JOHN TATE

John's passion for outdoor living was cultivated at an early age through his exposure to the natural world. From a young age, he was fascinated by the process of design and spent countless hours in the sandbox bringing his ideas to life. Before he was old enough to see over the handle of a lawnmower, John was already using one to care for lawns in his suburban neighborhood of Wilmington, Delaware. His love for the outdoors only grew from there, as he became an Eagle Scout, hiked the Appalachian Trail, and cycled the Blue Ridge Parkway to see the Dogwoods in full bloom. His exposure to the world-famous Dupont Gardens of Longwood, Nemours, and Winterthur further deepened his appreciation for classical garden design. With his innate passion for the outdoors and his educational background, it was no surprise when John earned his B.S. in Landscape Architecture from Penn State.

As a garden editor for Southern Living magazine, his first post-graduate job, he interviewed dozens of well-established designers across the South and toured their work. He then initiated his design career by joining Norman Johnson, founder of Garden Design magazine, in Birmingham, Alabama. Driven by a desire to validate his expertise and demonstrate his mastery of the field, John successfully passed the prestigious national certification for landscape architecture professionals in 1983.

Since then, John has achieved a remarkable breadth of experience and a proven track record of success. He has completed projects in an impressive twelve states and three countries, showcasing his versatility and adaptability as a designer. John is also a certified Florida general contractor and has been instrumental in the successful project management of numerous high-value, multi-million dollar projects along the entire East Coast. This combination of technical proficiency and project management expertise has earned him a reputation for delivering exceptional results.

With a deep-rooted passion and genuine love for his work, John has never experienced a single day as simply "work." He cordially invites you to witness the exceptional results that can be achieved through his design firm, Tate & Tilly, and experience the distinction that comes from working with a dedicated and enthusiastic professional.

SEAN TILLY

Sean, a talented landscape designer with a passion for outdoor living, brings a unique perspective to Tate & Tilly. His education in Architecture from The University of Florida, combined with an innate interest in landscape design, led him to the burgeoning Tampa Bay Area, where he established his roots. His early exposure to the natural beauty of Florida and his drive to create functional and purposeful outdoor spaces has shaped his design philosophy.

His background in Computer Aided Design, combined with John's expertise, allowed Sean to bring his designs to life, from early stage renderings to the final product. With a keen eye for detail and a steadfast commitment to purpose and function, Sean's designs are a true reflection of his passion and dedication to his craft.

Sean has honed his ability to merge technology with tradition, seamlessly combining innovative techniques with classic design principles. He approaches each project with a unique sense of creativity and purpose, treating every project a brand new challenge. From the earliest layout sketches to the finest details, Sean's approach to design is both meticulous and imaginative, resulting in spaces that are not only beautiful, but also functional and purposeful.

As a result of their shared love of design, Sean and John formed a natural partnership, launching Tate & Tilly and offering clients a unique blend of technical proficiency and creative vision. Whether you are looking to create a serene outdoor oasis, or a functional outdoor living space, Sean and the team at Tate & Tilly invite you to experience the difference that design can make.