The Million Dollar Pool Design Challenge
A key show feature of International Pool Spa Patio Expo is the Million Dollar Pool Design Challenge. Held annually, this unique competition invites pool and outdoor living designers to envision a dream backyard scenario with a lavish million-dollar budget.
Designers must merge their imagination with practicality, balancing the luxurious with the functional. The entries are evaluated by a panel of experts who assess the designs based on creativity, aesthetics, sustainability, and the optimal utilization of resources.
How it Works
A panel of industry experts pick five finalists (including one young professional) to send to Las Vegas for International Pool Spa Patio Expo 2025.
All of the finalists' presentations will be presented during "The Million Dollar Pool Design Challenge" on the show floor!
Be sure to attend to see the results, learn the techniques used by the finalists, and then cast your vote to see who will be named the 2025 PSP Expo's TOP DESIGNER.
We can't wait to see you there!
Submissions Due: Sept. 24, 2025
2024 Million Dollar Pool Design Challenge Winner: Moses Campos of Claffey Pools
This Year's Challenge
- Overview
- Requirements
- Renderings & Topography
Timeline
- Entries Due: Sept. 24, 2025
Initial Consultation
Meet the Jacksons: Lyle & Katherine Jackson own a beautiful piece of property in Napa that overlooks several hillsides and valleys. They recently built a smaller personal home and garage that met their immediate needs to be able to visit for long weekends and some longer getaways. They always had hopes to expand and retire to the site and just happened to have neighbors wanting to sell the property that sat vacant next to their property. They have recently closed on the property and are moving forward with phase 2 of their retreat now that their site has expanded to create their retirement property of their dreams.
Lyle loves Rocky Mountain rustic architecture and art. He is also wanting a wellness center on his property and loves fire features. Katherine loves the Palm Springs Mid-century modern look, loves the idea of spaces to meditate, wants a peaceful retreat, and loves to cook outside. The Napa setting provides a connection with nature and they would like to keep that feeling. A peaceful rural escape, and a place of tranquility that they can enjoy along with guests to the property.
One of challenges of this 2nd phase will be that both Lyle & Katherine, who are both of entrepreneurial minds, love the idea of renting out the secondary structure(s) online when they are not using it for their personal or business guests. Any and all design work should keep the air bnb rental model in the forefront of their minds while developing their design work.
Aesthetics and View:
- Loves the idea of utilizing the native and existing vegetation.
- Work with the natural terrain and topography of the property.
- Work within the design styles of the husband and wife and their existing structures.
Elements to Include:
- They will entertain small groups of 18 to 25 people maximum at primary home.
- Off the master suite they would like a private spool, cold plunge and sauna.
- Recreational pool for primary home.
- Oversized spa (10-12 people)
- Swim up bar
- Current for exercise
- Large sun ledge
- Front drive revamp with an inviting walk into the home, fountain, and entry gate.
- Outdoor movies or large tv.
- Firepit - seating for 12
- Specialty Fire Feature from Fire By Design (Floating Fire, Custom Fire Art, Custom Torches, Infinity Edge Fire Bar, etc...) - We will be awarding an extra 5% bonus on the project overall rating if you submit your concept to Fire by Design and discuss the feasibility of design, manufacturing and install.
- Ledge Lounger furniture element
- Dining Space - seating for 12.
- In the common area outdoor living space, they would like an accessory covered structure with a kitchen, bathroom and a large fireplace.
- Outdoor Bath & Shower
- Space for yoga.
- Koi Pond
- Bocce ball
- Artwork and spaces for meditation/introspection
- Parking for 3 to 4 cars.
- Secondary Structure(s) - Bedroom - Bathroom - Pool Bath - Kitchenette (Limited to 1000 sf Footprint), that could be also an Airbnb rental with private garden fenced with a private plunge pool and hot tub. They would also like to consider duplicating that structure for future cabins. .
Base Map With Topography
Home Floor Plan
Home Perspective 1
Home Perspective 2
View from Home
Bird's Eye View
See Renderings from Previous Finalists
About the Challenge
Mike Farley
Farley Designs
Reid Schindler
SchindlerDesignCo.
Two industry veterans, Reid Schindler, a decorated award winning watershape designer and Mike Farley, 30+ years designing award winning pools, teamed up with the International Pool Spa Patio Expo in Las Vegas this fall to see who the industries top designers are! Will the new technology wave overcome tried and true methods or will it be a combination of the two that sways the judges in their decision?
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