Best Hybrid & Specialty Water Feature

This award recognizes an exceptional water feature project that combines multiple design styles, integrates diverse aquatic elements or showcases a unique application that does not fit neatly into traditional categories. Projects may blend naturalistic and formal design, incorporate multiple water feature types or feature specialized architectural, recreational, ecological or functional applications. Entries should demonstrate creativity, thoughtful integration, outstanding craftsmanship, technical execution and overall visual impact.

Eligibility Requirements

• The entry must be a completed water feature project 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 may include a permanent pond, pondless feature, fountain, waterfall, stream or other aquatic installation, either independently or as part of a larger integrated design.
• The project should demonstrate one or more of the following elements, including but not limited to:
  • Blended design styles: Combining naturalistic and formal elements, such as geometric pools transitioning into organic streams or architectural water features incorporating natural stonework and plantings.
  • Multiple water feature types: Integrating ponds, waterfalls, fountains, streams, reflecting pools, spillways or pondless features within a cohesive installation.
  • Specialty aquatic environments: Dedicated koi environments, aquatic plant displays, constructed wetlands, habitat-focused installations or specialized aquatic exhibits.
  • Architectural integration: Water features incorporated into buildings, courtyards, retaining walls, terraces, stairways, outdoor living spaces or other structural elements.
  • Unique construction applications: Elevated ponds, glass-walled ponds, rooftop installations, cantilevered features or projects requiring unconventional structural designs.
  • Innovative materials and techniques: Creative applications of glass, steel, concrete, acrylic, natural stone or other traditional and nontraditional materials.
  • Interactive water features: Walk-through fountains, stepping-stone crossings, water curtains, splash features or installations designed for visitor interaction.
  • Specialized functional applications: Rainwater harvesting, stormwater management, water reuse systems, advanced filtration or automated water feature technologies.
  • Environmental integration: Rain gardens, bioswales, wildlife habitats, ecological water features or installations supporting sustainability objectives.
  • Commercial and public installations: Hospitality water features, public plazas, educational installations, themed environments or specialty commercial displays.
  • Challenging site applications: Water features constructed on steep slopes, confined properties, rooftops, interior spaces or sites requiring unique engineering solutions.
• Projects do not need to incorporate multiple design styles to qualify. A distinctive specialty application or unconventional water feature may be eligible based on its unique design, purpose or execution.
• Projects that clearly align with an existing WATY category may be better suited for that category.
• 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 goals and intended purpose of the water feature.
  • What makes the project a hybrid design, specialty application or unique water feature.
  • How the various design styles, aquatic elements or specialized functions were incorporated.
  • How the project complements its surrounding landscape, architecture or environment.
  • The materials, construction methods and technical systems utilized.
  • Any unique site conditions, engineering requirements or construction challenges that were addressed.
  • How the design achieves functionality, visual appeal and long-term performance.
  • What makes the project award-worthy.
• Four to six high-quality photographs, including:
  • At least one image showing the entire completed water feature.
  • Detailed images highlighting unique design elements, materials, transitions, craftsmanship or specialty applications.
  • Optional before and construction photographs.
  • Additional perspectives demonstrating how the feature integrates with its surroundings.
• One optional unbranded video.
• Optional drone photography when it helps judges understand the project's overall layout, scale or relationship to the surrounding property.

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

Defining a Hybrid & Specialty Water Feature

A hybrid or specialty water feature goes beyond traditional classifications by combining different design styles, integrating multiple aquatic elements or serving a distinctive purpose. These projects may bring together naturalistic and architectural aesthetics, incorporate unconventional materials or construction methods, or address specialized functional, environmental or recreational needs.

Judges should consider how successfully the project's design elements, materials, water movement, technical systems and intended functions work together to create a cohesive installation. The strongest entries will demonstrate originality, thoughtful planning, exceptional craftsmanship and technical proficiency while fulfilling the project's unique objectives.

Projects should not be rewarded simply for incorporating more features or greater complexity. A thoughtfully executed specialty installation should have the same opportunity for recognition as a large-scale hybrid design.

Best Hybrid & Specialty Water Feature Rubric

Guiding Judge Question

Does this project successfully combine multiple design styles, integrate diverse water feature elements or execute a distinctive specialty application while demonstrating exceptional creativity, cohesive design, craftsmanship, technical performance and overall visual impact?

Category	Points	What Judges Look For
Design, Creativity & Landscape Integration	20	How thoughtfully the project combines different design styles, incorporates unique elements or showcases a specialty application. Judges consider originality, shape, scale, materials, plantings, proportion and integration with the surrounding landscape and architecture.
Stonework, Materials & Edge Treatment	20	Quality and placement of natural stone, architectural materials, edge treatments and transitions between different design elements. Judges consider material selection, visual harmony, attention to detail and how effectively contrasting elements complement one another.
Water Movement & Flow	20	The visual appeal and execution of waterfalls, streams, cascades, fountains, spillways or other water movement. Judges consider how water flows through the design, complements the project's scale and style, and enhances the overall experience.
Craftsmanship, Design & Functionality	20	Overall construction quality, attention to detail, finish quality and fulfillment of the project's intended purpose. Judges consider how successfully different design elements or specialty features are incorporated into a cohesive, functional installation.
Overall Visual Impact	20	The project's overall beauty, cohesiveness, creativity, photography and ability to create a memorable impression. Judges consider how successfully the finished installation brings together its unique design elements or specialty applications.
Total	100

Judging Note: Entries should be evaluated according to their individual design objectives and intended applications. Not every project will incorporate multiple design styles, advanced technology or unconventional construction methods. Judges should recognize excellence in the elements relevant to each submission without penalizing projects for features that are not applicable to their design.