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.
Aquatic Design Group provided programming, planning, construction documents and construction observation as required for the construction of a 25 yard x 50 meter swimming pool, as well as a 6,000 square foot activity pool with waterslide, six (6) 25 yard lap swim lanes and wet play structure with zero-depth entry for the City of Redding.
Aquatic Design Group provided construction documents and construction observation as required for the Phase I construction of a 12,000 square foot mixed use swimming pool featuring grotto rock formations, swim-up bar and waterslides. Phase III included the construction of three pools totaling 27,000 square feet, two hydrotherapy spas, a Japanese bath and a 4,700 square foot salt water “swim-thru” aquarium coral reef experience.
Aquatic Design Group provided construction documents and construction observation as required for the construction of a 12,000 square foot swimming pool featuring artificial rockwork, grottos, a shipwrecked galleon, two waterslides and a large hydrotherapy spa.
Aquatic Design Group provided construction documents and construction administration as required for the construction of a 10,600 square foot three-level leisure pool, two hydrotherapy spas and an entry water feature associated with the beach resort complex.
Aquatic Design Group provided planning, conceptual design and complete contract documents as required for the construction of approximately 32,000 square meters of lakes, and twelve separate fountain water features for the luxurious Palace of the Lost City Hotel, inspired by an ancient myth of an African kingdom that was lost to the jungle surrounding it. The pool tile design draws inspiration from its location in the Valley of the Sun in Sun City, South Africa, bordering the Pilanesberg National Park.
Aquatic Design Group provided complete contract documents as required for the construction of a series of interactive fountains associated with multiple bronze sculptures at the prestigious Scripps Institute in San Diego, CA.
Aquatic Design Group provided programming, planning, construction documents and construction observation as required for the construction of a $3 million municipal aquatics facility for the City of Roseville. Program included a 7,500 square foot bathhouse, a 25 yard x 50 meter competition pool, a 7,200 square foot recreation pool with zero-depth entry, lap swim lanes and a 150 foot-long waterslide. Phase II expansion provided for the addition of a zero-depth children's wet playground.
Aquatic Design Group provided a feasibility study, programming, planning, construction documents and construction observation as required for the construction of a $3.9 million competitive / recreational aquatics facility for the City of Vista. Program included a 7,500 square foot bathhouse, food concession, a 25 yard x 35 yard competition/recreation pool, a FlowRider body boarding experience, a 600 foot-long continuous river, a zero-depth children's wet playground, two inner tube flumes, two body flumes and waterslide receiving pool.
Aquatic Design Group provided programming, planning, construction documents and construction administration as required for the construction of a 12,000 square foot wave pool, a 20,000 square foot continuous river, a 2,000 square foot adult pool, a 3,000 square foot children's pool, two inner tube flumes, two body flumes, a 1,500 square foot indoor pool and a 200 square foot indoor hydrotherapy spa. Program also included the construction of 10,000 square feet of restaurant / support buildings.
Aquatic Design Group provided construction documents and construction observation as required for the construction of a 25 yard x 50 meter competition pool and addition of a 120 foot-long waterslide to an existing recreation pool for the City of Pleasanton.
Aquatic Design Group provided programming, planning, construction documents and construction administration as required for a 24,000 square foot wave pool, a 20,000 square foot continuous river, a 12,000 square foot family activity pool, a 10,000 square foot teen activity pool, an 8,000 square foot children’s activity pool, one six-person family raft ride, five fully enclosed inner tube flumes, three open inner tube flumes, five body flumes, a six lane mat racing slide, and five speed slides. This park was added as a second gate attraction to Six Flags Magic Mountain Theme Park.
Aquatic Design Group provided programming, planning, construction documents and construction administration as required for the development of a $16.5 million Hawaiian themed waterpark in West Oahu. Water attractions include a wave action pool, a continuous river, a family activity pool, a children's activity pool, a adult leisure pool, seven inner-tube flumes, three body flumes, and four speed slides.
Aquatic Design Group provided planning, construction documents, and construction administration as required for the construction of swimming pools, hydrotherapy spas, lagoons, canals and fountains associated with the development of the now-iconic 3,300 room resort in Las Vegas, NV.
Aquatic Design Group provided design, engineering and construction administration services as required for the construction of a 25-meter x 50 meter training tank.
Aquatic Design Group provided programming, planning, construction documents, and construction observation as required for the construction of a 25 yard x 38 meter pool with movable bulkhead and 1 / 3 meter springboard diving as part of an 111,000 square foot, $16.5 million Fitness and Aquatic Center at Loyola University Maryland.
Aquatic Design Group provided programming, planning, construction documents, and construction observation as required for the construction of a 25 yard x 50 meter competition pool, an 8,000 square foot recreation pool with waterslides, children's wet playground and zero-depth entry, an indoor warm water pool and an indoor hydrotherapy spa for the City of Henderson.
Aquatic Design Group Provided programming, construction documents and construction administration as required for swimming pools and water features associated with the development of a 5-star spa hotel. Program includes a main swimming pool, a lap swimming pool, two hydrotherapy spas, a children's pool, two whirlpools, two cold plunges and a series of decorative water features.
Aquatic Design Group provided programming, planning, construction documents and construction observation as required for the construction of: a 25 yard x 50 meter competition pool (all deep); a 25 yard x 50 meter training pool with one- and three-meter springboard diving; and a 25 yard x 25 meter instructional / recreational pool as part of a $12.5 million recreation facility for the City of Irvine.
Aquatic Design Group provided programming, planning, construction documents and construction observation as required for the construction of: a 25 yard x 50 meter competition pool (all deep); a 25 yard x 50 meter training pool with one- and three-meter springboard diving; and a 25 yard x 25 meter instructional / recreational pool as part of a $12.5 million recreation facility for the City of Irvine.
Aquatic Design Group provided programming, planning, construction documents, and construction observation services as required for the renovation of the existing indoor pool as well as the addition of four new outdoor pools and two new water features as part of the award winning Gregory Gymnasium student recreation center renovation/addition. The outdoor pools include a large multi-purpose lap pool, a curvilinear recreation pool with shallow and deep water, a shallow leisure “Event” pool with integral water features, and a hydrotherapy spa.
Aquatic Design Group provided programming, planning, design, engineering, and construction observation as required for a new 25-yard x 50-meter competition pool for the Diocese of San Diego.
Aquatic Design Group provided programming, planning, construction documents and construction observation as required for the construction of west main pool (4,999 square feet), west children's pool (1,800 square feet), river pool (4,999 square feet), east main pool (4,200 square feet), east children's pool (1,500 square feet), interactive pool (1,000 square feet), two hydrotherapy spas (250 square feet each), two mechanical equipment locations, and lake and stream systems.
Aquatic Design Group provided construction documents and construction observation as required for the construction of a wet play adjacent to a dry play interactive water play area that included demolition / piping / mechanical for wet play, infrastructure required for dry play within The Wave waterpark in Vista, California.
Aquatic Design Group provided planning, programming and construction documents as required for the construction of four swimming pools, a 16,300 M2 salt water lagoon, a 350M2 lazy river, an 800M2 wall moat and a series of water features.
Aquatic Design Group provided planning, construction documents and construction observation for a new 25 yard x 50 meter multi-purpose pool with one- and three-meter springboards and a 25 yard x 50 meter competition pool for the Clovis Unified School District.
Aquatic Design Group provided planning, construction documents and construction observation for a new 25 yard x 50 meter multi-purpose pool with one- and three-meter springboards and a 25 yard x 50 meter competition pool for the Clovis Unified School District.
Aquatic Design Group provided programming, planning, construction documents and construction observation as required for the construction of an indoor four-lane x 50' lap / fitness / aerobics pool, an indoor 84 square foot hydrotherapy spa, a 3,900 square foot courtyard water feature, and a 430 square foot koi pond within this master planned active adult community.
Aquatic Design Group provided programming, planning, construction documents and construction observation as required for the construction of a 25 yard x 52 meter all deep competition pool with a two meter movable bulkhead, toe ledge(s) and air sparger, as well as a warming pool for divers. In addition, ADG provided schematic design and design development documents for the 10 / 7.5 / 5 / 3 meter diving platform, two one-meter, and two three-meter diving springboards.
Aquatic Design Group provided design and engineering services for the three unique ellipse shaped pools that cater to the crowd by maximizing wall space and minimizing the often unused space at the center of pools. Aquatic Design Group also created six unique water features throughout the property and the hydrotherapy spas and pools in the Spa at Aria including their tranquil water garden. The main pools serve as the backdrop for one of Vegas’ hottest pool parties at the Liquid Pool Lounge. An experience that stands out from the crowded landscape and has become a popular attraction for Aria guests and spa visitors, the Sky Pool is an exclusive body of water only available to Sky Suites guest. The Therapy Pool is Vegas’ only coed balcony and has infinity edge views of the three main pools below.
Aquatic Design Group provided programming, planning, construction documents and construction observation as required for the construction of a 25 yard x 30 meter competition swimming pool, two activity pools with waterslide and interactive play zone for a joint use project involving the City of West Sacramento and Washington Unified School District.