Design

Watershape Consulting, Inc. provides planning, ideation, conceptual design, architectural optimization, materials selection and tectonics, and lighting design.

We can begin at any phase and coordinate a scope that aligns with our clients’ needs. For example, a rooftop pool in Miami may already have planning and concepts worked out by the architects and our services would begin with design optimization, edge details, waterproofing and finishes. Other projects might begin with a simple question: “How big does the pool and spa need to be to serve a boutique hotel with 72 rooms?”

• Plan
• Ideate
• Conceive
• Optimize
• Coordinate
• Materials
• Tectonics
• Illuminate

Design requires coordination of several competing trades, building codes, standards, materials, functionality, and details. Three-dimensional modeling enables the team, engineers and clients to visualize the space, find conflicts, highlight areas that require further definition and, ultimately, balance all aspects of the project into a cohesive architecturally sound project using elements and principles of design.

After the concept is optimized we proceed to the engineering phase.

Architectural Elements of Design

• Color
• Form and shape
• Line
• Space
• Texture
• Value

Architectural Principles of Design

• Balance
• Contrast
• Emphasis
• Movement
• Proportion and Scale
• Rhythm
• Unity

Construction Documents

• Construction documents
• Permit packages
• Written specifications
• Operating manuals
• Materials selection

Construction Administration

• Submittal review
• Clarifications
• Structural observations
• Reports

Design Process

• Pre-Design (PD) - planning & programming, concept design, feasibility studies
• Schematic Design (SD) - review laws, codes, and regulations, preliminary design, process schematic diagrams
• Design Development (DD) - refined design, mechanical, electrical, plumbing, and lighting design, structural and hydraulic engineering
• Construction Documents (CD) - details, permit and construction drawings, written specifications
• Procurement Phase (PP) - competitive or negotiated bid review, contractor qualification review, contract administration
• Construction Administration (CA) - shop drawing review, product submittals, construction review

Project Types

• Residential projects include basic pools, spas and waterfeatures, as well as much more complicated vanishing edge and slot-edge pools suspended in the air by concrete caissons over hillsides from Beverly Hills to the Hamptons.
• Commercial projects include hotels, motels, apartments, condominiums, large resorts, community centers, competition swimming and diving pools, rooftop and podium pools, and large animated or interactive waterfeatures.

Clients & Projects

• Homeowners - original design concepts and details
• Developers - planning and construction documents
• Architects - structurally integrated vessels, rooftop pools
• Landscape Architects - unified design approach and coordination
• Attorneys - expert witness and dispute resolution