Bonnie DiCocco’s Stories, Lessons & Insights

We recently had the chance to connect with Bonnie DiCocco and have shared our conversation below.

Bonnie, a huge thanks to you for investing the time to share your wisdom with those who are seeking it. We think it’s so important for us to share stories with our neighbors, friends and community because knowledge multiples when we share with each other. Let’s jump in: Have you ever been glad you didn’t act fast?
There was a project early on with Aqua4 Outdoor that taught me one of the most important lessons of my career: sometimes not acting fast is the smartest move you can make.

A homeowner had reached out in a mild panic—they wanted a complete backyard overhaul and insisted everything had to be designed, approved, and ready to build immediately. Their urgency was contagious, and for a moment, I could feel myself slipping into their timeline instead of the right timeline. I remember staring at my inbox, thumb hovering over “send,” ready to push out a proposal that wasn’t fully thought through, just to meet their rush.

But something made me pause. The design didn’t feel fully aligned with how they used their home, the materials they said they wanted didn’t match their climate, and the space wasn’t telling me its story yet. Speed would have checked the box—but it wouldn’t have created the kind of space I’m known for, the kind that becomes a family’s heartbeat.

So I waited.

I took an extra day to re-walk the property in my mind, to listen to the homeowner a little deeper, to rethink flow, textures, materials, and how their family lived outdoors. When I finally sent the design, it was slower than they wanted, but it was right.

A few weeks later, after they had time to breathe and really envision the space, they told me, “I’m so glad you didn’t jump when we told you to. This is exactly what we needed, not what we thought we needed.”

That project became one of my favorites—not because of the design, but because it reminded me that Aqua4 Outdoor isn’t in the business of rushing projects. We’re in the business of creating intentional spaces that shape memories for decades. And sometimes, the best thing you can do is take a breath, trust your vision, and move at the pace that produces excellence—not panic.

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I’m Bonnie DiCocco—designer, entrepreneur, lover of all things outdoors, and the unofficial president of “Just One More Plant” Anonymous. I’m the creative force behind Aqua4 Outdoor, where we specialize in transforming backyards into beautiful, functional retreats that feel like an extension of home.

My work blends luxury outdoor design with a deep appreciation for nature, thoughtful craftsmanship, and the belief that the spaces outside our walls are just as important as the ones inside. From modern pools to lush gardens and everything in between, I’m all about creating places where families gather, unwind, and make memories that last long after the sun sets.

A big part of what drives me is my own family—my husband and our four daughters, who give me purpose, perspective, and the kind of chaos only a house full of teenagers can create. In reality, they’re the heart behind everything I build and I enjoy including them in the great privilege I have of helping families all over the US create their own slice of paradise.

Right now, I’m working on expanding Aqua4 Outdoor into new markets, refining our design packages, and creating more content that helps homeowners feel empowered and excited about enhancing their outdoor living spaces. Whether it’s through design, education, or hands on help, I’m here to help people live more beautifully—and more intentionally—outside.

And if you ever need a recommendation on backyard plants, pool finishes, or how to hide the fact that you’ve adopted yet another fern… I’m your girl.

Great, so let’s dive into your journey a bit more. Who taught you the most about work?
My dad. He’s the hardest-working man I know—someone who sacrificed every single day without complaint. His dedication wasn’t something he talked about; it was something he lived. And that example shaped everything about the way I approach my work today.

Is there something you miss that no one else knows about?
Honestly…the days when I could walk into a space and leave without mentally redesigning the entire thing.

Before Aqua4 Outdoor, I could sit on a patio and simply enjoy a glass of iced tea. Now? I’ll be mid-sip thinking, “Well, that pergola is definitely not up to code,” or “If they’d just shift that garden bed six inches, the whole space would breathe better.”

I miss the blissful ignorance of not seeing every potential drainage issue from 500 feet away.
And I really miss not having a mental catalog of every plant that’s slowly dying because it’s in the wrong micro-climate.

But hey—everyone has their cross to bear. Mine just happens to be that I can no longer attend a backyard barbecue without imagining a full 3D rendering of their next backyard golw-up.

I think our readers would appreciate hearing more about your values and what you think matters in life and career, etc. So our next question is along those lines. Is the public version of you the real you?
Absolutely—what you see is what you get. I’ve always taken pride in being relatable and genuinely myself, whether I’m designing a backyard, talking about plants, or sharing the chaos of raising four girls. I don’t have the energy (or the desire) to maintain some polished alter ego.

The same person who shows up online or in my business is the one laughing with her family in the kitchen, getting overly excited about a new garden bloom, or reminding clients that perfection in design isn’t the goal—authentic connection and functionality is.

For me, staying true to who I am isn’t just a personal value, it’s the foundation of my work. People invite me into their homes, their lives, and their outdoor spaces. They deserve the real version of me—always.

Okay, so before we go, let’s tackle one more area. What is the story you hope people tell about you when you’re gone?
I hope people will remember feeling welcome in my presence, seen, and valued. I hope that I am able to show that to everyone I meet. I always want to show up with heart, honesty, and presence—whether in my work, my friendships, or the everyday moments that matter most.

And when it comes to legacy, I don’t need my girls to tell my story—they are my story. They are my absolute greatest work and my greatest honor is raising them.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.aqua4pooldesign.com
• Instagram: https://instagram.com/aqua4.outdoor
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@aqua4.outdoor
• Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@aqua4.outdoor

Image Credits
Sam Dickinson