David B. Duensing, a longtime waterscape and hardscape designer and builder, has an extreme passion for natural rock. Over the last few decades, he has developed sources for some magnificent examples of rock, which often come with a story. Having spent nearly as much time in search of perfect rocks as he has in constructing and placing those rocks, Dave’s resources for natural rock are as broad and multifaceted as they are interesting, and a valuable asset to gardens and landscapes. After the creation of David B. Duensing & Associates Inc in 1989, Duensing focused his efforts on learning and perfecting the design and construction techniques required to perform at the top of the industry. In 2006, he formed Aquatic Construction Services (ACS) which specializes in the construction aspect of natural rock formations and living water features. In 2019, Dave created a division within ACS that assists other professional and landowners in sourcing the very best natural rock possible for specific projects and clients.
Rock Sourcing

Source the Perfect Rock

By David Duensing / December 30, 2023 / 0 Comments

So, you might’ve thought this article was going to be about rocks. You’re wrong — but then again, you’re right! If you are a water feature builder or designer, rock is probably one of the largest material and labor investments of your projects. If this is the case, then we  need to look at options to […]

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How to Select Rocks & Boulders for Ponds

By David Duensing / December 29, 2021 / 2 Comments

I have learned that for pond construction builds to look great and strive for efficiency, I need to hand-select almost all my rocks for the project. On smaller projects for Aquatic Construction Services where we may be using only three to five semi loads, these rocks can normally be selected by walking around the stone […]

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Incorporationg Drones in Water Feature Design & Construction

By David Duensing / December 29, 2021 / 1 Comment

Over the last several decades of designing and building water features, it has been my observation that the water feature profession is heavily weighted on the artistic side, with minimal advanced tools, technology and specialized equipment being applied. Granted, the majority of water features and garden fountains are relatively small, but at what point should […]

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home on a cliff on St. Kitts

Boulder Water Wall Assembly in the Caribbean

By David Duensing / December 26, 2019 / 0 Comments

Rock formations and geology have been of intrigue to me for most of my life. I am awed by the extreme curvatures, rifting and deformation of solid rock layers commonly seen along the interstates in the Rocky and Appalachian Mountains. Recently it was requested that I construct a boulder water wall at a private residence […]

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A Water Artisans of the Year Judge Shares Aesthetic and Design Guidelines

By David Duensing / August 31, 2017 / 0 Comments

When someone asks you what you do for a living, do you notice that moment of confusion — those two or three seconds of blankness in their eyes as they try to visualize what you actually do? >> Are you crazy about Pond Designs, we are! Visit our archive page for ideas and developments. Many […]

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Sights and Sounds of Spectacular Waterfalls

By David Duensing / April 29, 2016 / 0 Comments

>> See the entire set of waterfall images, visit our Pond Gallery Spotlight. Remember how much fun it was as a child to redirect the flow of water in a small creek or a muddy water seep after a rain storm? It’s a fascinating effort, and it can consume hours of a child’s time. This […]

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Pond Construction | Chinese Pagoda Water Garden Stimulates Mind and Spirit

By David Duensing / October 29, 2015 / 2 Comments

Chinese and Japanese water gardens are by far my favorite of all the “living” water feature types, both to visit and to design. They are also the most challenging to both design and build! This style has been enjoyed for thousands of years. Kings and members of the nobility commissioned and perfected them as early […]

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Swim Ponds Provide Good, Clean Fun

By David Duensing / June 30, 2015 / 3 Comments

What are your early memories of having fun in the water? Playing in the creek in your hometown park; fishing in the farm pond at a family reunion; swimming at a lake during a family vacation? For me, I grew up alongside a river and near gravel quarries in northern Illinois. I can’t even remember […]

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