Best Formal Water Feature

This award recognizes an exceptional formal water feature distinguished by intentional geometry, architectural character, refined materials, and precise craftsmanship. The project should successfully use water as an architectural element while complementing the surrounding landscape, structures, and intended use of the space.

The strongest entries will demonstrate outstanding design, controlled water movement, technical execution, material selection, functionality, and long-term maintainability.

Eligibility Requirements

• The entry must be a completed formal water feature designed and constructed by a professional pond builder or company.
• The project must have been substantially completed within the award program’s eligible timeframe—between Nov. 1, 2025 and Nov. 1, 2026 for the 2026 awards. 
• The project should demonstrate a deliberate formal, geometric, or architectural design rather than primarily attempting to replicate a naturally occurring body of water.
• Eligible projects may include, but are not limited to:
  • Formal ponds
  • Architectural ponds
  • Geometric ponds
  • Reflecting pools
  • Courtyard water features
  • Entryway water features
  • Raised or elevated ponds
  • Formal koi ponds
  • Fountain installations
  • Water walls
  • Rain curtains
  • Rills and runnels
  • Scuppers
  • Spillways and sheer descents
  • Spillway bowls
  • Urns, columns, and sculptural fountains
  • Formal pondless features
  • Features incorporating multiple architectural water elements
• Naturalistic ponds whose primary purpose is to resemble a naturally occurring body of water may be better suited for the Most Naturalistic Pond category.
• The project should demonstrate intentional formal and architectural design through elements such as, but not limited to:
  • Strong geometry, symmetry, proportion, or repetition
  • Clean lines and precise transitions
  • Thoughtful alignment with surrounding architecture
  • High-quality materials and finishes
  • Controlled and visually compelling water movement
  • Effective use of reflection, sound, lighting, and focal points
  • Appropriately proportioned fountains, jets, scuppers, spillways, or cascades
  • Consistent water delivery across spillways or other water effects
  • Reliable circulation, filtration, and water-level management
  • Effective splash containment and water-loss control
  • Concealed or intentionally integrated plumbing and mechanical components
  • Innovation and creativity for the space
• Manufacturer names, company branding, logos, and watermarks must not appear in the judged materials.

Submission Materials

Applicants should provide:

A project narrative explaining:

• The client’s aesthetic and functional goals.
• The design inspiration and intended architectural style.
• How the project complements the surrounding landscape and architecture.
• The materials, finishes, and construction techniques used.
• How geometry, symmetry, proportion, alignment, or repetition influenced the design.
• How water movement, reflection, sound, and lighting were incorporated.
• The filtration, circulation, and water-management approach.
• How plumbing, reservoirs, and mechanical components were concealed or integrated.
• Any site, structural, hydraulic, waterproofing, or construction challenges that were addressed.
• How the feature is maintained.
• What makes the project award-worthy.

Four to six high-quality photographs, including:

• At least one image showing the entire completed water feature.
• Images demonstrating the project’s relationship to the surrounding architecture and landscape.
• Images showing the primary water effects and viewing areas.
• Detailed images of edges, transitions, materials, finishes, and craftsmanship.
• Optional before and construction photographs.
• Evening photographs when lighting is an important part of the design.

A basic project plan or diagram identifying, when applicable:

• The primary pond, basin, or reservoir
• Fountains, jets, spillways, scuppers, or other water-delivery elements
• Water-flow direction
• Filtration and circulation components
• Mechanical and maintenance-access areas
• Lighting or programmed water elements

Applicants may also provide:

• One optional unbranded video demonstrating water movement, sound, lighting, or programmed effects.
• Optional drone photography when it helps judges understand the project’s geometry, scale, and relationship to the property.

The deadline to submit entries for the 2026 Water Artisans of the Year Awards is Dec. 1, 2026.

Defining an Exceptional Formal Water Feature

An exceptional formal pond or water feature should feel purposeful, refined, and architecturally connected to its setting. Its geometry, proportions, materials, water movement, lighting, and finishing details should work together as a unified composition.

Formal design does not need to be minimal or perfectly symmetrical. However, it should demonstrate clear design intent, controlled water movement, precise construction, and a strong relationship to the surrounding built environment.

The strongest projects will combine visual sophistication with dependable engineering, quality construction, appropriate water management, and practical long-term maintenance.

Best Formal Water Feature Rubric

Guiding Judge Question

Does this formal water feature demonstrate a clear architectural vision through exceptional design, precision, materials, water movement, and technical execution while functioning reliably within its setting?

Category	Points	What Judges Look For
Formal Design & Architectural Integration	20	The strength and clarity of the design concept and how successfully the feature’s geometry, scale, proportion, symmetry, repetition, alignment, and placement complement the surrounding architecture and landscape.
Craftsmanship, Materials & Finishing	20	Construction quality, precise alignment, consistent elevations, clean edges, controlled transitions, structural integrity, waterproofing, material selection, finish quality, and attention to detail.
Water Movement & Sensory Experience	20	The quality and intentionality of fountains, jets, spillways, scuppers, cascades, reflection, sound, and lighting. Water effects should be balanced, consistent, properly contained, and appropriate for the setting.
Materials, Details & Creative Elements	20	The selection and coordination of stone, tile, concrete, metal, glass, lighting, plantings, and other finishes. Judges also consider custom details, artistic elements, originality, and creative use of the space.
Overall Visual Impact	20	Judges also consider overall beauty, cohesiveness, presentation, and the ability to create a distinctive and memorable impression.
Total	100