mary dicarlo

Mary DiCarlo

Senior Designer

I don't consider what I do a job - it's my passion! As Senior Designer at Wave Outdoors, I specialize in creating landscape and hardscape spaces where families gather and memories are made. From custom paver patios that become the heart of your gatherings, to strategic landscape lighting that brings your yard to life at night, to complete backyard transformations tailored for your lifestyle. My designs combine creativity with practical problem-solving. Think: wedding-ready gardens installed in three weeks, privacy landscaping that feels natural, and outdoor spaces that make you smile every time you step outside.

Beyond design work, Mary brings a unique combination of business acumen and hands-on design expertise to every project. Her business education from Harper College and Elmhurst College, combined with 18+ years of landscape design experience including her own successful firm, gives her exceptional insight into project economics and client service. Clients describe her as "the perfect blend of professionalism, compassion, enthusiasm, and efficiency" - a combination that creates not just beautiful spaces, but lasting relationships.

Awards

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Mary's commitment to client satisfaction has contributed to 12 consecutive years of industry recognition (2013-2024), including Best of Houzz Service Award and Angi Super Service Award. Her track record of excellence spans her entire 18+ year career, maintaining an unblemished reputation with 75+ five-star reviews and zero complaints across all platforms. These awards reflect her exceptional communication, willingness to revise designs until perfect, and dedication to follow-up care that extends well beyond project completion.

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Professional Journey

Mary DiCarlo brings 18+ years of landscape design expertise to Wave Outdoors, where she works alongside principal designer Brian Dreher as part of the creative team envisioning endless possibilities for amazing outdoor spaces. Her path to landscape design was non-traditional but valuable - earning her Associate's Degree in Business Administration from Harper College and Bachelor of Science in Business Administration and Management from Elmhurst College provided a foundation that shapes how she approaches every project today.

Her deep understanding of Chicago's challenging Zone 5b/6a climate comes from nearly two decades of exclusive work in the northwest suburbs. She knows which plants thrive through harsh winters and humid summers, which hardscape materials withstand freeze-thaw cycles, and how to design drainage solutions that manage heavy spring rains and snowmelt. This regional expertise, combined with her business background, allows her to deliver projects that are both beautiful and practical.

Working at Wave Outdoors gives Mary access to established relationships with industry leaders including Techo-Bloc (Wave Outdoors is a Techo-Pro certified contractor), Unilock, TimberTech, Azek, and FX Luminaire. She actively participates in the Illinois Landscape Contractors Association (ILCA), keeping current on emerging products and installation techniques. As she noted in iLandscape magazine: "The best part of iLandscape is the camaraderie of being with so many other creative, passionate, hardworking plant people."

Approach to Design

Mary DiCarlo's design approach centers on understanding how clients actually live in their outdoor spaces. She invests substantial time in consultation, asking detailed questions about lifestyle patterns, entertainment needs, and long-term goals before developing customized solutions. "My passion is design and I love creating landscape and hardscape spaces where I know my clients will be spending time with family and friends," she explains. "Every project is unique to each individual client."

Collaboration defines her process. Mary works closely with clients through multiple design revisions, using interactive 3D designs that let you visualize your space from every angle. She'll revise over and over again until everything is perfect - whether that takes weeks or months doesn't matter. What matters is that you're thrilled with the result. This iterative approach ensures alignment between vision and reality while building confidence throughout the process.

Material selection draws on Wave Outdoors' established relationships with premium suppliers. Mary's connections with Chicagoland nurseries and specialty contractors enable competitive pricing and reliable timelines. She itemizes each component so clients can prioritize investments based on their budget, providing transparency that builds trust from the first conversation.

Follow-up care extends beyond project completion. Mary maintains ongoing relationships with clients, providing plant care guidance, addressing questions, and ensuring long-term satisfaction. This commitment has generated substantial repeat business - several clients have worked with her on three, four, even five separate projects over many years, including properties in both Chicago-area and Florida.