Inground swimming pool with slide, waterfall, sun shelf, lounging ledge, firepit and raised patio. Techo bloc, Pebble Tec, LED lights and full chlorine free (Clearswim) sanitation and automation. JSilkstonePhotos

David Burroughs
Example of a beach style home design design in Baltimore

Pool - transitional pool idea in Orange County

The Control/Shift House is perched on the high side of the site which takes advantage of the view to the southeast. A gradual descending path navigates the change in terrain from the street to the entry of the house. A series of low retaining walls/planter beds gather and release the earth upon the descent resulting in a fairly flat level for the house to sit on the top one third of the site. The entry axis is aligned with the celebrated stair volume and then re-centers on the actual entry axis once you approach the forecourt of the house. The initial desire was for an “H” scheme house with common entertaining spaces bridging the gap between the more private spaces. After an investigation considering the site, program, and view, a key move was made: unfold the east wing of the “H” scheme to open all rooms to the southeast view resulting in a “T” scheme. The new derivation allows for both a swim pool which is on axis with the entry and main gathering space and a lap pool which occurs on the cross axis extending along the lengthy edge of the master suite, providing direct access for morning exercise and a view of the water throughout the day. The Control/Shift House was derived from a clever way of following the “rules.” Strict HOA guidelines required very specific exterior massing restrictions which limits the lengths of unbroken elevations and promotes varying sizes of masses. The solution most often used in this neighborhood is one of addition - an aggregation of masses and program randomly attached to the inner core of the house which often results in a parasitic plan. The approach taken with the Control/Shift House was to push and pull program/massing to delineate and define the layout of the house. Massing is intentional and reiterated by the careful selection of materiality that tracks through the house. Voids and relief in the plan are a natural result of this method and allow for light and air to circulate throughout every space of the house, even into the most inner core. Photography: Charles Davis Smith

This Eclectic inspired home centers around the courtyard water feature. This feature was not designed to be subtle. Low profile focal points were required from views coming in all directions. The primary view from the entry provides a view down the center of Cannon jets and fire bowls over the vanishing edge. The reflective vanishing edge spa and led lights added to the visual accents. Floating steps connect the pool deck to the spa as well as floating pads cross the infinity two tiered basin. This allows minimal steps from cabana to porch terraces. The lower terrace captures the view as the water cascades down the copper spill edges. Pool barstools provide additional seating in the water adjacent to the cabana. Access was so difficult the pool shell was completed before the house foundation was started, The home changed owners at the framing stage and the selling point of this home was the courtyard water feature. Project designed by Mike Farley. Check out Mike's Reference Site at FarleyPoolDesigns.com

Example of a mid-sized island style pool design in Miami

Large transitional backyard concrete paver and rectangular lap pool house photo in Other

Nestled on a steep, hard-to-access lot, this home and pool presented unique challenges. The aging pool had tilted more than four inches downhill, and with limited backyard access and a tight budget, a full replacement wasn’t an option. Instead, a creative design solution—one of our specialties—allowed for a seamless repair, featuring a new concrete coping and a vibrant tile accent that revitalized the space. The outdoor transformation didn’t stop there. The deteriorating decks required a complete rebuild, and the homeowners envisioned a detached art studio tucked into their nature-filled backyard. By embracing the site’s complexities, we crafted a design that connected the elevated outdoor living areas to the pool and studio, creating a cohesive, functional retreat. Every detail was executed with precision. Linear decking and cable rail demanded meticulous planning, while IPE wood was chosen for its natural beauty and durability. Thoughtful design elements—like the IPE wood cap that unifies the pool’s edge and art studio wall and a horizontal privacy fence that visually expands the space—elevate the project beyond a renovation. This is a space built not just for beauty, but for lasting enjoyment.

Elevated composite pool deck with a covered gable roof, skylight, cable railing, hot tub integration, gazebo, and paver patio, designed as a full backyard outdoor living retreat in Hanover, PA.

Elevated composite pool deck with a covered gable roof, skylight, cable railing, hot tub integration, gazebo, and paver patio, designed as a full backyard outdoor living retreat in Hanover, PA.

Nestled on a steep, hard-to-access lot, this home and pool presented unique challenges. The aging pool had tilted more than four inches downhill, and with limited backyard access and a tight budget, a full replacement wasn’t an option. Instead, a creative design solution—one of our specialties—allowed for a seamless repair, featuring a new concrete coping and a vibrant tile accent that revitalized the space. The outdoor transformation didn’t stop there. The deteriorating decks required a complete rebuild, and the homeowners envisioned a detached art studio tucked into their nature-filled backyard. By embracing the site’s complexities, we crafted a design that connected the elevated outdoor living areas to the pool and studio, creating a cohesive, functional retreat. Every detail was executed with precision. Linear decking and cable rail demanded meticulous planning, while IPE wood was chosen for its natural beauty and durability. Thoughtful design elements—like the IPE wood cap that unifies the pool’s edge and art studio wall and a horizontal privacy fence that visually expands the space—elevate the project beyond a renovation. This is a space built not just for beauty, but for lasting enjoyment.

To create a large level area for the pool and patio, the pool was elevated on three sides. The pool wall along the sunken lounge area is elevated 18” providing convenient extra seating for groups. The pool coping is a generous 16” wide which is comfortable for seating and gives the pool structure a look of substance.

Elevated composite pool deck with a covered gable roof, skylight, cable railing, hot tub integration, gazebo, and paver patio, designed as a full backyard outdoor living retreat in Hanover, PA.

Elevated composite pool deck with a covered gable roof, skylight, cable railing, hot tub integration, gazebo, and paver patio, designed as a full backyard outdoor living retreat in Hanover, PA.

An outdoor kitchen addition with wood beams, travertine decking and a full scale outdoor kitchen with rock counters and granite countertops. Free form infinity edge pool with tanning ledge and spa. Elevated decking with outdoor fireplace and bench seating.

Rear elevation of our Federal Style Residence in Darien, CT. Brick facade with slate roof, dormer windows, shutters and multiple terraces. One end of yard features a pergola with outdoor fireplace and the other has the pool and pool house. Photography by: Warren Jagger

This pool deck was a lot of fun (and work) to install. The sidewalks were poured and stamped first, taking extra care to maintain the proper slope and elevation to make the water run away from the pool but also away from the house. The sidewalk is pinned to the patio with rebar dowels in plastic sleeves to allow for horizontal shifting, but no vertical movement. Expansion foam and caulk prevent chipping on these joints. The borders are poured integrally with the pool deck; they are hand stamped and chiseled in. Lots of patience and attention to detail. I am fortunate to have a great crew.

Q Stern Photography
Inspiration for a large timeless backyard stone and rectangular infinity pool fountain remodel in Philadelphia

This stunning luxury backyard features a glowing infinity-edge pool framed by elegant water features and handcrafted tile insets, creating a tranquil resort-style atmosphere. A dramatic stone-clad pergola anchors the space, complete with string lighting, a cantera stone fireplace, and custom lounge seating beneath heavy wood beam rafters. The symmetrical fountain wall and elevated spa offer serene sounds and visual balance, while Mediterranean-style planters, brick and masonry columns, and wrought iron railings add architectural depth. Set against a vivid twilight sky, this backyard retreat merges classic European charm with modern luxury pool design.