVAS
GET TO KNOW US
Behind every design is a small team with big heart, crafting, shaping, and creating what we love most.
think you'd fit right in?
We are hiring! If you care about quality work, are passionate about your craft, and value strong teamwork, we’d love to connect.
and of course, sticks & stones wouldn't be what it is without its incredible crew...
SHAUN MCHALE
HARDSCAPE CREW LEAD & MACHINE OPERATOR
RYAN LIVESEY
HARDSCAPER & MACHINE OPERATOR
kurtis robinson
MASON, HARDSCAPE CREW LEAD
JOSH DILLON
CARPENTRY CREW LEAD
COLIN MINOR
CARPENTRY CREW LEAD
JOHN DENTON
HARDSCAPER & MACHINE OPERATOR
tyler brosha
CARPENTRY CREW
connor mackenzie
CARPENTRY CREW
get to know the founders
cassidy shivas
OWNER, landscape designer & project manager
Cassidy Shivas is the co-founder and lead designer of Sticks & Stones. A Certified Horticulturist and Landscape Designer with a background in carpentry, she blends creative vision with technical precision to craft outdoor spaces defined by intention and beauty. Known for her professionalism and thoughtful eye, Cassidy creates landscapes that feel cohesive, enduring, and deeply connected to place.
Steve shivas
Steve Shivas is the co-founder and owner of Sticks & Stones. With a background in Landscape Technology and Management, he brings technical expertise, hands-on skill and grounded leadership to every project. Guided by integrity, a strong work ethic, and a discerning eye, Steve is known for shaping spaces that blend natural artistry with a sense of effortless luxury.
OWNER + project manager
josh dillon
CARPENTRY CREW LEAD
back
Josh has over thirteen years of carpentry experience and a calm, focused presence that steadies every project. Trained under a master carpenter, he’s guided by patience, precision, and a deep respect for quality work. He enjoys seeing plans come to life and collaborating with the crew to make each build exceptional. Outside of work, he spends time with friends outdoors and takes his dog, Atlas, to the beach.
RYAN LIVESEY
back
Ryan brings over a decade of experience and a deep respect for the materials he works with. Known for his precision and problem-solving on site, he approaches every project with focus and pride in a job done right. His skill lies in working with stone, wood, and earth to create builds that are lasting, purposeful, and grounded in quality. Outside of work, Ryan spends time on the farm with his animals or in the woods, recharging in nature.
HARDSCAPER & machine OPERATOR
SHAUN MCHALE
back
Shaun leads his team with energy, skill, and an easygoing attitude that keeps the job site running smoothly. With seven years of experience, he thrives on the variety each day brings and the creativity that comes with the work. Known for his reliability and teamwork, Shaun takes pride in projects that balance function, form, and fun. When he’s off the clock, you’ll find him outdoors with his pets or diving into something delightfully nerdy.
HARDSCAPE CREW LEAD & MACHINE OPERATOR
kurtis robinson
MASON & HARDSCAPE CREW LEAD
back
Kurtis has spent sixteen years mastering his craft, from restoring historical stonework to shaping modern landscapes. He takes pride in sourcing local materials and using traditional tools to create structures built to stand the test of time. Known for his focus, efficiency, and drive, he brings a steady hand and sharp eye to every project. Outside of work, he enjoys creating bonsai, biking, kayaking, and camping.
COLIN MINOR
CARPENTRY CREW LEAD
back
Colin combines creativity and craftsmanship with a thoughtful, detail-oriented approach. With a background in international relations and nearly a decade of carpentry and landscaping experience, he bridges design and build with ease. He values the care and collaboration that define the Sticks & Stones team and takes pride in work that feels both personal and lasting. Outside of work, he enjoys practicing yoga and making music.
JOHN DENTON
back
John is a skilled stone mason with a talent for shaping raw materials into lasting, functional art. In his five years with Sticks & Stones, he’s become known for his steady craftsmanship and collaborative spirit. Alan Block certified, he takes pride in work that blends structure, beauty, and purpose. Outside of work, John enjoys time with his wife and four kids, playing chess, and family Dungeons & Dragons nights.
hardscaper & machine operator
tyler brosha
back
With three years at Sticks & Stones, Tyler brings skill, focus, and determination to every build. He enjoys the variety of work, the challenge of detailed designs, and the satisfaction of seeing each project come to life. Known for his leadership and straightforward approach, he takes pride in building with care and intention. Outside of work, Tyler spends his time cooking, working on personal projects, and exploring the island on road trips.
carpentry crew
connor mackenzie
back
Connor joined Sticks & Stones a year ago and brings five years of industry experience to the team. He enjoys learning new skills, working with his crew, and putting care into every detail. Known for his steady attitude and strong work ethic, he takes pride in turning ideas into lasting spaces. Outside of work, Connor loves trying new foods, staying active, and spending time with his dogs.
carpentry crew
“Absolute professionals who know their stuff! They helped us transform our garden from drab to fab and we couldn’t be happier with the expert knowledge, helpful advice, and friendly service we have received. My husband and I highly recommend them to anyone!”
Lindsay Pearson
HEAR IT FROM OUR CLIENTS
"absolute
PROFESSIONALs.
“Thank you for transforming our back area into the perfect ‘hot tub grotto’! The stone workmanship and the custom fence are absolutely perfect. You guys are excellent at what you do and it really shows in the finished product. Easy to work with, great style advice and recommendations. We love it! Thanks Steve, Dave, Cassidy and the rest of the Sticks & Stones crew!”
Tracy & Andrew Smith
"ABSOLUTELY
PERFECT!
“Sticks and Stones was extremely professional and hard working when making a deck for our backyard. They saw our vision and were able to make it a wonderful reality. We would hire them again in a second and recommend them to everyone!”
Katie Wick
"EXTREMELY
PROFESSIONAL.
“Absolute professionals who know their stuff! They helped us transform our garden from drab to fab and we couldn’t be happier with the expert knowledge, helpful advice, and friendly service we have received. My husband and I highly recommend them to anyone!”
Lindsay Pearson
"absolute
PROFESSIONALs.
“Sticks and Stones was extremely professional and hard working when making a deck for our backyard. They saw our vision and were able to make it a wonderful reality. We would hire them again in a second and recommend them to everyone!”
Katie Wick
"EXTREMELY
PROFESSIONAL.
“Thank you for transforming our back area into the perfect ‘hot tub grotto’! The stone workmanship and the custom fence are absolutely perfect. You guys are excellent at what you do and it really shows in the finished product. Easy to work with, great style advice and recommendations. We love it! Thanks Steve, Dave, Cassidy and the rest of the Sticks & Stones crew!”
Tracy & Andrew Smith
"ABSOLUTELY
PERFECT!
