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The Million Dollar Pool Design Challenge
A key show feature of PSP/Deck Expo is the Million Dollar Pool Design Challenge. Held annually, this unique competition invites pool and outdoor living designers to envision a dream backyard scenario with a lavish million-dollar budget.
Designers must merge their imagination with practicality, balancing the luxurious with the functional. The entries are evaluated by a panel of experts who assess the designs based on creativity, aesthetics, sustainability, and the optimal utilization of resources.
How it Works
Once all submissions are received, A panel will be picking 5 finalists (1 young professional) to send to Dallas for the International Pool | Spa| Patio Expo this fall. All finalist's presentations will be presented on November 13th, the second day of the PSP Expo at "The Million Dollar Pool Design Challenge" Conference Program Session. (Location TBD)
Come see the results, learn the techniques that are catching the judges eyes, see where you rank as a designer and then cast your vote to see who will be named the 2024 PSP Expo's TOP DESIGNER.
We can't wait to see you there!
Submission deadline is October 6th, 2024 midnight CST
See Renderings from Previous Finalists
About the Challenge
Mike Farley
Farley Designs
Reid Schindler
SchindlerDesignCo.
Two industry veterans, Reid Schindler, a decorated award winning watershape designer and Mike Farley, 30+ years designing award winning pools, teamed up with the International Pool | Spa | Patio Expo in Dallas this fall to see who the industries top designers are! Will the new technology wave overcome tried and true methods or will it be a combination of the two that sways the judges in their decision?
The clients have been working hard for years and have decided to buy a second home in the hills of Tennessee. Although they would have preferred to build a new home, an existing home came to the market that they couldn't pass up. With great bones to the house and a fantastic view from the lot, which was most important, they have moved forward with a full renovation of the home. The home renovation is complete but leaves a lot to be desired on the outside. Although there was an existing pool on site, the clients have chosen to do a full tear out and rebuild as the pool area is one of the most important parts of their vision. With this being the clients second home, they will not be there full time to maintain the pool but are looking for something perfect for the space. They hope to host family events multiple times of the year and to eventually pass it down to their kids to make their own memories in. They have 3 kids of their own (age 34, 30, and 25). They also have 4 grandkids (age 7, 4, and 2). The husband is an ex athlete who loves outdoor activities such as kayaking. He is more into the native environment and boulders and can always be found on a golf course. The wife, however, prefers the clean lines and modern organic feel that she has seen at several of the resort spas on their travels. Although they love entertaining, their average gathering would never have more than 20-25 people so the space should be adequate, but not overwhelming.
More Details Here
More Info and Rules
Who Can Enter?
Individuals, Students, and Teams/Company*
What we need from you:
Scaled 2d plan, rendered with media of choice. There will be a major emphasis plased on the presentation & detail of the 2d plan.
At maximum, 8 supporting graphics rendered with media of choice. ***
A paragraph detailing your design process and/or explanations of solution details.
Optional items for consideration:
- A two-minute maximum video (.mp4 or .mov format) flythrough.
- 3d physical model or other unique presentation support.
*Limited to 4 Individuals or Teammates. Only 1 representative will be supplied with the air fair, hotel room, & per diem.
**Entries will not be judged on the amount of renderings, but quality of workmanship and effective/unique design usage for the clients' wishes.
***The Designer & Company will remain anonymous to the judges until the initial judging process is completed. Please do not have names your plans or perspective renderings. Design & videos will be co-property of “The Million Dollar Pool Challenge” once submitted and can be distributed to electronic and print outlets. Owner of design can also distribute design materials.
The judges panel will consist of 6-8 "industry experts" using a point based system using the following criteria:
Aesthetic Quality
- Rate the overall look & technique executed on the 2d plan. Does it display everything in a clear & effective way while presenting as something a high end client would expect?
- Rate the 8 supporting graphics / Video/ Presentation Material. Does it present as something a high end client would expect? Do the graphics effectively communicate detail that the 2d drawing does not have the ability to?
Differentiation
- Do you Like The Designers Use Of Materials? Does is compliment the home & owners wants/needs?
- Did the designer effectively use modern organic design elements while also utilizing natural elements?
- Are Project Areas Unique? Front Entry? Back Yard? Transitional Spaces?
- Rate the Designers Usage & Vision with the Fire By Design Custom Fire Feature. We will be awarding an extra 5% bonus on the project overall rating if you submit your concept to Fire By Design and discuss feasibility of design, manufacturing, and install.
- Rate the Designers Usage of the following:
- Natural Element(s)
- Firepit
- Dining Area
- Secondary Structure
- Fire Feature
- Driveway
- Entry To Home
- Use of Topography
Functionality
- Does the Pool & Home Architecture Flow Seamlessly?
- Do the outdoor spaces flow well together & are they to scale?
- Does this project keep in mind that the client is looking to host 20-25 guests during their largest gatherins?
- Does the project incorporate the customers main wants & needs in an effective manner?
- Does the project do a good job of maintaining great views from the home?
Realization Possibility
- To the best of your knowledge, would this design meet national and local safety & construction codes?
- Would an engineer stamp off on the design & execution?
- Overall, would this presentation be able to sell a client that is spending north of $1 million on a backyard?
In 2024 Top 5 Finalists Will Receive:
Cash Prize
- $ 10,000.00 - 1st ( by Fire By Design, our Lead Sponsor)
- $ 3,000.00 - 2nd
- $ 1,250.00 - 3rd
- $ 750.00 - 4th
- $ 500.00 - 5th
Customized Trophy to 1st Place
Invitation to Sit on Judges Panel in the Following Year to 1st Place
The winner can be voted on by the attendees of the design class hosted by Mike & Reid at the International Pool | Spa | Patio Expo in Dallas. After video presentations of the 5 finalist's designs, the class will be vote via ballot on the TOP DESIGNER & will be named at the end of the class session. This vote will serve as a strong influence used by the judges panel to ultimately select the winner.
In addition to the prize money, 5 finalists will receive:
- Up to $350 credit for airfare
- Up to $150 reimbursement for travel incidentals & meals
- Free Conference Super Pass for the 2024 International Pool|Spa|Patio Expo in Dallas, Texas
- 2 night hotel stay (November 12 - November 14)
- Design presented in "The Million Dollar Pool Challenge" Conference Program Session
- Exposure in leading industry print & digital forms
- Link to company and design featured on www.themilliondollarpoolchallenge.com
The Million Dollar Design Challenge has partnered with the PHTA WAVE Network to sponsor a young professional (under 29 years of age at the time of submission). Young professionals will be entered within the general competition and will be eligible to win multiple spots in the design competition, with one guaranteed spot.
The selected finalist's design work will be presented at this year's PSP/Deck Expo, along with the other finalists.
If the YP is a student, they may work as an individual or do it as a group project. If you choose to enter it as a group project, you must submit it under one student's name and he/she will list the others in the group. The named student will be the presenter at the class & will receive any awards and/or airfare & tickets to the show. The whole group may be in the video presentation.
See the Contest Entry Rules for submitting files and to receive the contest scenario.
The student design will be included in the class vote for the "Top Designer" award along with the other finalists.
PHTA WAVE Young Professionals Category Winner will receive:
- Up to $350 credit for airfare
- Free Conference Super Pass for PSP/Deck Expo
- Two hotel room nights (booked by show management)
- $150 stipend
- Design presented in the "Million Dollar Pool Design Challenge" class
- Exposure in leading industry print & digital forms
Special Thank You to Our Sponsors!
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