The pool house is crafted in the same style as the main house and provides the perfect spot for rest after a day of water fun. The milled bluestone diving rock complements the colorful hues of the Indian limestone deck. Structure by Lakota Builders
Design Sense
When James Scott, owner of Group Works, sits down to design a watershape, he approaches it as a landscape designer, not as a pool builder. “My design is attuned to the land’s broader perspective,” Scott says. “I look at the entire surroundings and not just the pool.” This thoughtful analysis—from elevation changes within the land to the project’s architectural appropriateness—means that Group Works treats each undertaking as an exclusive fulfillment of the property and of the homeowner’s desires.
Scott comes from a long family history in the swimming pool business. In fact, he and his family built one of the first negative-edge pools in the Northeast. Nine years ago, Scott launched Group Works. “Venturing out on my own has allowed me to direct every project personally—from the concept through construction,” Scott says. The response has been positive: Almost every new client is referred by an existing client or other tradespeople. When it comes to finish materials, Scott strives to break out of the commonalities seen throughout his region. Using glass tile as an interior surface is just one example. “Others have been afraid to use glass tile in the Northeast because of harsh winters, but the real issue is that not all builders are educated in how to work with it,” he says. In addition to aesthetics, Scott focuses on hydraulics and engineering, which enables him to lower the after-construction cost. His approach is also environmentally friendly, often including solar heating and variable speed pumps.
Scott is a platinum member of the Genesis 3 Design Group and a member of the Society of Watershape Designers. It is through this affiliation that he is able to continue his educational pursuit, as well as exchange ideas with his peers. Additionally, Scott belongs to the American Society of Landscape Architects and is a Certified Building Professional with the Association of Pool & Spa Professionals.