Industry Profiles: Andy Kaner – Aquatic Consultants, Inc.

In the world of pool and landscape design, there are few individuals who have reached the pinnacle of success quite like Andy Kaner. An award-winning pool designer and instructor for Genesis, a leading education platform for pool professionals, Kaner’s journey through the industry has been a remarkable one. We recently had the privilege of sitting down with him to discuss his career, his company’s philosophy, and a truly remarkable pool project that captures the essence of his unique approach toward design.

The Genesis of a Career in Luxury Pools

Kaner’s journey in the pool and landscape design industry is a tale of evolution and passion. After earning his master’s degree in landscape architecture from Florida International University, Kaner embarked on his career, initially working for a local landscape architecture firm. It was during this time that he discovered his profound fascination with pool design, drawing inspiration from the works of the renowned designer, Brian Van Bower.

“I started to study pool design, and I loved it and started gravitating towards it,” Andy recalls. “I ended up working at Aquatic Consultants for Brian for many years. Now I own and operate the company he founded.”

It was through Van Bower that Kaner first learned about Genesis. “Brian was one of the founders along with Skip Phillips and David Tisherman,” he explains. “They started Genesis because there was a need for education that the industry wasn’t providing. I got to experience going to their classes which it opened up my mind to a whole new realm in the field of pool design that I never knew existed and never learned about in landscape architecture school. Going to these classes, I began to quickly learn about how pools operate, and how hydraulics work. There were classes on color theory and design, as well as drawing classes, and it was just blowing me away.”

The Differentiating Factor

Kaner says that what sets Aquatic Consultants apart from other firms in the industry is a combination of two key elements: service and design excellence. In a world where clients demand the highest level of service, Kaner’s company ensures they are always accessible and responsive, maintaining an unwavering commitment to delivering on their promises.

“We provide a high level of service to our clients,” Kaner explains. “We answer the phone if somebody wants to talk to Andy, there’s no problem. We respond to emails quickly. We’re on top of the projects. We also deliver what we say we’re going to do.”

On the design front, the company’s approach is equally meticulous and forward-thinking. “I think we’re successful because we think about the total space,” Andy emphasizes. “We’re not just considering the hole in the ground with water, but we’re thinking about the landscape and the outdoor living space as a whole.”

With a client list that reads as a who’s who of celebrities, business moguls, and professional sports athletes, Kaner says his discerning clientele has high expectations. “We provide a high level of service. We provide good details and design that backs it up. I think those are the two main things that have allowed us to be as successful as we are today.”

Collaborating to Create Dream Pools

When it comes to bringing clients’ pool visions to life, Kaner emphasizes the importance of understanding each client’s unique preferences and lifestyle.

“Every client is a little bit different,” he says. “But the way that we like to work in general, we don’t really have a formula for it. But we get the first phone call and then we try to understand what it is that the client is trying to do or wants to do. And then we start to add to it. So we kind of fuel our original concepts off the actual client themselves and their personalities, and we try to find out what direction they’re looking to have, how they want to use the space.”

Pushing New Boundaries in Pool Design

While Kaner’s portfolio is replete with awe-inspiring pool projects, one that stands out for its sheer innovation and magnificence is a recent endeavor in St. Thomas. This project, in collaboration with Design Lab and the exceptional pool builder Mike Fuller, has set a new benchmark for luxury pool design.

“The project is a perimeter overflow, or vanishing edge, but it’s elevated because there’s a lazy river that runs around the entire pool,” Andy describes. “The upper level is a full-blown pool with a shallow lounging area and a perimeter overflow spa. The spa actually connects to a bridge that’s a shallow lounging area that walks over the lazy river that’s underneath of it with clear Acrylic panels in the floor.”

Beyond the architecture and design, the pool’s location is nothing short of spectacular. “It’s right on the water with killer views of the ocean. It’s in the Virgin Islands, so you got like a little bit of a mountain scape behind you,” Andy adds. “It’s on a property that used to be like an old rum distillery. So they had these big sugar mills, and there’s still remnants of this rum distillery.”

A Master of Both Worlds

In the world of pool design, the debate between analog and digital methods is a perennial one. While clients may expect digital presentations, Andy Kaner is a firm believer in the importance of mastering both ends of the spectrum.

“Now, when you give a presentation, yeah. I think the clients are expecting something more digital,” Andy acknowledges. “As far as the presentation goes, usually the sketching and all of that is all the stuff that we do that they don’t see. So the original sketching usually is on trash paper over the top of a site plan, and then that goes immediately. Once we’re happy with the way the design goes, it goes right to CAD.”

A Legacy of Education

Beyond his stunning pool designs, Andy Kaner’s contribution to the industry extends to education. His role as an instructor at Genesis and his commitment to equipping the next generation of pool professionals exemplify his dedication to the craft.

“With courses like ‘Drawing for Professionals,’ I impart the knowledge and skills required to navigate the complex world of pool and landscape design,” he says. “It’s a hands-on, in-person class where we take out sketch paper, we take out a T square. We’re using scales, and we’re drawing projects that are kind of like templates, so it kind of guides you through the process. So if you’ve never drawn before or you’re new to these concepts, it’s kind of like an easy way to start learning about it right off the bat without any qualms or any nervousness because it’s all pretty much ready to go and easy to start, and it gives you a good foundation.”

Ultimately, Andy Kaner’s journey is a testament to the transformative power of passion, education, and creativity. His design firm stands as a paragon of excellence, delivering unmatched service and innovative design to clients who seek nothing less than the extraordinary. As we gaze upon the awe-inspiring pools he has masterminded, we are reminded that, in the hands of a true artist, a pool can become a masterpiece that transcends time.

Photo Credits: Jimi Smith Photography