Structures (Editor’s Notes)

From the Ground Up
Anyone who's a parent knows that taking pride in their children's accomplishments and personal growth is one of life's greatest joys. In my case, that pleasure has been one of the defining factors of my existence for the past twenty-plus years - ever since the day my son Brett Herman was born and was joined four years later by his sister, Amanda.  I know that I'm right in line with other parents who call their children
From the Ground Up
Anyone who's a parent knows that taking pride in their children's accomplishments and personal growth is one of life's greatest joys. In my case, that pleasure has been one of the defining factors of my existence for the past twenty-plus years - ever since the day my son Brett Herman was born and was joined four years later by his sister, Amanda.  I know that I'm right in line with other parents who call their children
A New Image
One of the themes we touch upon frequently in the pages of WaterShapes centers on the concept that an industry once thought to be the exclusive realm of fast-talking, quick-drawing operators with questionable products has been experiencing a brisk, revolutionary shift toward
A New Image
One of the themes we touch upon frequently in the pages of WaterShapes centers on the concept that an industry once thought to be the exclusive realm of fast-talking, quick-drawing operators with questionable products has been experiencing a brisk, revolutionary shift toward
Healthy Pursuits
When you talk to clients about why they want a swimming pool or spa, which benefits generally top their lists?  Are they after beauty, luxury or a relaxing lifestyle accessory?  Or is it the sound of moving water, a focus on entertaining or a place to play?     Through the years, I've spoken with lots of you about how important it is to understand precisely what
Technical Ecstasy
I've always found it interesting that most of us have such a clear divide in our minds between technical and aesthetic thinking. Science tells us that our brains conduct analytical and logical thought processes on one side and creative and emotional thought processes on the other - and that certainly makes sense when you consider
October Skies
October has always been my favorite month.   I was born in October and married not once but twice within the span of its 31 days.  My son's birthday is October 11, and where I live in southern California, the weather is as beautiful as it gets straight through:  The first hints of winter's chill chase
Beneath the Surface
One of the perks of my job as Editor of WaterShapes is that from time to time I get to go on the road to see truly great work in person, often in stunning locations.  Occasionally, however, when I walk on site my best expectations are blasted to
Important Steps
Sometimes the simple things make all the difference between success and failure.   For all of the high-flown conceptualizing that drives much of what so many watershapers do these days, there's no escaping the need for attention to
Classic Derivations
It might be something of a cliché, but it's often said that there's great wisdom in being willing and able to learn the lessons of history. In that spirit, I recently took advantage of an opportunity to sit in on a class in the