Many consider William Randolph Hearst’s opulent estate in San Simeon, Calif., to be an American classic — but watershaper Mark Holden takes a very different view. According to Holden, the place prompts him to ask this question: Why do we find certain spaces uninviting? What he concludes about Hearst Castle may surprise you. [more]
LESSONS LEARNED
Clients and Color Consistency
The use of decorative concrete in a rainbow of colors has opened a great many design possibilities for watershapers. Unfortunately, it also has led to problems when clients think the outcome doesn’t match the exact colors they requested. Watershaper Scott Cohen suggests ways to avoid client disappointment and professional headaches. [more]
SEE THE WORLD’S MOST AMAZING SWIMMING POOL — AND MORE! [more]
INTERVIEW
On Mastering the Good Life
For homeowners, having a backyard watershape both symbolizes and provides a certain coveted lifestyle. No one understands that better than Brian Van Bower, author of the ‘Aqua Culture’ column in WaterShapes. In this perceptive interview, he explains why it’s important — both personally and professionally — for watershapers to live ‘the good life’ as well. [more]
BOOK NOTES
Maximizing Positive Feelings
According to WaterShapes book reviewer Mike Farley, watershapers and landscapers are in the business of creating positive emotional responses on the part of clients — which is why he recommends the book The Inward Garden by Julie Moir Messervy. “I found [Messervy’s] approach to be fascinating, insightful and, ultimately, extremely useful,” Farley says. [more]
JOIN THE DIALOGUE
On Eric and the Economy
In the last issue of WaterShapes EXTRA!, we asked readers if they agreed with WaterShapes’ editor Eric Herman’s assessment – expressed in an interview in this newsletter – of an improving economy as related to watershaping. In the interview, Eric commented that “one of the things we’ve suspected during the economic downturn is that the demand for our industry’s products and services has not gone away. What has been lacking is confidence in the economy and… [more]
ROMAN FOUNTAINS
(Albuquerque, NM) has introduced an advanced line of super- bright LED/RGB submersible lighting fixtures for use in decorative fountain applications. Designed with… [more]
AQUA DESIGN GROUP
(Brooklyn, NY) offers underwater acrylic windows for pools. Designed not only to allow interesting light to filter into the pool but also… [more]
WHITEWATER WEST INDUSTRIES
(Richmond, British Columbia, Canada) has introduced the MEGAtube series of waterslides/raft rides. Engineered to include more twists, turns and surprises than… [more]
ANCHOR WALL SYSTEMS
(Minneapolis, MN) has introduced LedgeWall, a retaining wall system with a decorative face that offers the appearance of stacked stone. Made using… [more]
