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 creative strategists, designers and brand directors who offer an unparalleled approach to residential and commercial design and project management. We continually strive to go above and beyond client expectations.
Cara Mamott // Founder & Creative Director
Helping clients feel inspired in their spaces - whether that be at their businesses or in their homes - drives the passion and growth of Haven Design Group.
Over a decade ago I set out to help people design a home they love and effortlessly resembles their lifestyle. When approached to do the same for a commercial business, I applied my same creative passion to the project and found that I was equally excited about curating inspiring spaces for businesses. And because I’m a dreamer, I took it one step further. I helped the same business translate their newly crafted interior aesthetic to their brand — helping them with everything from name ideation to a branding strategy.
For some, they may think three distinct service lines is overwhelming — or even confusing. I’ll admit, we’re not your traditional interior design firm or branding house. We’re more. We’re the perfect marriage of both - providing you what you need in one cohesive package. Our team members are experts in their service lines, bringing both knowledge and passion to each and every project.
And me…I get to live my dream every day. Thank you for being a part of it.
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.