Embracing the Past: Mark Holden’s Platinum Standard Project

Watershaping advanced by leaps and bounds from 1999 through 2004 – a journey of artistry and practicality that was an inspiration to witness. In this retrospective feature, WaterShapes Editor Eric Herman reviews 25 key projects published during that time frame, offering an ongoing resource to watershapers while defining a Platinum Standard for the designers, engineers, builders and artists who use water as their chosen medium.

Mark Holden
Holdenwater
Fullerton, Calif.

Period authenticity and extraordinary detailing define this project on a grand estate in Montecito, Calif. In approaching the long-neglected site, Mark Holden saw himself as a Hollywood set designer charged with recapturing the look, textures, materials and mood of a luxurious moment in southern California history. He succeeded by attending to an amazing array of details small and large – from special grates and drain covers to custom tile and stone fountains