Sean Kelley Owner & Wearer of All Hats
Meet Sean, the proud Owner of Reveal Design LLC. Armed with a degree in Landscape Architecture from the University of Illinois - Champaign Urbana (class of 2004) and a postgraduate stint in residential-design in Oxford, England, Sean brings a global perspective to his craft.
His design prowess knows no bounds, ranging from vast 100-acre Hampton estates to cozy 1/4 acre suburban landscapes and trendy 25’x80’ urban retreats. Now based in Chicago, Sean thrives on the challenge of infusing creativity into the confined 25’ x 125’ city spaces.
When he's not strategically placing perennials in Northbrook, measuring for a new pool in Elmhurst, or enlightening clients on the intricacies of their lighting systems atop Chicago rooftop decks, Sean can be found enjoying quality time with his wife and four kids. And for those curious souls, he's got 14 siblings – a true testament to his love for a bustling family life.
Away from the design frenzy and email deluge, catch Sean sipping coffee on his own back deck, embarking on camping adventures with his kids (all while scouting for the latest products and design inspirations), or sneakily tackling new projects at home that somehow never make it onto his ever-growing honey-do-list.
Ricardo Serrano Crew Supervisor
Meet Ricardo, the Site Supervisor extraordinaire at Reveal Design, spearheading on-site projects with a blend of expertise and hands-on finesse. Ricardo's green journey began in 2003, starting from the grassroots of landscaping maintenance and evolving into a maestro of project management.
His green thumb extends to crafting gardens that involve everything from building patios and retaining walls to laying lush new grass, installing intricate irrigation and electrical systems, and creating and maintaining complex water features. With over a decade of experience, Ricardo is on a perpetual quest for the latest trends in the landscaping realm, ensuring his craft remains cutting-edge.
When he's not orchestrating landscaping symphonies, you'll find Ricardo at home with his wife and four children. During his leisure moments, he unwinds with friends and family, relishes good food, explores waterparks, indulges in movie marathons, and can give anyone a run for their money in the card game Speed.
Carlos Leon Designer
Carlos, armed with a solid foundation in Architecture, seamlessly integrates a robust functional design element into every project. He takes pride in staying ahead of the curve, acquainting himself with the latest materials and systems, ensuring their seamless integration both on-site and within our office design programs. In the office, he's the go-to guy for tackling any technical challenge, making him the wizard of all things intricate – both in design and problem-solving.
Enrique Serrano Crew Supervisor
Enrique, spurred on by years of gentle nudging from his brother Ricardo, has now embraced his role as the site foreman and emerged as our master carpenter. With a nimble approach and a knack for tackling any project, there's no challenge too big for Enrique. Outside of his professional prowess, he's nurturing a growing family and spends his free time enhancing both his home and outdoor spaces—a true testament to his commitment to craftsmanship, both on and off the clock.
Matthew Wells Designer
Hailing originally from Aurora, IL, Matthew has seamlessly transitioned into a proud Chicagoan, calling the city home for almost a decade. His urban journey began with university life, where he enrolled in the College of Architecture, Design, and the Arts at the University of Illinois at Chicago.
Matthew, our resident "plant nerd" and horticulturist extraordinaire, has cultivated a deep passion for nature. Joining the Reveal Design family in 2018, he hasn't looked back since. As a dedicated designer for the firm, Matthew strives to intricately weave form and functionality, crafting spaces that are not just visually striking but also seamlessly practical for their occupants.
Outside the design realm, you'll find Matthew embracing the great outdoors, lounging on the beach, catching a flick at the movies, and, in a twist of unexpected charm, tending to his flock of pigeons in his free time. Because who said a designer can't have a feathered muse?
Francis Abellanosa Project Manager
Francis takes the helm in overseeing the intricacies of installations, collaborating closely with designers and clients to iron out the nitty-gritty details of each build-out. With an architectural background, he approaches every project with the mindset of, "How do we execute this in the best way possible?"
Despite our polite requests for a personal write-up from Francis, it seems he's too engrossed in the hustle of managing our on-site installs to oblige. A testament to his dedication and busy schedule.
Oh, and did we mention? He likes turtles….
Rafael Montes Designer
Rafael, affectionately known as 'Rafa,' brings a strong mathematical background to the table, evident in the precision and meticulous drawing work he contributes to our clients' projects. Joining the team full-time in 2022, he's the guy you'll frequently spot on-site, armed with a measuring tape and lending his expertise to finalize those intricate design details. Because when it comes to precision, Rafa doesn't just add up; he multiplies the excellence in every project.
Silvia Montes Designer
Silvia is a meticulous and considerate designer, boasting a robust background in Architecture. Her touch on each project is marked by a compassionate approach. Interestingly, if you listen closely in the office, you might catch her playfully giving her younger brother a good-natured ribbing from across the room. Because, in the world of design, a touch of humor is just as essential as precision.
Luis Rivera Office Management/Product Procurement
Luis serves as the linchpin of our projects, ensuring seamless coordination. His knack for repeatedly reaching out to vendors showcases his commitment to navigating changing costs and timelines, holding them accountable on your behalf. In these challenging times, Luis is our sanity anchor, diligently hounding suppliers daily to unveil the Where, When, Why, and What of our options.
He's the behind-the-scenes wizard who often knows about changes before the full supply team does. Luis brings his own detailed organizational systems to the table, benefiting every designer in the office. While much of his work happens backstage, don't be surprised if you find a couple of emails from him, meticulously updating you on project timelines and schedule shifts. Lead times may be beyond our control, but Luis ensures our communication remains firmly in our grasp.
Luis Piceno Project Foreman
Luis holds the esteemed position of one of our reliable site foremen, consistently shepherding a project from its initial shovel in the ground to the final flourish of laying down the last roll of sod.
Should you overhear a crew member calling out for 'Gallo' on site, rest assured they're in search of this dependable individual! (He's also known to respond just as well to the classic 'Luis').
Juan Morales Project Foreman
Juan, our skilled site foreman, excels in managing both Hardscapes and Carpentry to the utmost quality standards. On-site, he effortlessly oversees multiple crews, ready to address any client inquiries with finesse. If there are site changes on the horizon, Juan is your go-to guy, seamlessly guiding clients back to their designer for those intricate tweaks. Because when it comes to managing projects, Juan doesn't just build; he crafts confidence.
Bree Ringe Designer
Bree holds a Bachelor’s degree in Architectural Design from the Milwaukee Institute of Art & Design, where her passion for blending architectural elements with the landscape took root. Since her early years, Bree has been dedicated to creating art and designs that influence how people experience their surroundings. Her mission is to elevate the distinctive qualities of each site, marrying beauty and efficiency to cater to the client's lifestyle while preserving native plant communities.
Beyond the design realm, catch Bree hiking with her furry companion, honing her woodworking skills, and indulging in various artistic pursuits. As a fervent landscape designer and photographer, Bree brings her creative flair to both the drafting table and the great outdoors.
Issac Reyes Project Foreman
Isaac is a frequent on-site presence, perpetually armed with a tool in hand. His irrepressible urge to bring visions to life often compels him to dive into the nitty-gritty of getting things built. A meticulous and considerate leader, Isaac embodies the timeless wisdom of "measure twice and cut once."
For those curious about his affinity for working in cold weather, don't hesitate to ask Isaac on site. Spoiler alert: It's not exactly his favorite climate.