GENESIS® D318: Design That Feels: Color, Materials, and Storytelling in High-Impact Aquatic Spaces
Tuesday, January 26, 2027: 1:30 PM - 3:00 PM
CEU Credits:1.5
Speaker(s)
Description
Great aquatic design is not only about shape, scale, hydraulics, or construction detail. It is also about how a space makes people feel. This GENESIS session explores how color, material selection, texture, contrast, light, and storytelling influence the emotional experience of pools, spas, water features, and outdoor living environments. Led by Feras Irikat, GENESIS Design® Faculty Advisor and Vice President of Brand Strategy & Design at Island Stone, this session will help attendees think beyond product selection and begin using design psychology as a practical tool for creating more memorable, client-centered spaces. Participants will examine how color theory, cultural context, material language, and emerging design trends can be translated into stronger design concepts, better client conversations, and more cohesive finished projects.
Tracks:
Learning Objectives
1. Explain how color, texture, contrast, and material selection influence the emotional experience of aquatic spaces.
2. Apply basic principles of color psychology and design storytelling to pool, spa, and outdoor living projects.
3. Evaluate material and finish selections based on visual cohesion, client goals, environmental context, and long-term design intent.
4. Develop stronger client-facing design narratives that connect aesthetic choices to emotion, function, and project value."