The Esteemed Judges of the Water Artisan of the Year Awards
As the Water Artisan of the Year Awards continue to elevate the standards of excellence within the water-feature industry, the program is guided by an esteemed panel known as the Supreme Stream Court. This distinguished body is composed of past award recipients, master craftsmen, industry leaders, and respected innovators who collectively safeguard the integrity and prestige of the competition.
Each member of the 2025 Court brings a legacy of achievement and a commitment to advancing the craft of aquatic design.
2025 Judges Bring a Legacy of Achievement and Commitment
Internationally respected koi authority Tim Waddington of Quality Nishikigoi and Koi Trips lends decades of global experience to the panel. His expertise in world-class Nishikigoi and advanced water-quality standards ensures entries are evaluated with disciplined precision and a deep understanding of aquatic excellence.
Founder of Platinum Ponds & Landscaping, Ryan Farnol returns to the Awards not as a competitor, but as a former Water Artisan of the Year recipient. With nearly two decades of design-build experience, his perspective reflects both artistic vision and technical execution — a balance critical to identifying true mastery.
Representing Atlantic-Oase, Kendahl Kreps, Director of Marketing, offers a strategic and aesthetic lens shaped by more than a decade in the industry. Her insight ensures projects are assessed not only for craftsmanship, but also for innovation, presentation, and broader industry impact.
Master Certified Aquascape Contractor Stan Suh, founder of Flow Landscape and a 2024 category winner, brings a recent competitor’s perspective grounded in ecosystem design and structural integrity. His work is known for merging durability with natural beauty — qualities mirrored in his judging approach.
A longtime leader in aquatic design, Craig McBride, founder of SwimPond.com and Co-Founder of the Pond Professionals Alliance, represents decades of mentorship, education, and standards-driven leadership. His presence reinforces the Awards’ commitment to professional growth and collaborative advancement.
Rounding out the Court is Chris Thompson, founder of Just Add Water and Water Artisan of the Year honoree in the Recreational Pond category. Known for projects that harmonize human experience with aquatic health, Thompson brings a refined and practical eye to the evaluation process.
Together, the 2025 Supreme Stream Court reflects the depth, diversity, and professionalism of today’s water-feature industry. Their collective expertise ensures that the Water Artisan of the Year distinction remains more than an award — it remains a benchmark of excellence.
Excellence is not simply recognized. It is examined, measured, and earned.
More about the Judges
Tim Waddington – Quality Nishikigoi | Koi Trips
Co-owner of Quality Nishikigoi, one of the UK’s largest Japanese koi outlets, Tim Waddington is an accomplished pond builder and designer with more than two decades of experience in the industry. He has constructed and managed projects of all sizes, from private garden ponds to large-scale commercial installations, and is a regular contributor to koi publications on pond design and construction. With over 60 buying trips to Japan, Tim has cultivated exceptional relationships with top breeders and has supplied Grand Champion koi to major shows worldwide.
Ryan Farnol, Platininum Ponds & Landscaping
As founder of Platinum Ponds & Landscaping in Grand Rapids, Michigan, and a Master Certified Aquascape Contractor, Ryan Farnol is known for blending artistic vision with technical precision. With nearly two decades of experience, Ryan has built a reputation for innovative designs and meticulous craftsmanship. A former 2024 Water Artisan of the Year winner himself, Ryan returns to the contest as a judge, bringing his award-winning perspective and passion for excellence to the panel.
Kendhal Kreps
Director of Marketing, Atlantic-Oase
Since 2013, Kendhal Kreps has served as the Director of Marketing for Atlantic-Oase, where she has shaped the brand’s presence across North America. With over a decade of industry experience, Kendhal has a sharp eye for design, a talent for storytelling, and a deep appreciation for artfully executed water features. Her insight into both aesthetics and the business of water feature creation makes her a valued addition to the judging team.
Stan Suh, Founder, Flow Landscape
The founder of Flow Landscape in Corona, California, Stan Suh is a Master Certified Aquascape Contractor celebrated for his low-maintenance ecosystem ponds and nature-inspired designs. With more than 15 years of experience in large-scale commercial landscape construction, Stan has an unmatched ability to merge durability with beauty. Winner of the “Pondless” category in the 2024 Water Artisan of the Year competition, Stan now brings his keen technical and artistic eye to the 2025 judging table.
Craig McBride, Swim Pond, Pond Professionals of America
Craig McBride’s career in aquatic design spans decades, beginning as an aquarium hobbyist and evolving into founding All Aquatics and SwimPond.com in Texas. As Co-Founder of the Pond Professionals Alliance, Craig is a leader in industry education, standards, and collaboration. Known for spearheading large-scale ecosystem-focused builds like the celebrated PPA Swim Pond at the 2025 Water Garden Expo, Craig’s judging role reflects his dedication to innovation, mentorship, and sustainable aquatic design.
Chris Thompson, Just Add Water
Chris Thompson, founder of Just Add Water in Des Moines, Iowa, is a Master Certified Aquascape Contractor whose work blends beauty with functionality. Since building his first waterfall in 2005, Chris has become known for creating ponds, waterfalls, and fountains that harmonize human enjoyment with aquatic health. He earned the 2024 Water Artisan of the Year honors in the Recreational Pond category for a swim-pond that seamlessly merged koi habitat with swimming space. His creative vision and passions for client collaboration will play a central role in the judging process.
