We Build Professionals

Celebrating 25 years of excellence in education.

Design

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.

Click here for a list of
upcoming and on-demand courses

See a course below that you're interested in taking that isn't currently on our schedule? Contact us.

Interested in bringing GENESIS faculty to your office/facility to meet with your team? An in-person GENESIS program tailored to your team would save travel time and expenses for your staff and provide all with the same education to provide your company with an edge over the competition. Contact Jeanne Mendelson, PHTA Vice President of Education and Events.

design

Level 100 Courses

Learning Objectives

  • Recognize the value of your design services.
  • Examine outside industries charging for professional services.
  • Discuss work product and final deliverables.

Description

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.

Time/Credits

1:00 hrs
0.1 IACET CEUs

See all upcoming and on-demand design courses.

Learning Objectives

  • Describe solutions for small spaces (small outdoor spaces, spas, indoor projects, balconies, water features).
  • Recognize how to incorporate multiple features into the outdoor space.

Description

This course examines ways to enhance features in small spaces. Focused for builders and designers who have clientele that want all the amenities of an estate-sized space in their postage-stamp-sized yard.

Time/Credits

2:00 hrs
0.2 IACET CEUs

See all upcoming and on-demand design courses.

Learning Objectives

  • Review what architectural modernism is.
  • Identify modernism specifics relating to building and influence.
  • Compare modernism projects with water vessels from “then” to “now.”

Description

What is the architectural stylistic movement titled “Modernism?” Architect Paul John Boulifard will explore the “how and why” Modernism came into existence and how it has impacted and influenced the way we design and build today. We’ll address the specifics of the architectural movement as it relates to buildings, focusing on the work of a few iconic Architects and Landscape Architects: Richard Neutra, John Lautner, and Thomas Church. Then we will compare and contrast how the landscape elements like vegetation, hard-scape, and swimming pools play an important role to defining this trend in design.

Time/Credits

1:50 hrs
0.2 IACET CEUs

See all upcoming and on-demand design courses.

Learning Objectives

  • Discuss trends in outdoor design and how these trends come about.
  • Analyze how design trends can give us a tool for better understanding the wants and needs of our customers.
  • Review emerging styles and what you need to know to apply them.
  • Interpret why a solid understanding of trends is necessary for achieving excellence in our profession.

Description

This class discusses the types of improvements that homeowners are willing to invest more in, where the details matter and the budgets are larger.

Time/Credits

1:00 hrs
0.1 IACET CEUs

See all upcoming and on-demand design courses.

Learning Objectives

  • Examine the ways to capture, process, and analyze design trend signs.
  • Recognize the evolution of business trends and explore inspirations that influence today’s design.
  • Identify market strategies and innovative ways to reach a new audience.
  • Identify the ever-changing consumer and how design influences their purchasing decision.
  • Examine the latest look in home design and colors.

Description

With his finger on the pulse of design trends from iPhones to interior design, Feras Irikat will explain why things look the way they are and how that affects your purchasing decisions at a subconscious level. These trends run across multiple product and project categories including automobiles, tile blends, and how mixing finishes and styles can be done in an eclectic, but tasteful way.

Time/Credits

1:50 hrs
0.2 IACET CEUs

See all upcoming and on-demand design courses.

Learning Objectives

  • Discuss how lighting responds to varying needs from one area to another within a site.
  • Recognize lighting changes from day to night, from one season to another, and over the years as landscapes mature.
  • Interpret how visual composition varies from one person to another.
  • Identify how to visually connect the landscape, water environment, and interior spaces of the home.

Description

Jan Moyer shares her expertise in lighting to connect several environments (indoor, outdoor, water, etc.) with attention to the multiplicity of needs and dynamics of light throughout the hours, seasons, and years of a project. Learn how landscape spaces change from one view, viewing location, or perspective to another. Control the lighting design to achieve certain effects and get inspired with some photos of beautiful lighting work.

Time/Credits

2:00 hrs
0.2 IACET CEUs

See all upcoming and on-demand design courses.

Learning Objectives

  • Discuss how individuals become Architects: schooling, licenses, continuing education, etc.
  • Review approaches from different schools. Design, technical, worker vs. principal.
  • Discuss Who’s the Boss: employed by the Architect vs. Employed by the Owner.
  • Identify past the water, doing a design that includes the yard: landscaping and other features.

Description

While designing a house, an architect may employ a watershape designer/contractor, and his design ideas may overflow into the design of the watershape. The architect may give details to be followed in the pool design, or the architect may request that the watershape designer take on the full responsibility of the pool and either deal with the architect or possibly the owner. This seminar will provide insight into working with an architect and concepts to working together.

Time/Credits

1:50 hrs
0.2 IACET CEUs

See all upcoming and on-demand design courses.

CBP

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.

Description

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 & Design Professional.

Time/Credits

16:00 hrs
1.6 IACET CEUs

See all upcoming and on-demand design courses.

Level 200 Courses

Learning Objectives

Learn how to go from novice user to a highly skilled developer of professional presentations. The GENESIS 3D Modeling + Presentation Graphics program teaches intermediate users how to:

  • Explain 3-dimensional modeling with Structure Studios’ Pool Studio.
  • Develop a successful 3D presentation.
  • Identify advanced details, including perimeter overflow, vanishing edge, and acrylic walls.
  • Operate with advanced A/V presentation techniques using additional software.

Description

Pool Studio’s 3D design program can be taken one step further when combined with additional software to create an amazing presentation for your discerning clients. Learn how to go from novice user to a detailed professional presentation. Includes tips and tricks for intermediate users. Using their own laptop computers, students work through a series of instructional exercises and development of a pool project. At this time, Pool Studio can only be utilized on a PC system.

Instructor Jason Brownlee, Master CBP, will review project samples virtually and work with students both one-on-one and by consultation during independent learning. Project time has been incorporated into the 16 hours of education.

  • Students will be required to have a working knowledge of Pool Studio
  • Students must use their own computer equipment
  • Please note, Pool Studio can only be utilized on a PC at this time
  • Students must download the required Structure Studios software before the course begins

See all upcoming and on-demand design courses.

CBP

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.

Description

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 & Design Professional.

*Virtual Training Information: Additional homework and supplemental studies may be included in the curriculum for students to complete the course.

Time/Credits

16:00 hrs
1.6 IACET CEUs

See all upcoming and on-demand design courses.

Learning Objectives

  • Examine what makes a good photo.
  • Define proper equipment needed for a photoshoot.
  • Discuss what photo composite is and how to compose a photo effectively.

Description

Do you know how to tell a story in a photo? Can you effectively portray the time, effort, and intricate minutiae you invested in a project? In this session, renowned photographer Jimi Smith will begin your introduction to those answers. Smith will discuss the concept of timing photos, examine lighting procedures, identify equipment needs, and address basic photo editing software.

Time/Credits

1:00 hrs
0.1 IACET CEUs
1 PHTA CEUs

See all upcoming and on-demand design courses.

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.

Description

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 elevates 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.

Time/Credits

1:00 hrs
0.1 IACET CEUs

See all upcoming and on-demand design courses.

CBP

Learning Objectives

  • List light, vision, and color physics, color theory, primary colors, mixing, blends, color wheel.
  • Discuss color psychology, how color affects the viewer, influences of color and texture on purchasing decisions.
  • Understand the makeup of a color DNA and the ability to reproduce and match colors.
  • Understand the meaning of the color illusion and work through case studies analyzing how color can make or break the design concept.

Description

Looking through a magazine of pools, it is easy to find well-conceived plans that failed to unify the design with proper material and color selections. Color is one of our basic means of communication and it influences our emotions, so it must be understood and controlled. This program introduces the basic dynamics of color, its principles, fundamentals, its psychology, and how to apply the science to project design.

This is a required course to become a Certified Expert Pool Builder & Design Professional.

Time/Credits

16:00 hrs
1.6 IACET CEUs

See all upcoming and on-demand design courses.

Learning Objectives

  • Review color research, surveys, and reports.
  • Identify color personalities.
  • Discuss what color personality fits your brand.

Description

Studies show that 90% of snap judgments made on products can be based on color alone. Color plays a vital role in the relationship of branding and the perceived appropriateness. GENESIS’s own color extraordinaire, Feras Irikat, will take you through a variety of research, surveys, and reports to provide you the details on how to appropriately color your brand with the personality you want to portray to your customers.

Time/Credits

1:00 hrs
0.1 IACET CEUs
1 PHTA CEU

See all upcoming and on-demand design courses.

Learning Objectives

  • Use lectures, demonstrations, presentations, and hands-on fieldwork over a 5-day period.
  • Use real products to build a real lighting design using the techniques presented in class.
  • Discuss technical issues such as voltage, wattage, color, lumens, etc.
  • Examine equipment from wiring to transformers to light fixtures.

Description

This is an intensive 5-day, 5-evening program that will cover just about all aspects of outdoor lighting. It is learn-by-doing at its finest, led by Jan Moyer and her team of instructors in Albany, NY. The program covers technical subjects such as electrical and heat considerations, as well as equipment details from time clocks and transformers to water-resistance and maintenance.

Time/Credits

40:00 hrs
4.0 IACET CEUs

See all upcoming and on-demand design courses.

Learning Objectives

  • Review the fundamental design features needed in a landscaped environment.
  • Identify functioning elements, plan details, plants, and backyard aesthetics.
  • Discuss the design stages and the necessary construction requirements of each stage.

Description

This program focuses on reviewing both successful and unsuccessful design features of a backyard project. Broken down into multiple phases, students identify areas of each project and examine how to develop a successful completion of the backyard environment effectively.

Time/Credits

1:50 hrs
0.2 IACET CEUs

See all upcoming and on-demand design courses.

Learning Objectives

  • Honing new skills to better understand your customers, both discovering your clients' dreams and exploring key memories that will help them feel more attached to their personalized design.
  • Buzzwords to plant into your design to engage with their emotions and captivate your clients’ hearts and minds.
  • Quickly earn your clients' trust with on-site sketching to scale.
  • Complete a plan that is guaranteed to impress and make the sale.

Description

This course is created with the end in mind... Making the sale!

We will explore how understanding good design, speaking the right language, and getting inside the mind of your client will significantly increase your percentage of conversions from leads to sales. We will look at how to qualify clients, understand their level of experience with pools and landscaping, and what their expectations are right up front. We will dive into the initial phone call, the site visit, quick methods for sketching ideas on site, and preparing for the sale. Using different scenarios and different budgets, we will explore design buzzwords and phrases that will not only help electrify your designs but make sure you make more sales!

Time/Credits

8:00 hrs
0.8 IACET CEUs

See all upcoming and on-demand design courses.

Learning Objectives

  • Recognize “Living” water feature concepts, biology, ecology, clarity, design, and construction.
  • Discuss site evaluation, design considerations, natural and planned elements.
  • Discuss mechanical, biological, bio-mechanical filtration, sterilization, circulation, equipment.
  • Describe liners, concrete structures, art and physics of rock selection, acquisition, and authentic placement.

Description

This is the most in-depth and practical course on “living” water systems offered anywhere. Presented by Anthony Archer-Wills and David Duensing, two leading experts in the field of natural streams, ponds, Koi ponds, water gardens, and the use of natural stone, this program steps through the various technical and artistic considerations of recreating authentic environments that perform as Mother Nature would. The program includes various construction materials and methods and the subsequent decision process to select the most appropriate for a specific project. Examples of conceptual and construction drawings will be provided.

Time/Credits

16:00 hrs
1.6 IACET CEUs

See all upcoming and on-demand design courses.

CBP

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.

Description

Foresight is an essential component of good design. In this course, you will retrain how you think of water vessel design by changing the sequence of designing outdoor improvements first, and integrating the pool last. This course will challenge your 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, special considerations, and more, and will help you create beautiful designs with high functionality.

This is a required course to become a Certified Master Pool Builder & Design Professional.

Time/Credits

16:00 hrs
1.6 IACET CEUs

See all upcoming and on-demand design courses.

CBP

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.

Description

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 & Design Professional.

Time/Credits

16:00 hrs
1.6 IACET CEUs

See all upcoming and on-demand design courses.

Learning Objectives

  • Discuss the need for collaboration of projects.
  • Examine how effective communication is key.
  • Discuss projects and planning.

Description

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.

Time/Credits

1:00 hrs
0.1 IACET CEUs

See all upcoming and on-demand design courses.

CBP

Learning Objectives

  • Discuss the history of water features.
  • Review historic water features and vessels, from ancient water features through the 21st Century.
  • Identify global water features.
  • Discuss contemporary features.
  • Examine how history incorporates into the design and development of a student’s creation today.

Description

Water features have been a part of the landscape since ancient times. Are you familiar with the world's most famous water features? Can you effectively answer questions from your clients about them? Dive into the world of water history. This course will guide you through the world's most renowned swimming pools and water features from ancient (the world's first known swimming pool), historical (Versailles), to today's contemporary installations (Marina Bay Sands; Amangiri Resort, Utah). We'll identify the who's who of today's most influential water feature designers and why this knowledge is necessary to relate to your clientele.

This is a required course to become a Certified Master Pool Builder & Design Professional.

*Virtual Training Information: Additional homework and supplemental studies will be included in the curriculum for students to complete the course.

Time/Credits

16:00 hrs
1.2 IACET CEUs

See all upcoming and on-demand design courses.

Learning Objectives

  • Reassess perceived site limitations.
  • Discover and prepare for surprising fixture locations.
  • Recognize ways to prioritize elements within your "canvas".
  • Describe details on illumination.

Description

Composing the scene to be enjoyed as a whole, by night as well as day, is the key to exceptionally designed environments.

Time/Credits

1.50 hrs
0.2 IACET CEUs

See all upcoming and on-demand design courses.

Level 300 Courses

Learning Objectives

  • Define indoor kitchen design principles that have been translated to the specific needs of the outdoors.
  • Identify and avoid the most common outdoor kitchen design mistakes.
  • Examine client cooking and entertaining needs and translate them into successful designs.
  • Execute specific and actionable recommendations for kitchen layout, including workspace, storage space, equipment placement, seating, and more.

Description

This course covers the key principles of outdoor kitchen design with a focus on creating usable spaces that are easy to live with. It will help you expand your expertise and serve clients in one of the biggest trends in outdoor living. Covering the four primary types of outdoor kitchen construction, attendees will learn the key functional design principles for kitchen layout, including prep areas, storage, and equipment placement. We will share specific and actionable guidelines that have been developed through years of experience with outdoor kitchens and are founded in some of the best practices for indoor kitchen design.

Time/Credits

1.50 hrs
0.2 IACET CEUs
2 PHTA CEUs

See all upcoming and on-demand design courses.

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.

Description

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, Wiseman will show you how to better understand your client’s needs, minimizing misunderstandings and ultimately resulting in a smoother project.

Time/Credits

1:00 hrs
0.1 IACET CEUs
1 PHTA CEU

See all upcoming and on-demand design courses.

Learning Objectives

  • Discuss the fundamental of lighting (how the eye works and why we care, glare, levels of light, apparent brightness, contrast: negative and positive spaces).
  • Examine the good, the bad, and the ugly of lighting.
  • Define the structure of a lighting portrait (design strategy, sense of purpose of fixture placement, visual objectives and concept).

Description

How well a project can be lit is not limited to the quantity of light fixtures. A proper lighting job takes what it takes. Covering key principles on how to create depth and visual destination, this course is an introduction to the fundamentals of lighting and will provide tools to comprehensively design a great lighting portrait.

Time/Credits

3:00 hrs
0.3 IACET CEUs
3 PHTA CEUs

See all upcoming and on-demand design courses.

Level 400 Courses

Learning Objectives

  • Review the Principles of Design, Quick Sketching Techniques, and “Mind-Reading”.
  • Create a scaled base plan on site (quickly).
  • Convert a scaled base plan into a rendered master plan showing the swimming pool, living spaces, and circulation.
  • Analyze the strengths and weaknesses of your master plan with an in-class presentation.

Description

Through a series of exercises, you will learn how to integrate a manufactured pool into a master plan. You will learn how to quickly render the plan on site and include relevant information so it communicates well to the customer. By being able to show the client exactly what they will be getting, you can eliminate a major obstacle to closing the sale. Give the customer the ability to visualize how the product will fit into their own yard.

Time/Credits

1:75 hrs
0.2 IACET CEUs

See all upcoming and on-demand design courses.

Learning Objectives

  • Discuss challenging clients.
  • Discuss tips and tricks on finding new ways to present your ideas.
  • Elevate your comfort zone.

Description

Back together again, our GENESIS designer panelists are reuniting for a power panel on the show floor, providing their feedback to the ultimate question: How do you deal with client changes? Providing a client their dream design of an outdoor oasis after hours of interviews and idea-gathering can become a challenge if they don’t love it. Dealing with those emotions of changes and modifications can become difficult. Join us for this enlightening session and hear how these industry leaders rise to the occasion. Gather their tips and tricks along with some humor to take back to your office.

Time/Credits

1:50 hrs
0.2 IACET CEUs
2 PHTA CEUs

See all upcoming and on-demand design courses.

Learning Objectives

  • Define a design method for the creation of comfortable and beautiful outdoor living spaces.
  • Discuss outdoor living trends and the common elements in outdoor rooms.
  • Understand how to better integrate the outdoor living spaces with the water elements onsite.
  • Apply these concepts to a case study in outdoor living.

Description

Outdoor living is the perfect way to add usable square footage to a home by extending the living spaces outdoors. A well-designed outdoor living room, dining room, or kitchen can add value to a home and add functionality to a backyard. But what does it take to design a beautiful and comfortable outdoor room? We will discuss the elements to take into consideration, with plenty of designer tips and tricks to get your clients living al fresco.

Discussion on methods and practices will help you determine layout and location of site improvements, how to tie the outdoor living spaces together with the water elements on site, as well as the creation of aesthetics and style for outdoor living elements. We will also discuss up-and-coming trends in outdoor living.

Time/Credits

1:00 hrs
0.1 IACET CEUs

See all upcoming and on-demand design courses.

Learning Objectives

  • Review past outdoor trends.
  • Examine upcoming trends and colors.
  • Review current influences and how those affect your clients' desires.

Description

Do you wonder what motivates your clients' 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 understand 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.

Time/Credits

1:00 hrs
0.1 IACET CEUs

See all upcoming and on-demand design courses.

Learning Objectives

  • Execute advanced painting exercises to train your eyes on color and undertones.
  • Interpret visual perception and color psychology.
  • Define color meaning and identify cultural references.
  • Apply real-life application of color theory.
  • Discuss the impact of color on marketing and branding.

Description

Looking to take your color knowledge beyond your eyes? This course is the next step in assessing the world of color. Dive deeper into the world of visual perception and how color psychology affects our thoughts, what are the meanings of color, and how it affects our culture. Expand your painting techniques to train your eye to color and its tone. Students will be required to provide a project and synopsis before class; all projects will be kept anonymous.

Time/Credits

16:00 hrs
1.6 IACET CEUs

See all upcoming and on-demand design courses.

 

Click here for a list of
upcoming and on-demand courses

 

PHTA Strategic Partners

  • BioLab
  • Fluidra
  • Hayward
  • Heritage Pool Supply Group
  • LOU
  • Lyon Financial
  • Pentair
  • Solenis
  • WatkinsWellness