Meeting of the minds: early collaboration between builders and landscapers can create the ultimate backyard - Show Time

I would like to officially advocate a new approach to the relationship between landscapers and pool and spa builders: Get together with the potential client before anyone has put pen to paper.

In the few cases where I have been asked to layout a backyard with a possible pool, I have always realized that I would have been better off to bring in a pool professional as soon as possible. We in the landscape industry do not always understand what it takes to put together premium work when it comes to the design and installation of a pool or spa.

On the other hand, a good landscape designer or architect will understand the size, space and dimensions needed for good pedestrian flow and seating.

When both sides get together from the beginning, an overall plan can be developed, and a theme can be created for the potential space.

This creates a dynamic space. A space that shows foresight. A space that shows order, unity and rhythm. Real cohesion. But this can only be achieved when all sides work together before anyone starts a plan.

You'd think that as a landscape designer, I would stick up for my side. Well, I'm not. My point is that I do not want there to be any side. I do not want landscape designers drawing plans with elaborate pools and spas any more than I want pool designers drawing pools and spas surrounded by an impractical landscape plan.

At this point, you might be saying, "Yeah, yeah, I've heard this all before." Or, "It doesn't apply to me." Or perhaps, "I tried working with a dirt jockey and he couldn't handle his end of the horse."

Maybe so.

But I would like to challenge some of you in the pool and spa industry to give something a try. Take a good, hard look at landscapes you feel are a cut above the rest in your town. Do these landscapes fit the style of the pools and spas that you build? Has the designer paid attention to existing architectural details, especially in the hardscape or woodwork?

If any of these landscapes appeal to your sense of style, find out who did it. Look tip that person or firm and spend some time getting to know him or her to determine if you can collaborate.

A good designer will understand the need to work together, beginning with the initial or second meeting with the client.

Or just bring the designer along from the beginning. Tell the client that this is a collaborative effort to create the highest quality landscape--to invent a landscape where the pool and the grounds merge seamlessly together instead of one, then the other. Obviously, this allows for coordination of equipment, less downtime for the space and, most likely, cost savings.

Why am I suggesting pool and spa professionals find the landscape designer and not the other way around? Because the landscape only plays a supporting role in the aquascape. The pool, spa or waterfeature is the star of the show, both in cost and impact.

In most of the ponds, streams and waterfalls I build, the sight, sound, movement and reflection of water are most powerful elements.

But even the biggest stars have trouble shining if the supporting roles aren't done well.

So I'm advocating that you find a good supporting player to make your visions happen. Maybe you can find a young designer with good horticultural knowledge, who is eager to learn new ideas and philosophies--someone who can grow into the design collaborator for whom you are looking. Be open to the idea of at least looking.

After all, the more times we have a meeting of cross-disciplines working in a collaborative manner, the more possibility there is to create truly great work.

Who: Rick Anderson

Where: 2003 International Pool & Spa Expo, New Orleans.

When: Tuesday, Nov. 4, 8 a.m 12 p.m.

What: "Creating the Backyard Retreat: A Collaborative Approach with Landscape Designers" This in-depth workshop aims to bridge the communication gap between pool builders and landscape designers. It will teach the language of the Landscape designer and basic design principles (order, unity, rhythm). Attendees need to bring an architect's scale, straight edge, circle template, triangle, pencil and Sharpie.

Anderson is a landscape designer, consultant, builder, lecturer, writer, teacher and artist working with stone and water. He is a founding member of the Association of Professional Landscape Designers.

COPYRIGHT 2003 Hanley-Wood, Inc.
COPYRIGHT 2003 Gale Group