Bo Barnett

George “Bo” Barnett IV is the founder, president and creative director of GB IV Designs, an aquatic design and construction firm in Bee Cave, Texas. His work connects outdoor living design with the engineering and material knowledge required to build complex watershapes.

Barnett co-founded KB Custom Pools in Austin in 2007 before establishing GB IV Designs in 2020. The firm provides aquatic and outdoor living design for architects and clients nationwide, with construction focused on Austin and the Texas Hill Country. Pools, spas, landscape, structures, fire and lighting are considered as a complete environment.

Large-panel porcelain is a particular focus of his work. In his Pool Magazine interview, Barnett described the experimentation behind that specialty, including early installation setbacks and the investment in training, handling equipment and appropriate bonding systems that followed. The material offers broad architectural surfaces, but realizing that potential requires careful execution.

Education is central to his practice. Barnett has taught large-panel porcelain installation for Watershape University and spoken at Coverings and the Southwest Pool & Spa Show. His background includes design studies at the Art Institute of Dallas and extensive continuing education through GENESIS and Watershape University.

His recognition includes the 2018 APSP Young Professional of the Year award, while GB IV Designs has received Coverings Installation & Design recognition in 2025 and 2026. He also serves on the board of PHTA’s Central Texas chapter.

Across his building, teaching and industry involvement, Barnett emphasizes sharing practical lessons so that other professionals can approach unfamiliar materials with greater knowledge and care.