Angelique Robb
The “Outdoor Living Designer” shares his secrets to starting over with a small firm but a big vision.
Tim McAuliffe doesn’t just design landscapes—he builds relationships, teams, and award-winning outdoor experiences. After trading Texas for the coastal charm of Wilmington, North Carolina, he launched a new firm with a clear goal: get back to doing the design work he loves, put clients first, and create outdoor spaces that truly elevate how people live.
That approach paid off fast. In just over a year, his firm earned 14 Awards of Excellence at the National Association of Landscape Professionals (NALP) ELEVATE conference, an achievement that signals both a successful launch and national recognition of his design expertise. With decades of experience across Pennsylvania and Texas, he brings a rare mix of creative vision, operational know-how, and a relationship-driven mindset to every project. The result? Thoughtful, sustainable coastal designs—and a firm that’s already setting records while building an exciting next chapter.
What caused you to move from Texas to North Carolina?
My wife and I wanted a change back to work/life balance for our family. I had the opportunity to join a local firm in the Carolina coastal area of Wilmington. We have family in Pennsylvania and in Florida, so the Wilmington area was the perfect spot in between. The move also kept me in the same planting zone, and I love working with the same Texas plants. But the biggest plus was the freedom to go back to doing the design work I love.
What made you decide to start a brand-new firm versus keeping your old name and branding from Texas?
I initially started with a local firm, but my style, moral compass, and client-first approach were not the same fit, so after nine months of navigating the local market, I moved on to start my own branded firm in the coastal Wilmington area.
Did your prior knowledge from running a business in Texas allow you to get established more quickly?
Yes, my previous experience owning my own firm in Pennsylvania, then selling and joining the Texas firm in 2018, was a great framework for growing my understanding. In Texas, I leveraged subcontractors to scale my book of business within the firm.
What were some of the hardest adjustments moving from Texas to North Carolina?
We thought I would retire in Texas, so that was a major adjustment for my family, but the tradeoff work/life balance was the upside. Also, staying true to myself in a new market and remembering that what I do as a designer is a relationship-based business.
What is your company’s current size?
I have myself and two employees. We work with 15 different subcontractors with my crew for our installations. Hopefully, in 2026, my friends will be joining our firm from Mexico on the H2B Visa program!
What do you think sets your landscape designs apart from the competition?
We listen to understand in all phases; a client-first approach always; sustainability factors for the coastal area; years of experience; and being a national brand.
How has your NALP membership helped you navigate this transition?
The NALP membership has helped me to grow this new firm and brand over the first year in business. I cannot say enough about the support and help available to me as a member.
Why is entering NALP’s Awards of Excellence important to you?
From the Initial consultation to our expert installation, we celebrate these awards with all the teams and the subcontractors that allow me to create these amazing outdoor transformations. In short, celebrating success together is important.
How do you decide which projects to enter in the competition?
For 2025, we submitted 50% of our projects to use as a measuring stick of our client-first approach that incorporates several design aspects, as well as a personal relationship with the clients to better understand their family’s needs and wants.
What does it mean to you that your firm earned 14 awards this year at ELEVATE?
Everything! A successful start to the newest chapter in my life and national recognition of my expertise over time. My ability to design, create, and elevate any outdoor space for any client in any state. I am so blessed to, once again, get to do what I love.
How do you plan to earn over 20-plus Awards of Excellence next year?
By growing my brand and my team, while working with my coastal clients to create one-of-a-kind outdoor transformations that showcase the coastal community and the design trends for 2026. We are hoping to create another record for a small firm in a single year!
CONTACT:
Tim McAuliffe, Owner
The Outdoor Living Designer
Wilmington, North Carolina
theoutdoorlivingdesigner@outlook.com
www.theoutdoorlivingdesigner.com