Meet the distinguished industry professionals selected to judge the 2026 Water Artisans of the Year Awards, bringing decades of experience, craftsmanship and expertise to this year’s competition.
Yvo de Wal is the founder of The Koi Partner, one of the world’s leading online platforms dedicated to koi and the pond industry. Since 2012, he has documented Japanese koi, ponds, and gardens around the globe, building an audience of hundreds of thousands through educational and behind-the scenes content. A former police officer turned full-time entrepreneur, Yvo is passionate about promoting the industry, connecting professionals, and showcasing excellence in koi keeping and water feature design making him a valued member of the 2026 Water Artisan of the Year judging panel.
Matt Meachum is the Director of Sales at EasyPro Pond Products, where he leads sales strategy, strengthens customer relationships, and supports continued growth across the water feature and lake management industries. With more than 25 years of experience in sales leadership, Matt brings a wealth of industry knowledge and a passion for helping contractors and distributors succeed. His commitment to innovation, customer service, and advancing the water gardening industry makes him a valuable member of the 2026 Water Artisan of the Year judging panel.
Kyle Weemhoff is a Regional Sales Manager at Atlantic-Oase, where he works closely with contractors and distributors to advance innovative water feature solutions and support industry growth. With extensive experience in pond construction, filtration, and water quality, Kyle is a respected educator and frequent presenter at industry conferences, sharing his expertise on water feature design, pond management, and best practices. His technical knowledge and commitment to helping professionals succeed make him a valued member of the 2026 Water Artisan of the Year judging panel.
Diego Asturias, co-founder and co-owner of Fontana Ponds & Water Features in British Columbia, Canada, joins the Water Artisans of the Year judging panel as a two-time WATY winner. Since transitioning from traditional landscaping to specialized water-feature construction, Asturias and his team have built a strong reputation in the pond industry. His experience as both an accomplished water-feature artist and multiple-time WATY winner gives him a valuable perspective on the design, craftsmanship and execution required of award-winning projects.
Dave Duensing of Aquatic Construction Services has more than three decades of experience in the water feature and watershape industry. He is a recognized leader in the design and construction of natural stone formations and living water features throughout the Americas, Caribbean, and beyond. A passionate educator, Dave has presented and provided training for leading professional organizations, including the American Society of Landscape Architects (ASLA), National Association of Pond Professionals (NAPP), and Association of Pool & Spa Professionals (APSP). Dave’s extensive industry knowledge, design expertise, and commitment to craftsmanship make him a distinguished judge for the Water Artisan of the Year Awards.
Ana Arntson, co-founder of the Pond Professional Alliance, joins the Water Artisans of the Year judging panel, bringing a unique perspective rooted in business leadership, communication and community building. A homeschooling mother of four, Ana has also played an integral role in helping transform Stonebridge Pond and Waterfall Co. into the successful water-feature company it is today. Her ability to build meaningful relationships, foster communication and strengthen connections throughout the pond industry brings an important perspective to the WATY judging process. POND Trade is proud to welcome Ana to the WATY judging panel, where her experience as an industry advocate and community builder will help recognize not only exceptional projects, but the people and craftsmanship behind them.
