Infrastructure
The planning and implementation of a project’s infrastructure are critical to its overall design, safety, and cost. Every light, conduit, pipe chase, return, skimmer, speaker, automation cable, equipment pad, sewage lines, waterlines, step, handrail, irrigation head, and gas line must be planned in advance. Time and money spent on the design stage for these elements pay quick and large dividends not only for the clients, but also the builder’s construction budgets. Forgotten lines and/or poorly located equipment can result in huge cost overruns and project delays.
Material choices
Every material to be used in the project should be decided in advance (where possible). This includes the colour pallet, which the client may need assistance from a professional interior/exterior designer to sort through the myriad of options. The designer should use every tool in their arsenal to help the client choose the materials for all stages of the project. For instance, Photoshop, 3D design, mock-ups, site visits, and hand-holding supplier visits can save a great deal of frustration, time, and money.
The choice of materials and finishes selected will not only determine how the completed project will look, but will also play a significant role in the overall budget. Even a bad design can look good with the right material choices, while a beautiful layout can be overshadowed by poor selections; therefore, it is important to get it right the first time.
Options
Last but not least, always provide clients alternatives. For instance, do they want to upgrade to an all-glass tile pool? Add sophistication with a perimeter overflow or suspended pool design? Or, do they want to include peripheral features such as fire features, cabanas, and/or an outdoor kitchen? The list is endless. Presented with a range of options allows the client to feel a part of the design process and allows them to take ownership of the project whereby allocating their expenditures on their wants and needs.
The beauty of design is taking an empty space and using a blank sheet of paper or computer screen to develop an idea that is in line with the client’s vision, goals, budgets, and dreams.
Barry Justus is the owner of Poolscape Inc., and Justus International Consulting. He is an international lecturer and author of more than 40 articles on pool design and construction. Justus is also a fellow of the Society of Watershape Designers (SWD) and a member of Pool & Spa Marketing’s editorial advisory board (EAB). More than 90 per cent of his projects designed and built over the last decade have won a national or international award. He can be reached via e-mail at barry@poolscape.com.
| Adding art to outdoor spaces |
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 By Claire Hall dding art to an outdoor space helps create a smooth transition from the interior to the exterior. Every indoor living space always incorporates art, so it makes sense to continue the flow and beauty to the outdoors. Art can have a positive influence in an outdoor space in several ways. It can act as a discussion piece, allowing viewers to have thought-provoking conversations. It can unify different elements that already exist outside such as incorporating colours found in the structural elements, furniture, or natural environment. Another technique is adding pop colours in the art to add more visual interest and to introduce new colours into the existing palette. Art can stir different emotions from onlookers, such as calmness and tranquility or fun and excitement—it all depends on what the client wants to achieve in their space. Art is also more affordable then changing structural elements in cases where clients want to modify the look of the space. By doing this, new colours can be introduced by replacing inexpensive décor elements such as throw pillows, umbrellas, and cushions using inspiration from the painting. The use of colour to set the moodColour is critical when setting the mood; therefore, structural or permanent elements such as the pool tile, concrete, and feature walls should be finished in neutral tones. More specifically, it is best if some of these structural elements are colours that appear in nature so the pool blends in with its surroundings. In this case, beiges, browns, natural stone, greys, and creams will do the trick. For accent pieces such as couches, umbrellas, and drapery, this depends on what mood the client wants to set in their backyard. For example, for a vibrant, fun, and upbeat feel, reds, oranges, and yellows should be used, while greens and blues are more appropriate for creating a calm, tranquil, and peaceful setting.  Is furniture art?Furniture is considered a form of decorative art as it can be used to beautify an outdoor space. There are many different interesting and unique options when it comes to outdoor furniture. For instance, for a more traditional space, there are a number of tasteful patio furniture styles that are not necessarily statement pieces. However, for client’s who want more panache, there are definitely some amazingly funky options available to satisfy their taste. When working with budget conscious clients, try to stay away from trendy furniture. That said, should a client go bold in their art selection and is not concerned about the longevity of the furniture’s style, salient furnishings can add character to a space. More importantly, however, the goal is to select furniture and accessories that are cohesive with the overall style of the entire backyard design.
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