In any competition, it’s so very important to provide a level playing field for everybody involved. As we honor, recognize and showcase last pond season’s best of the best water-feature projects from around the globe, it’s refreshing to know that they were chosen anonymously. Winners are chosen without any corporate sponsorship or influence. That’s why the Water Artisans of the Year contest is so special. Each project’s artistry really has to speak for itself!
This year, three of our four winners enjoyed their first victory in the contest. The fourth frontrunner, Eric Arntson, joined industry colleagues Tim Wood, Bobby Kenyon, Shane Hemphill and Heath Webb in the triple crown club by securing his third win. Congratulations, Eric — you’re in great company!
As in previous years, we collected project submissions and presented them to an independent judging panel with no brand names or contractors’ identities revealed. (Meet the judges.) We solicited entries in three of our most popular categories — Best Pondless, Most Naturalistic and Fountains & Formal Features. Recreational Ponds became a category for the first time.
We required a $25 fee with every submission, which culminated in approximately $1,200 donated to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, an award-winning charity that provides cutting-edge treatment to children, without requiring payment.
Enjoy these spectacular highlights from the 2024 pond season!
Winner: Fountains & Formal Features
Ryan Farnol
Ryan Farnol is the owner of Platinum Ponds & Landscaping, a premier water feature and outdoor living designer and installer in West Michigan. He specializes in creating custom ponds, waterfalls, fountains and other water features that enhance the beauty and tranquility of any outdoor area. This is his first win in the contest.
Four 24-by-24-inch floating steps traverse the pond just above the surface of the water and immerse you in the flurry of activity around you perpetuated by a robust spillway bowl centerpiece, intake bay, three aeration jets and a 48-inch spillway through an elevated water wall. An 8-by-10 wetland filter works its magic within the pond footprint. Straight lines and smooth surfaces make this project “pop” in its natural surroundings.
The water itself is highly oxygenated and filled with beautiful aquatic plants such as lilies, lotus, iris, pickerel rush and more. But if you ask Farnol, it’s the floating steps that steal the show.
“They are the most amazing part of the pond,” he says. “We built them by pouring concrete into a footer with sono tubes and rebar running through it to serve as the anchor.”
Winner: Pondless
Stan Suh
Stan Suh’s company, Flow Landscape of Corona, California, is comprised of a uniquely passionate team that is dedicated to building nature-inspired ecosystem ponds and water features. This is Stan’s first Water Artisans of the Year victory.
This tranquil, elegant backyard feature that electrifies the backyard at night was built for Peggy, who had recently moved from Georgia to Southern California to be closer to her son’s family and two grandsons. Although Peggy was adjusting to the West Coast, she still had Georgia on her mind. She longed for the peaceful waterfront views from her lakeside home.
Stan Suh and his team were commissioned to recreate that tranquility with a low-maintenance water feature. The result was this enthralling pondless waterfall and stream. Although this was the third water-feature installation on the property, it has quickly become the favorite among her family and guests.
Now, from her living room and favorite chair, Peggy can enjoy a beautiful view of the water feature while she dreams of yesteryear in the Peach State.
Winner: Most Naturalistic
Eric Arntson
Eric Arntson founded Stonebridge Landscape in 2003, with the goal of creating breathtaking outdoor spaces that make a lasting impression. His dedication to craftsmanship, simple flowing lines and use of natural material have informed his unique, organic style of landscape design. This is his third win in our contest.
Here’s an excellent reason to get involved with your local pond society. Thanks to Eric Arntson’s contributions to his local chapter, he managed to meet and sign up an excellent new client . The client ultimately hired his company to undergo a $185,000 complete front and backyard landscape renovation.
The result might leave you wondering exactly where you are. This sprawling, natural-looking habitat certainly doesn’t feel like it’s in the heat of a Texas summer!
The water is 4 ½ feet at its deepest and holds 4,000 gallons, kept tidy with a full aeration system complete with jets. The 15-foot stream incorporates a signature bridge, fish caves, and fish grottos that amass 24 tons of limestone boulders, including 5 tons of oversized limestone. Native lilies planted in dedicated pockets ensure the natural vibe of this bionomical work of art.
Winner: Recreational Ponds
Chris Thompson
Chris Thompson built his first waterfall in 2005, which sparked the idea for his company, Just Add Water, founded in 2006. He has since crafted hundreds of water features, with a dedication to quality and a passion for perfecting his craft. This is Chris’ first contest win.
The homeowners considered themselves big koi lovers but small, indoor tanks limited their hobby. So, they reached out to the Just Add Water team with a tall order. Design and build a spacious, natural pond to house all their cherished fish and accommodate occasional visits from the owners.
As you can see in the photos, they certainly got what they asked for. Chris Thompson and his team crafted a beautiful countryside recreation pond. A wetland filter and intake bay keep the water crystal clear for the koi (and their humans) to thrive. This expansive backyard hangout truly is one of a kind and the perfect marriage of naturalistic koi pond and swimming pond.
This household is now awash in peaceful moments swimming alongside their fish in a serene, outdoor environment designed for relaxation and beauty, serving as a true sanctuary for both koi and owners alike.
View the amazing runners up here.
