We don’t just redesign homes—we redefine the way you live in them.
M E E T T H E T E A M
We are a dedicated team of interior architects, designers, and project managers committed to delivering exceptional residential and commercial design solutions. From concept through construction management, we bring creativity, technical expertise, and meticulous attention to detail to every project. Our collaborative approach ensures each space is thoughtfully designed, expertly executed, and tailored to our clients' vision. We are committed to exceeding expectations by delivering outstanding results at every stage of the process.
Cara Mamott // Founder & Creative Director
With more than 25 years of experience spanning advertising + marketing, real estate development, and interior design, Cara brings a rare blend of creative vision, strategic thinking, and project expertise to every client and project.
A graduate of the University of Illinois with a degree in Advertising and an emphasis in Art and Design, Cara began her career in account management at a Fortune 500 advertising agency in Chicago. There, she led creative initiatives for nationally recognized brands including The Cleveland Clinic, Sears, Wrigley and Illinois Tourism, developing a strong foundation in branding, communication, and client strategy.
Driven by a passion for architecture and design, Cara later continued her education in Interior Architecture at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago while earning her real estate license. She became deeply involved in the development of luxury residential properties, collaborating with builders on multimillion-dollar condominium projects. Her role extended far beyond sales, encompassing space planning, interior selections, pricing strategy, staging, branding, marketing, and project positioning—giving her a comprehensive understanding of the design and construction process from concept to completion.
In 2010, Cara founded Haven Design Group to bring together the expertise she had cultivated across three distinct yet complementary careers. Today, she leads a multidisciplinary studio specializing in residential and commercial interior design, construction management, and brand development for businesses. By combining thoughtful design with strategic insight and meticulous execution, Cara creates spaces and experiences that are both beautiful and purposeful—ensuring every detail works together as seamlessly as the designs themselves.
Outside the studio, Cara enjoys spending time with family and friends and her beloved Golden Retriever. Whether she's taking long walks, golfing, cooking, listening to music, or dreaming up her next big idea, she finds inspiration in the everyday moments that fuel both her creativity and her passion for design.
Alicia Cibula // Lead Designer
Alicia has a passion for transforming spaces into functional and inspiring environments. Graduating from the University of Illinois in 1997 and later from Harrington College of Design in 2003, Alicia's educational journey laid the foundation for her successful career.
Alicia's professional journey in the commercial interior design industry spans over 23 years. She embarked on this path by joining a boutique furniture dealership in 2000, where her commitment and talent quickly became evident. Over time, Alicia's expertise grew as she became an integral part of the design team at Office Revolution, a highly-acclaimed commercial interiors company based in Chicago. Her experience covers a wide spectrum, from space planning and commercial design to intricate furniture specifications. She's had the privilege of collaborating with hundreds of furniture and material vendors and has worked with diverse clientele, including financial groups, law firms, logistics companies, hospitality providers, higher education institutions, and various sectors within the healthcare industry.
Beyond her impressive career, Alicia's personal interests showcase her vibrant personality. She's an avid traveler with a deep love for Italy, her go-to destination. In her free time, you'll often find her in the kitchen, perfecting the art of baking scones. Her heart belongs to the fall season, and she cherishes live music experiences. Alicia is a proud mother to her daughter, Emmy, and together, they bond over their shared love for design shows and the delightful art of rearranging and reorganizing rooms in their home.
Rachel Groff // Lead Designer
Rachel's journey in design showcases her passion for creating personalized living spaces that truly reflect the needs and lifestyles of her clients. With a degree in Architectural Studies from the University of Illinois, she has a strong foundation in both the technical and creative aspects of design. Her early career is marked by working at a number of architecture firms, including Katheryn Quinn Architects and Fitzgerald Associate Architects. Her time there was invaluable as it allowed her to develop proficiency in Revit and gain essential experience in assembling construction documents. These skills have become instrumental as she navigates the design process.
After working in the field of architecture, Rachel transitioned into the field of interior design by joining the interior studio at Ware Malcomb. This provided Rachel with valuable experience in corporate environments. Her unique ability to merge architectural and interior design perspectives not only benefits her projects but also fosters strong relationships with clients, from small businesses to large corporations. Her client-first design approach ensures that the spaces she creates are both functional and reflective of individual personalities and preferences. A desire to transition into residential design led Rachel to establishing her own design business, which allowed her to explore her creative vision further, tackling a range of projects from residential space planning to educational redesign. Her willingness to assist fellow designers with technical support illustrates her collaborative spirit and commitment to the design community.
Outside of her professional life, Rachel's family plays a central role in her happiness. Living in Naperville with her husband and three children, as well as their beloved Berne-doodle named Pancake, she embraces a lifestyle filled with creativity and connection. Summer days spent by their backyard pool highlight the importance of family togetherness in Rachel's life, while her home serves as her experimental design lab, where ideas come alive through DIY projects.
Carissa Laub // Project Manager
As a Project Manager at Haven Design Group, Carissa combines creativity, organization, and a genuine passion for people to bring every project to life. With a bachelor's degree in Fashion Merchandising, she has always been drawn to aesthetics, texture, and the way design influences how people experience a space. That foundation naturally evolved into her career in interior design, where she now plays an integral role in managing both residential and commercial projects from concept to completion.
Carissa thrives on collaboration and connection—working closely with clients, vendors, and contractors to ensure that every detail aligns with the overall vision. She loves watching a space transform, knowing that thoughtful design can make a meaningful difference in the way people live and work. Her approach blends creativity with practical coordination, allowing her to keep projects running smoothly while fostering strong relationships along the way.
Outside of work, Carissa enjoys spending quality time with her husband and their daughter, staying active, exploring new places, and finding inspiration through travel and fashion. Whether she’s on a job site or planning her next adventure, Carissa brings enthusiasm, warmth, and a keen eye for design to everything she does.
Kelly Henley // Business Manager
While the rest of the team dons their creative hats and immerses themselves in the world of design, Kelly stands as the pillar of reliability, ensuring that the business operations run seamlessly. Her proactive and detail-oriented nature not only keeps everything in check, but also adds an element of fun to the work environment.
Kelly's journey to this role was paved with experience and expertise. She began her career at JPMorgan Chase's private banking division, where she learned the ropes of the financial world. Later, she transitioned to Pricewaterhouse Coopers, where she spent a decade as a vital liaison to over 100 top-tier clients. In this demanding role, she became the "jack of all trades," mastering the art of delivering impeccable service even in the most high-pressure situations. This skill has proven invaluable in the dynamic and unpredictable realm of design and construction.
Kelly's passion for aesthetics aligns perfectly with her professional life. She holds a degree in marketing with a minor in art from Valparaiso University, a testament to her keen eye for design. Her ability to bridge the worlds of creativity and business is a testament to her versatility and well-rounded skill set.
Beyond her career, Kelly's life is enriched by her family and her charming home in Geneva. She shares her life with her husband, two children, and their beloved mini dachshund, the most cherished elements of her world. In this picturesque setting, Kelly finds inspiration and balance, which undoubtedly contributes to her ability to excel in her multifaceted role within Haven Design Group.