---
title: "ILT Vignocchi — Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers | Houzz"
canonical_html_url: https://www.houzz.com/professionals/landscape-architects-and-landscape-designers/ilt-vignocchi-pfvwus-pf~2081280121
markdown_url: https://www.houzz.com/md/professionals/pf~2081280121.md
entity_type: LocalBusiness
business_name: "ILT Vignocchi"
category: ["Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers"]
image: https://st.hzcdn.com/fimgs/bdc39463031889d7_7079-w400-h400-b1-p10--.jpg
address: "25865 West Ivanhoe Road, Wauconda, Illinois 60084, United States"
latitude: 42.2636
longitude: -88.1333
phone: "(847) 487-5200"
website: http://iltvignocchi.com/
rating: 5
review_count: 10
best_of_houzz_awards: 3
followers: 92
last_updated: 2026-08-25
---

# ILT Vignocchi

Original Houzz profile: [ILT Vignocchi](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/landscape-architects-and-landscape-designers/ilt-vignocchi-pfvwus-pf~2081280121)

## Professional summary

- **Primary category:** Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers
- **Location:** Wauconda, IL
- **Serves:** Evanston, Glenview, Northbrook, Highland Park, Wilmette, Vernon Hills, Libertyville, Lake Forest, Winnetka, Barrington, Hawthorn Woods, Glencoe, Long Grove, Lincolnshire, Inverness, Lake Barrington, South Barrington, Barrington Hills, Kildeer, North Barrington, Bull Valley, Mettawa
- **Houzz rating:** 5.0 out of 5 (10 reviews)
- **Best of Houzz:** 3 awards (2015–2020), for Design, Service.

## About

### Houzz Badges

- Star Houzzer
- Houzz Influencer
- Recommended on Houzz
- 1,000 Ideabook Saves

It is my opinion that you should always surround yourself with intelligent people who have an unwavering passion for their craft, an inner drive to succeed, and sensitivity for other people.  Over our 45 plus years in business we have amassed such a team.  Filled with caring people who just want to do what they love, the best they can, every day.  Our people are our most valuable resource in continuing to build our amazing organization of creativity, craftsmanship and most importantly service.

– Donna Vignocchi Zych, president

### Services Provided

- Landscape Design
- Hardscaping
- Landscape Plans
- Drought Tolerant Landscaping
- Site Planning
- Swimming Pool Design
- Project Management
- Irrigation
- Landscape Maintenace
- Masonry

### Areas Served

- Evanston
- Glenview
- Northbrook
- Highland Park
- Wilmette
- Vernon Hills
- Libertyville
- Lake Forest
- Winnetka
- Barrington
- Hawthorn Woods
- Glencoe
- Long Grove
- Lincolnshire
- Inverness
- Lake Barrington
- South Barrington
- Barrington Hills
- Kildeer
- North Barrington
- Bull Valley
- Mettawa

## Business Details

| Field | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Business Name | ILT Vignocchi |
| Address | 25865 West Ivanhoe Road, Wauconda, Illinois 60084, United States |
| Phone | (847) 487-5200 |
| Website | http://iltvignocchi.com/ |
| Followers on Houzz | 92 |

**Social profiles:**
- Facebook — https://www.facebook.com/iltvignocchi
- X (Twitter) — https://twitter.com/iltvignocchi
- LinkedIn — http://www.linkedin.com/profile/view?id=49968266&trk=nav\_responsive\_tab\_profile\_pic
- Blog — http://iltvignocchi.com

## Contact

- **Houzz profile:** [ILT Vignocchi](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/landscape-architects-and-landscape-designers/ilt-vignocchi-pfvwus-pf~2081280121)
- **Website:** http://iltvignocchi.com/
- **Phone:** (847) 487-5200

## Credentials

- **Best of Houzz:** 3 awards (2015–2020), for Design, Service.

**Affiliations**
- [American Society of Landscape Architects](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/schools-and-organizations/american-society-of-landscape-architects-pfvwus-pf~2014062207)

## Reviews

**Overall rating: 5.0 out of 5 — 10 reviews**

### All 10 reviews

**★★★★★ — M. Cassidy, Jan. 2018**

> In a community, such as evanston, people restore their homes.  That’s what they do.  And it is not an easy process.  Since my family and I moved into my Victorian three years ago all we have done is interview and hire contractors and architects.  Some great, many not so great.  ILT Vignocchi was beyond great.
>
> While restoring our home, our yard was completely destroyed.  When it was time to focus on fixing the yard (front and back) what we needed to get done was not cosmetic - We needed a complete overhaul.  New driveway, new walkways, water drainage - basically level it.
>
> ILT Vignocchi did more work on the front end to gain our business than the several dozen contractors we spoke to on any project.  My wife and I consider Aaron at Vignocchi an advisor and a friend.  Professionally trained, beyond knowledgeable, patient, humble and would go the extra mile to make us happy.

**★★★★★ — darrendixon, Feb. 2016**

> ILT has been a pleasure to deal with.  One thing I really like about them is they are accessible and when their is a problem / issue they take care of it right away.
>
> They designed my property very pretty.  During the Summer time I receive many comments about how my yard looks.
>
> Thanks,
>
> Darren

**★★★★★ — mjekr, Feb. 2016**

> ILT has been our landscape maintenance contractor for over 20 years.  The maintenance crews have always been very pleasant and thorough in their work.  We have been pleased with the many landscape design projects ILT has completed for us, and appreciate the professionalism and creativity of Donna and her team.

**★★★★★ — jrzboy10, Feb. 2016**

> Since I have a wooded property, I needed a landscaper that knew what type of plants would thrive in a shaded environment.  ILT filled the bill, and designed plantings for my front yard that provided color and interest despite the limited sunshine.  Also, I wanted a landscaper for year round maintenance that I would not have to point out the things that needed to be done, but rather, could recognize them on its own. ILT takes care of my property as if it is their own yard! Mark C.

**★★★★★ — sjgault, Dec. 2014**

> ILT did a fantastic job of transforming our yard into a unique place of beauty that we continue to enjoy everyday.  It makes our home feel like a vacation home.  Staff is responsive and easy to work with.

**★★★★★ — Betsey Orman, Dec. 2014**

> ILT offers a wide range of services and I recommend them highly. They have done spring and fall clean up for me for years and they crew is on time, respectful, competent and the crew leaders are good communicators. Their design ideas are innovative, pleasing and they recommend hardy plant material with a good eye to mature size and placement. Donna Vignocchi is wonderful.

**★★★★★ — Doug Gerrard, Dec. 2014**

> Donna and the entire ILT crew are the best Landscape and hard service professionals we have ever dealt with. The are meticulous , timely , creative and priced fairly . They have done all of the outdoor customization of our last 2 homes. We could not be more pleased with how the project turned out. They also have done all our regular landscape maintenance for the last 22 years. I would recommend them without any reservation to anyone! They are simply the best at what they do.

**★★★★★ — marshakarp, Dec. 2014**

> We have been working with ILT Vignocchi since 2007.  They completely changed the plantings, put in a back garden, and have provided our annual maintenance.  They are very attentive and responsive; always getting back to me the same day.  The staff, both design and maintenance, are so professional and very dedicated to getting it "right".  Their thoughtful suggestions and attention to detail have made them stand out.  Landscaping is an ongoing process which we tweak each year as the plantings grow and it has been a complete pleasure to work with them on this ongoing project.

**★★★★★ — marylouiz, March 2014**

> We have used ILT/Vignocchi for about 28years.  We started out with an acre of grass and now have what has been described as an Enchanted Garden.  They have not only taken care of the gardens weekly, but have been responsible for the major plantings, hardscapes and pool design.  The entire staff from landscapers to designers have been wonderful and we can't think of having a garden and yard without them.  They have gone out of their way to make us happy and our garden to be happy.  and the costs have been appropriate to the work done.  They have the highest degree of professionalism and competence and we would recommend them unequivocally.

**★★★★★ — robertwelyki, March 2014**

> We have used ILT for a variety of projects: planting areas, patio, front walk way, annual flowers, weekly lawn maintenance and irrigation system work.  They are awesome.  the plant designs and the patio design work beautifully together.  My back yard feels like a resort   The arrangements in the planters for summer are amazing - everyone loves them.  I am very particular with my lawn.  We went through a lawn service about once a season for a variety of reasons.  I typically ended up doing it myself  between services to get it done "right".  ILT is the first lawn service we have had and kept!  The are very careful and do a great job.  The lawn isn't too short in summer and they don't leave the large clumps of clippings others have left.
>
> All-in-all, we are extremely happy with them and will use them for landscape design and installation on the new home we are building.

## Selected projects

- [Italianate Estate](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/italianate-estate-pj-vj~476488)
  - Location: Wilmette, IL
  - Photos: 13
  - Description: Located in east Wilmette, Illinois, this is one of two estates build for a family's twin daughters. The property had massive drainage issues we were able to solve by creating an elaborate drainage system and hiding it underneath a tennis court. The project was as much about restoration as it was beautification.
- [Country Retreat](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/country-retreat-pj-vj~944842)
  - Location: Buffalo Grove, IL
  - Photos: 10
  - Description: Designed for an estate in McHenry County, the goal was to elevate this country home. Bringing it elegance and the calming nature of water.
- [Forest Retreat](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/forest-retreat-pj-vj~851126)
  - Location: Highland Park, IL
  - Photos: 15
  - Description: There is immense beauty in subtle gestures. Shade gardens provide landscape architects the opportunity to create space that echo the dappled light of a shade garden.
- [Evanston Party Palace](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/evanston-party-palace-pj-vj~660353)
  - Location: Evanston, IL
  - Photos: 18
  - Description: Often customers are looking to bring their outdoor entertaining out of doors. With grills, refrigerators, televisions, and various spaces to just hang out. This project is made of several little rooms where you can entertain a crowd or share a cup of coffee with your spouse while browsing the Sunday paper.
- [Winnetka Residence](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/winnetka-residence-pj-vj~476466)
  - Location: Winnetka, IL
  - Photos: 18
  - Description: The customers are true plant lovers. So much so that the photos here are one of three complete renovations we have completed for them in the past 30 years.
- [Seasonal Color](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/seasonal-color-pj-vj~476719)
  - Location: Highland Park, IL
  - Photos: 26
  - Description: Providing customers with seasonal annual flower arrangements is an enormous part of our business. Typically avid flower lovers will have us design and install spring, summer, fall and winter greens.
- [Highland Park Residence](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/highland-park-residence-pj-vj~476433)
  - Location: Highland Park, IL
  - Photos: 12
  - Description: Traditional meets modern at this Highland Park estate. This property packs a lot in a confined space. Pool, spa, chipping green, water feature, rose garden, it has it all and feels completely comfortable.
- [Modern lawn space](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/modern-lawn-space-pj-vj~476527)
  - Location: Highland Park, IL
  - Photos: 4
  - Description: Modern homes call for simplicity. Especially this all glass facade stunner in Highland Park, Illinois.
- [Bunker Hill](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/bunker-hill-pj-vj~1584073)
  - Location: Woodstock, IL
  - Photos: 25
- [Fireplaces and Firepits](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/fireplaces-and-firepits-pj-vj~1583806)
  - Location: Highland Park, IL
  - Photos: 10
- [Garden ornamentation](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/garden-ornamentation-pj-vj~3898118)
  - Location: Barrington, IL
  - Photos: 26
- [Backyard Oasis](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/backyard-oasis-pj-vj~5375180)
  - Location: Highland Park, IL
  - Photos: 15
- [Lake Geneva Redux](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/lake-geneva-redux-pj-vj~2877413)
  - Location: Lake Geneva, WI
  - Photos: 6
  - Description: Alongside an architectural face-lift, this lakefront property underwent a complete landscape redesign to increase the useable outdoor space while addressing slope and drainage issues/ Work on the property started on the bluff overlooking/leading to Lake Geneva. Old timber walls that were failing were removed and a new extensive natural stone retaining wall system was installed along with stone steps and a fire pit down by lake edge. New bluestone patios and a spa in the rear yard followed. A hea…
- [Suburban Itasca Sanctuary](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/suburban-itasca-sanctuary-pj-vj~3897161)
  - Location: Itasca, IL
  - Photos: 23
- [Party Palace](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/party-palace-pj-vj~3896189)
  - Location: Skokie, IL
  - Photos: 15
- [Barrington Permeable Paver Paradise](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/barrington-permeable-paver-paradise-pj-vj~3360870)
  - Location: Barrington, IL
  - Photos: 19
- [Ultimate Backyard Oasis](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/ultimate-backyard-oasis-pj-vj~2878882)
  - Location: Bull Valley, IL
  - Photos: 17
  - Description: Transformation of an existing lawn area to a backyard oasis was what our Landscape Architects were told was the goal during initial meetings. What was created was more than that, it is a space for family and friends to come, enjoy and de-stress. The overall layout and design of the spaces were carefully considered. What came to fruition was a pool cabana, pool, stone pool deck, spa, stone walls, grill center, stone steps, water slide, "stone" grotto, pool island, sunken fire pit, infinity edge,…

[See all 17 projects](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/landscape-architects-and-landscape-designers/ilt-vignocchi-pfvwus-pf~2081280121)

## Ideabooks

- [Clever Ideas](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/24542973/list/clever-ideas) — 5 ideas
- [Ideas for small spaces](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/56322403/list/ideas-for-small-spaces) — 5 ideas
- [Great Outdoor Fireplaces](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/39315150/list/great-outdoor-fireplaces) — 9 ideas

[See all 3 ideabooks](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/users/dvignocchi)

## Community Q&A

**Q: Critique Our Landscaping Design** *(in Landscape Design)*

My husband and I have a blank slate for landscaping, since our house was a foreclosure:





A local nursery sketched a design for us, which I've replicated below:



Background:

Location: Southwest Ohio
Sun: The house faces north.
Animals: Lots of deer
We would like to cover/disguise the siding below the bottom front windows as much as possible (will be painted a different color eventually).
We are open to making the front landscaping any shape. We recently put down mulch, but the placement was not strategic.
Long-term, we envision adding a portico over the doorway.


What do you think of the design? Do you have any other suggestions?

Thank you!

A: I agree with the Brunnera, Pulmonaria, Astilbe for perennials.  Consider filling open areas of the bed with pachysandra.  It will give it a lush look.  I am leery of the junipers and mugo.  That's a lot going on in front of your house.

**Q: Please give advice on front landscape** *(in Landscape Design)*

I would like to make some changes to the landscaping around the front of my house. Everything currently there was placed by our builder. I would like some advice on what to add, remove, or replace to make it more visually appealing.  located in SC

A: I would remove all the plants.  The evergreen tree specifically will outgrow the space as it will get up to 20' wide at the bottom.  I would recommend a hedge of boxwoods 15-18&quot; along the porch foundation and then complete the bed with hosta, pachysandra or some other groundcover.

**Q: What would you do?** *(in Hot Peppers)*

It is a beautiful day here so I figured my pepper babies could use some fresh air and sunshine. Very carefully, tray after tray (overdid it with 6 trays of peppers) was carried out, until I got to the last tray.  Picked it up, took a step, and next thing I knew, soil and pepper babies were flying across the room.  Shock, disbelief, and a few not nice words later I'm picking them up trying to figure out which plant flew out of which cell. Most of the plants were rescued and replanted but the whole tray is a now a mystery mess of 8 varieties and anywhere between 0 and 6 plants of each.
The question is: grow them and play a pepper guessing game? Start over with these varieties? Or do both? These little guys are about 4 weeks old.

A: Definitely grow them! It is happened to me before with beans.  Made it kind of fun!

**Q: Our cedar shingles** *(in Before & After)*

We recently bought a house..just small and we love it but the shingles are getting spongy. The previous owners put a preservative on it...which I think was the wrong thing to do....so they started turning almost black...so then they power washed them...another wrong thing maybe? Anyway now they are getting spongy and starting to curl some...is there any way to save them or is it a lost cause....

A: You can start by power washing on a day that is sunny and rain free (and forecast that way for several days).  After that you can get an estimate from a carpenter on replacing only what is necessary.  That is the beauty of cedar shingles.  Our main office is 20 years old and we have never touched the shingles you see in this photo.

**Q: Landscaping help** *(in Design Dilemma)*

Any suggestions for some clean modern landscaping for the front of our house? South facing full sun. Thanks!!

A: I agree with a modern approach to the landscape design.  Really accentuates the modern lines of the house.  In our climate (zone 4-5) I would recommend a boxwood hedge, possibly straight, not curved, bed lines and low grasses like a Hakone grass and that is it.  I think the simplicity of planting could be striking and give the house a very updated modern feel.

**Q: New Home - Need Advice, please!** *(in Design Dilemma)*

Just closed on a new home today and would like some input on the exterior, more specifically the shutters. Something seems off to me. Should I change out the shutters? Larger, louvered? Color, thinking maybe a wedge wood blue? Also, open to landscaping suggestions as well. Thank you!!

A: I think the shutters are a tad small in scale compared to the windows and that is what you are feeling. I like the black, it is a nice contrast. In terns of the landscape most of what you have is distracting from the home, or covering it up as opposed to adding to it. You can't see most of the interesting features except the front door, which is what you are always trying to draw your eye to. I would consult a landscape architect or design build company (interview more than one if you want to go this route) in your area that would be willing to provide a plan.  A landscape architect will charge you for the plan, but a design build company will typically give you the plan for free if you pay them to do the installation.  It is a lovely home.  Congratulations.

---

*Source: Houzz professional profile. Reflects the profile as of 2026-08-25.*
