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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
A panel of industry experts pick 5 finalists (1 young professional) to send to Las Vegas for the International Pool Spa Patio Expo this fall. All of the finalist's presentations will be presented at the show during "The Million Dollar Pool Design Challenge" on the show floor!
Be sure to attend to see the results, learn the techniques used by the finalists, and then cast your vote to see who will be named the 2025 PSP Expo's TOP DESIGNER.
We can't wait to see you there!
Call for submissions will be opening soon!
2023 Million Dollar Pool Design Challenge Winner
This Year's Challenge
Every year, we present a unique design scenario to challenge and inspire designers. These scenarios serve as the foundation for creative problem-solving, encouraging participants to develop innovative and functional design solutions. Each scenario includes a detailed profile of the client, outlining their preferences, lifestyle, and the constraints of the existing environment. Designers must carefully consider these elements to craft spaces that not only fulfill aesthetic and functional requirements but also enhance the overall experience of the users.
Each year, the scenario evolves, pushing designers to think critically about form, function, and the emotional impact of space. The challenge encourages out-of-the-box thinking while maintaining aspects of real-world design challenges.
2024 Design Challenge Finalists
Aaron Trout
(Pure Design)
Jason Caldeira
(Haven Design Scapes)
Jill Davenport
(Jill Dev Designs)
Kylee Polaski & Hali Mauldin
(AquaTerra)
Moses Campos
(Claffey Pools)
Ned Druart
(Austin Pool Designs)
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?
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