education and events
Design Courses
Ready to launch your design skills to a new level? GENESIS offers courses dedicated to advancing your knowledge in everything from basic drawing and computer modeling to advanced water feature design.
In-Person
In-person courses include PHTA-hosted events as well as industry conferences and tradeshows.
November 13-14
PSP/Deck Expo
Las Vegas, NV
16 hours | 1.6 IACET CEUs | 16 PHTA CEUs
$1,990 PHTA Member / $2,490 Non-member
In our business, drawing is a tool that you must have in order to effectively communicate with your clients. In this course, we'll teach you fundamental sketching, drawing, and drafting skills, along with how to read and layout plans. No previous drawing experience needed.
This is a required course to become a Certified Expert Pool Builder and Design Professional.
Learning Objectives:
- Learn the basic types of drawings: elevation, section, and plan
- Demonstrate how to draw, not for beauty, but as a communication tool
- Examine the common terms, symbols, and methods used by professional designers and architects
Instructor: Andy Kaner, MLA
November 13-14
PSP/Deck Expo
Las Vegas, NV
16 hours | 1.6 IACET CEUs | 16 PHTA CEUs
$1,990 PHTA Member / $2,490 Non-member
This course is an introduction to the fundamentals of good design and will teach you how to lay out the different improvements in your projects (e.g. pool, spa, patio, etc.). We will break the fundamentals down into two categories: the Elements of Design and the Principles of Design. Once you have a good grasp of the fundamentals, you will learn how to apply them. We will start with short practice exercises and build up to a final project: creating a master plan that includes a pool and spa.
This is a required course to become a Certified Expert Pool Builder and Design Professional.
Learning Objectives:
- Discuss fundamental Elements (e.g., line, color, and form) and Principles (e.g., unity, balance, and scale) of design
- Define perceptual skills and a better understanding of spatial organization and spatial relationships
- Use these concepts to design beautiful spaces that connect with the surrounding environment
- Use your communication skills to accurately portray your design intent to the client
Instructor: Jason Brownlee, Master CBP
November 13-14
PSP/Deck Expo
Las Vegas, NV
16 hours | 1.6 IACET CEUs | 16 PHTA CEUs
$1,990 PHTA Member / $2,490 Non-member
"The pool is but a mirror, reflecting that which you wish to accentuate beyond it." As part of the new GENESIS® Master Designer Methods series, Instructor Kirk Bianchi will retrain your thinking of water vessel design. "The pool is often built first in the sequence of outdoor improvements. For the best integration, however, it should actually be designed last." Bianchi's method will require students to rethink their design approach, with a landscape-based process that considers the functionality of the entire space first. The course lecture and projects will focus on sightlines, living spaces, traffic flow, spatial considerations, and more.
This is a required course to become a Certified Master Pool Builder and Design Professional.
Learning Objectives:
- Analyze art examples; review principal areas of composition
- Identify categories of outdoor spaces
- Define site elements that occupy and enhance the function and esthetic of the space
- Review case studies on the use of outdoor space
Instructor: Kirk Bianchi
November 13-14
PSP/Deck Expo
Las Vegas, NV
16 hours | 1.6 IACET CEUs | 16 PHTA CEUs
$1,990 PHTA Member / $2,490 Non-member
Understanding the architecture of both built structures and the surrounding landscape will enable watershape designers to coordinate details and relate the water elements back to the surrounding environment in an appropriate way. It is easy to find examples of pools that clearly do not reflect the style of the home. They are usually the result of a production-type builder that is only comfortable replicating the same pool they have built many times. However, when the pool is well-designed to match the home's architecture, the effect can be breathtaking and add real value to the property. This process can only begin after a basic understanding of architectural styles - the palette from which we draw from. These pools not only reflect the home but also the surrounding landscape.
This is a required course to become a Certified Expert Pool Builder and Design Professional.
Learning Objectives:
- Review design styles through the 20th Century. Includes Arts and Crafts, Prairie Style, California Bungalow, Bauhaus, Art Deco, Zig-Zag modernism, New England salt boxes, Ranch style, Mid-Century Modern, Brutalism, Post-Modernism, and others in the US and overseas
- Discuss the significance of changes in style and review key examples of these styles
- Describe the key principles of various styles and how to coordinate watershape design with architecture
Instructor: Paul John Boulifard
On-Demand
Plan development or design work is a professional service. No matter how small a project is, it starts with a drawing, diagram, sketch, or some representation of the final product - and those services have value. This session will walk you through examples of how, and what justification is applied, to charge for your plans.
Learning Objectives:
- Recognize the value of your design services.
- Examine outside industries charging for professional services.
- Discuss work product and final deliverables.
CEUs: 1
Course Fee: $39/member and $79/non-member.
All tile vessels are truly works of art. Yet, tile vessels with intricate, patterned designs embedded within take the beautiful to exquisite. As the industry advances, offering unique and challenging designs elevate you and your customers. But have you considered how that design comes from thought to fruition? During this course, you'll hear from tile experts Greg Andrews and Amy Denny on how a simple pattern can turn into your own piece of a Sistine Chapel.
Learning Objectives:
- Discuss how a design concept is developed.
- Identify the questions to ask your customers.
- Define the proper techniques to execute the tile design.
CEUs: 1
Instructors:
Course Fee: $39/member and $79/non-member.
Do you wonder what motivates your client's tastes? Are you answering leads for clients who are willing to spend significant money for a new look? These questions can be answered with a solid understanding of outdoor trends. During this session, Kate Wiseman will provide you insight into current outdoor trends, from colors and materials to furniture and layout. This is a must-attend session for anyone directly working with clientele and product selection.
Learning Objectives:
- Review past outdoor trends.
- Examine upcoming trends and colors.
- Review current influences and how those affect your client's desires.
CEUs: 1
Instructor: Kate Wiseman, MLA
Course Fee: $39/member and $79/non-member.
While creating a new home or renovation, projects may require collaboration between an architect and a pool designer to achieve the client's desired outcome. During this course, Paul John Boulifard, Architect and Jason Brownlee, Master CBP will explain how their relationship has advanced their customers' projects and their professions.
Learning Objectives:
- Discuss the need for collaboration of projects.
- Examine how effective communication is key.
- Discuss projects and planning.
CEUs: 1
Instructors:
Course Fee: $39/member and $79/non-member.
Composing the scene to be enjoyed as a whole, by night as well as day, is the key to exceptionally designed environments. This was recorded for the 2021 GENESIS® Symposium.
Learning Objectives:
- Discover and prepare for surprising fixture locations.
- Recognize ways to prioritize elements within your "canvas."
- Describe details on illumination.
CEUs: 1
Course Fee: $39/member and $79/non-member.
Does it ever seem like your customers' requests are coming from outer space? Are you looking for your crystal ball? Conceptualizing what your client wants and what you can provide can be a challenge. During this session, Kate Wiseman will walk you through her method to "read your client's mind." With some tips, tricks, questions, and observations, Kate will show you how to better understand your client's needs, minimizing misunderstandings and ultimately resulting in a smoother project.
Learning Objectives:
- Examine outside influences affecting your customers needs.
- Define questions to ask to ensure you have the information you need.
- Discuss methods of how to better understand your customers.
CEUs: 1
Instructor: Kate Wiseman, MLA
Course Fee: $39/member and $79/non-member.
Maintaining employees, ensuring you provide a quality product, managing customers, and running a business is difficult, especially during such a transitional year as 2020. However, it can also stall your creativity. To keep you motivated, we'll hear from multiple influencers on how they stay driven and inspired to develop iconic commercial and residential projects. This session was recorded at the 2021 GENESIS® Symposium.
Learning Objectives:
- Discuss how to stay inspired.
- Discuss tips and tricks on finding new ideas.
- Elevate your comfort zone.
CEUs: 1
Course Fee: $39/member and $79/non-member.
