Who We Are

Our firm has a depth of experience that includes the design of over 225 pools by its principal, Richard Scott.  Over 35 projects have been designed since our founding in 2005. The focus of our design work has been indoor competition and leisure pool projects since 1989. 

While Aquatic Excellence’s services are primarily as a swimming pool design consultant, we know that operating a natatorium or recreation center is a costly endeavor.  That is why we plan our projects with an eye towards future profitability. 

Owner
Aquatic Excellence

Richard Scott has designed over 225 aquatic centers over the last thirty years. Specializing in competition pool, therapy pool, leisure pool and aquatic center design since 1989, Richard has been in the forefront of innovative design of these projects. Although he has designed several world class venues for competition, such as the Atlanta Olympic Pools, most of his work has been in designing aquatic facilities for schools and communities that need multipurpose space for instruction, water exercise, arthritis classes, swim teams, fitness lap swimming and recreation.

Richard developed his swimming pool design and estimating skills by serving as a principal of a small architectural firm that grew into a large firm over fifteen years. For the last fifteen years, prior to establishing Aquatic Excellence in 2005, he was a principal and Vice President at the two largest aquatics consulting firms in the U.S. He has unparalleled experience as a result of this work.

Due to this experience he has been recognized as a Preferred Provider by USA Swimming.

Education

M.A. – University of New Mexico, 1973
B.A. – The American University, 1967

Registration

Registered Architect since 1978, 25 states with 2 pending & NCARB
NSPF Training: Certified Pool Operator

Community Involvement

Member – American Institute of Architects, Austin Chapter
Past President – AIA Albuquerque Chapter
Past Director – New Mexico Society of Architects
Lifetime Member and Past Official – USA Swimming
CEFPI Member; TPPC Member

Click here for a complete list of projects by Richard.

Principal Engineer, Mechanical Designer

Aquatic Excellence

Rich Klarck has been a designer and an engineer in the Aquatic Design industry his entire professional career, over 25 years.  His aquatic background extends from the planning & engineering design of facilities through the design and manufacture of pool related products and components.  Rich’s project experience ranges from leisure facilities, including water parks and family aquatic centers, through competitive facilities.

Rich began his aquatic design career as mechanical engineer designing filters, perimeter stainless steel gutters, and deck equipment for Adolf Kiefer and Associates. He developed his swimming pool design and evaluation skills as a mechanical designer for a Paragon pool builder,  the largest aquatic consulting firm in the US, and PHN Architects. For three years prior to joining Aquatic Excellence, Rich Klarck evaluated, planned, and designed pools as a consultant on his own. Rich joined Aquatic Excellence full time in 2008.

Education

Wayne State University

Bachelor of Science Mechanical Engineering 1987

Click here for a complete list of projects by Rich.

Dale DeClue, Principal Engineer – our very experienced engineer who has worked with Joel and Richard in 3 firms over the last fifteen years, registered in thirty plus states as a professional engineer, responsible for quality control. (16 years in aquatics design.)

Joel Roderick, Principal Designer – our world class designer who has worked with Richard in 3 firms and swears he will never go back to a cubicle. You speak his language if you know what a Wacom Cintiq is. Most of us do not know the world of computers, state swimming pool regulations, diving dimension intricacies like he does, but trust Joel to know what you are talking about in the world of swimming whether it is competition or recreation pools. (15 years experience in aquatic design).

Jessica Van Herwaarden, Design Specialist – worked with Joel, Dale and Richard in two firms; outstanding pool and computer knowledge. (8 years in aquatics design.)

Jon Scott, Project Manager  – national level swimmer, swim coach, future civil engineer and principal; highly motivated to complete civil engineering degree and move from project manager to principal. Jon sought ownership of the marketing department and is committed to growing the firm. (4 years experience in aquatics design.)

Sarah Scott Handy, President, Project Manager  – national level swimmer, swim coach, our team leader in charge of strategic thinking, scheduling and planning; one of our four project managers who travels to sites. She got her Project Management training at IBM Global Services and her business management experience in running her own Personal Coaching company. (2 years experience in aquatics design.)

Rob Outman,  Design & Support Specialist – has the distinction of being our first employee, Joel’s best friend, an AutoCAD ace, Revit convert and IT expert who keeps our network up and prepares most of our documents. He has worked with Joel and Dale at two aquatics firms and has an excellent knowledge of architectural documentation as well as pool.  (5 years experience in aquatics design.)

Kyle Handy, Special Projects – our back office business school ace in website design, brochures, and QuickBooks. You probably won’t see Kyle on a job site unless there is a requirement for VGB Act research or diving. (2 years experience in aquatics.)

Jamie Whitfill, Field Representative  – former pool builder who does our field work (based in the Houston area); teaches CPO courses; company water chemistry specialist. We really value Jamie’s contribution to our firm and wonder how we got along without him. (25 years in aquatics.)

Copyright  © 2009  Aquatic Excellence.  All Rights Reserved.