Aquatic Design Group Spring 2024 Tradeshows!

First, catch us at the Maryland Recreation and Parks Association (MRPA) 2024 Annual Conference in lovely Cambridge, MD! Don't miss two chances to hear from Aquatic Design Group's Michael Mancini on Wednesday, April 10. We're looking forward to connecting with friends new and old to bring your aquatic project to life!

📆 View the conference schedule here: https://mdrpa.org/conference-schedule/

Next up is NIRSA2024!! Don't miss Justin Caron moderating an informative panel on Creating Thriving Aquatic Programs with Eric Knight, Principal of Chloramine Consulting; Katy Locke, Assistant Director at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville; and Gwen Schlotte, Vice President of Life Floor. See you in Phoenix!

📆 Learn more here: https://www.nirsa.net/conference/nirsa-2024-phoenix/schedule/sessions-overview/

Lastly we're looking forward to reconnecting with our friends in the PNW and making new ones at the Washington Recreation and Parks Association conference in Vancouver this week! Don't miss Justin Caron's session, Truly Inclusive Aquatics, on May 22 at 1:30 PM.

📆 Find out more here: https://wrpa.memberclicks.net/2024-conference-block-2#TwoC

See you there!

Aquatic Design Group Celebrates 40 Years!

What happens when two friends strike out on their own to start a company? They work hard, have fun, and grow into one of the largest and most successful aquatic architecture and engineering firms in the country over the next 40 years.

Since its inception, Aquatic Design Group has been at the forefront of creating waves of innovation in aquatic design and engineering. From its humble beginnings with a recreation facility for the City of Bellflower, California, the firm has expanded its footprint, diving into diverse markets such as educational facilities, decorative water features, hotels and resorts, athletic training facilities, wave and surf parks, and competitive venues worldwide.

The legacy of Aquatic Design Group is deeply rooted in the vision of its founders, Scott Ferrell, AIA, a second-generation pool designer, and Randy Mendioroz, a visionary leader in waterpark amenities and construction, who established the firm in 1984 with a commitment to producing impeccable architectural and engineering documents for waterparks and aquatic facilities.

A member of the World Waterpark Association’s Hall of Fame, Randy Mendioroz's sudden passing in 2013 was mourned throughout the aquatics industry, but his pioneering leadership continues to shape the industry today. His unique approach facilitated the integration of private-sector waterpark amenities into public-sector aquatic centers, aiding in operational and financial sustainability and enhancing user experiences.

Scott Ferrell, AIA, assumed firm leadership following Randy's passing and continued to steer Aquatic Design Group to new heights. Under his guidance, the firm expanded into new markets, including surf parks and collegiate and professional athletic training and recovery facilities. Scott's unwavering commitment to "Family First" and his dedication to excellence have been driving forces behind the firm's success.

Scott passes his work ethic as well as his talent for design on to his son, Greg Ferrell, AIA, Vice President and Principal Architect. "We invite you to join us as we commemorate forty years of accomplishment and ingenuity in aquatics projects around the globe," said Ferrell. “As we share our favorite projects and collaborations over this coming year, I have nothing but heartfelt gratitude to our valued clients, partners, staff, and cherished friends and family for forty extraordinary years of partnership and delivering unforgettable aquatic experiences."

Fellow Firm Principals Justin Caron, MBA, CEO and Dennis Berkshire, AFO, CFO, President continue to lead the firm into a promising future ahead. Both regularly present educational sessions sharing their knowledge around the country at regional, national, and international conferences. Berkshire is one of the leading experts in shaping the future of the industry through his involvement on boards and standards committees. Caron continues to honor Mendioroz’s passion and position the firm to be forward focused and on creating experiences that are centered around each individual project, and not cookie cutter designs.

The success of Aquatic Design Group is not dependent on the principals, however, as the firm continues to grow around a core staff with an average tenure of over 12 years. “Our employees are the reason that Aquatic Design Group is recognized as a leader in the industry and is so well regarded. Every single member of our team is outstanding at what they do” Caron says. “Their level of expertise, passion for aquatics, and the fact that they’re all amazing people allows us to take on more work, produce at such a high level, and create unbelievable places where people relax, play, chase their dreams, recover, and recreate.”

Over the past four decades, Aquatic Design Group has completed over 3,500 projects in 47 states and 32 countries, setting the standard for quality swimming pool and water feature design and consulting services within the aquatics industry. Notable projects include iconic landmarks such as the Palace of the Lost City in Sun City, South Africa, and the Venetian Resort and Casino in Las Vegas, NV.

The journey continues as Aquatic Design Group looks forward to building upon its solid foundation and shaping the future of aquatic design and engineering for the next 40+ years.

Happy Holidays from Aquatic Design Group!

As 2023 comes to a close, we're reflecting on the beauty of the season and the incredible projects that made waves this year - all 348 projects in 30+ states and six countries in 2023!

Our office will be closed starting at noon PST today, Friday, December 22, and we will resume operations on Tuesday, January 2. We look forward to celebrating our 40th Anniversary in 2024 and approaching the next 40 years with the same unwavering passion that has fueled our commitment over the last four decades.

Wishing you a joyous holiday and a bright 2024 from your friends at Aquatic Design Group!

Employee Spotlight: Michelle Gable

At Aquatic Design Group, we want to recognize that we’re more than just a company, we’re people - dedicated professionals with a passion for what we do. In our ongoing Employee Spotlight series, we’ll introduce our team members and all the awesome things we’re doing as individuals as well as together as a firm.


In honor of water safety month, Aquatic Design Group’s next Employee Spotlight is Michelle Gable. Over her 17+ years in the aquatics industry, Michelle has trained over 800 individuals in a variety of aquatics and first responder certifications and has served in management and operational roles for both competitive and recreational aquatics programs. Michelle brings a passion for aquatics and a lifetime of experience from a childhood love of water to competitive swimmer, lifeguard, teacher, operator, director, and now project manager that is truly an asset to our firm.

Happy Holidays from Aquatic Design Group!

During this season, we celebrate our successful partnerships and projects with clients like you - all 305 projects in 30 states and six countries in 2022!

Our office will be closed starting at noon on Friday, December 23 and will reopen Tuesday, January 3. We will return ready to take on 2023 with the same passion that has driven us the last four decades.

Wishing you a joyous holiday and a bright 2023 from your friends at Aquatic Design Group!

Employee Spotlight: Justin Caron, CEO/Principal

At Aquatic Design Group, we want to recognize that we’re more than just a company, we’re people - dedicated professionals with a passion for what we do. In our ongoing Employee Spotlight series, we’ll introduce our team members and all the awesome things we’re doing as individuals as well as together as a firm.


For the last two decades, Justin Caron has worked with clients and owners to help bring their dream aquatic facilities to reality. We sat down with Justin and peppered him with questions to get a sense of his background, favorite projects, and more.

Justin Caron, MBA - CEO/Principal Employee Spotlight

Employee Spotlight: Norma Villegas, Drafter / Technician

At Aquatic Design Group, we want to recognize that we’re more than just a company, we’re people - dedicated professionals with a passion for what we do. In our ongoing Employee Spotlight series, we’ll introduce our team members and all the awesome things we’re doing as individuals as well as together as a firm.


In honor of International Women in Engineering day, our Employee Spotlight is Norma Villegas, one of Aquatic Design Group’s experienced drafters. Norma is a breath of fresh air. She’s level-headed, even-keeled, pleasant to be around, a talented designer, and a hard worker. She has grown and evolved over the last four years to be a key member of our design team and she makes everyone around her better as well. We’re so proud to have her on our team. Our only complaint is that we haven’t figured out a way to clone her yet! Get to know Norma a bit better below.

Employee Spotlight: Rick Jamieson, Construction Manager

At Aquatic Design Group, we want to recognize that we’re more than just a company, we’re people - dedicated professionals with a passion for what we do. In our ongoing Employee Spotlight series, we’ll introduce our team members and all the awesome things we’re doing as individuals as well as together as a firm.


In honor of Construction Safety Week, our Employee Spotlight is Rick Jamieson, Aquatic Design Group’s experienced and knowledgeable construction manager and inspector. Originally hailing from Southern California but now residing in Wake Forest, North Carolina, Rick has been in the industry for 30 years, and making sure our pools are built right the first time for the past nine years. Thanks for everything you do Rick!

Employee Spotlight: Cara Johnson, Office Manager

At Aquatic Design Group, we want to recognize that we’re more than just a company, we’re people - dedicated professionals with a passion for what we do. In our ongoing Employee Spotlight series, we’ll introduce our team members and all the awesome things we’re doing as individuals as well as together as a firm.


We’re thrilled to feature our rockstar office manager first - Cara Johnson. It's true what they say… not all heroes wear capes! From human resources to accounting, from project contract reviewer to mind reader, therapist, and doer of whatever needs to be done to make our office successfully function, she can multitask while multi-tasking. Cara has been a fundamental part of Aquatic Design Group’s success over the last 14 years. She's also a dedicated wife and mom of two great kids, a middle school band booster board member, and a (self-professed) mediocre violinist, terrible gardener, and amateur ornithologist. We appreciate Cara and the talent, love, and kindness she applies to everything she does!