2025 Water Artisans of the Year Runners-Up and their projects define the margins of excellence
Each year, the Water Artisans of the Year judging process reveals just how high that bar has become. Projects earning runner-up distinction are not secondary achievements; they represent work that pushed the judges into careful deliberation and stood shoulder-to-shoulder with this year’s top honors. In several categories, the margins were narrow, underscoring both the depth of talent within the field and the evolving standards of the craft.
As with all Water Artisans of the Year entries, runner-up projects were reviewed anonymously by an independent panel of judges, with no contractor names, company affiliations or brand identifiers revealed during evaluation. The contest remains entirely unsponsored, preserving a level playing field and ensuring recognition is based solely on design, craftsmanship and execution.
PONDLESS RUNNER-UP – Cody Gilstrap
Cody Gilstrap, River Rock Water Gardens
Bentonville, Arkansas – USA
This project transformed the unused slope below our client’s pool into a functional outdoor living space designed for relaxation and connection. Utilizing the property’s natural seven-foot elevation, a stepped, 30-foot pondless waterfall was created using 30 tons of mossy boulders.
Decorative water bowls and sculptural elements allow the feature to be experienced from multiple levels, while a walkdown path and lower seating area offer an immersive perspective.
Low-maintenance plantings and a fire pit complete the space, turning a former hillside into a peaceful retreat.
FOUNTAINS & FORMAL FEATURES RUNNER-UP
Charlie Ross, Virginia Water Gardens
Fredericksburg, VA – USA
Built in the heart of Washington, D.C., this 90-foot formal pond sits atop a parking garage, demanding innovative engineering under strict structural limits.
Designed and built by Virginia Water Gardens, the project replaces traditional gravel with 75,000 lightweight bioballs to achieve effective wetland filtration without exceeding load restrictions. Precision-cut flagstone substitutes for heavy boulders, reinforcing the refined aesthetic. Installed entirely by hand within a condominium courtyard, the finished pond demonstrates how thoughtful engineering can preserve elegance, performance and design integrity under extreme constraints.
MOST NATURALISTIC RUNNER-UP
Brian Buchholtz
PondWorks
Pottstown, PA – USA
This signature project transformed a challenging site into a dynamic
aquatic experience for a repeat client. Positioned between
the road and residence, the waterscape flows beneath a precast concrete arched bridge finished with hand-applied fieldstone veneer.
Leveraging a 10-foot elevation change, the design features a connected stream, three ponds and two waterfalls spanning nearly half an acre. Native-planted wetland zones provide natural filtration,
while locally sourced stone unifies the installation, balancing boldscale with ecological integrity and lasting beauty.
RECREATION PONDS RUNNER-UP
Daniel Taylor, Taylor’d Waterscapes
Queensland – AU
This recreational pond brings a long-imagined vision to life, balancing swimming, entertaining and natural integration within a tree-lined property. Inspired by a natural waterhole, the pond features a sand beach entry, a submerged sandstone bench and a deeper area designed for jumping. A wetland filter and sculpted waterfall provide circulation, sound and habitat. Built on a challenging backfilled slope, the finished pond blends seamlessly into the landscape and now serves as a year-round extension of the home’s outdoor living space.
