From Culinary Creations to Pool Innovations
Nick Buchholz, founder of Basin Pool Designs, approaches the art of pool building with the precision and creativity of a world-class chef. While his career began in the kitchen, his passion for creating immersive environments seamlessly transitioned into the realm of custom pool design, reshaping backyard spaces into artistic masterpieces. Based in Tennessee, Basin Pool Designs stands out for creating pools that are more akin to art installations than mere backyard features.
The culinary roots of Buchholz’s approach reveal themselves through his meticulous attention to detail and creative processes, drawing a parallel between crafting a gourmet meal and designing a luxurious pool. His philosophy—layering materials and elements much like ingredients in a dish—sets Basin Pool Designs apart as a leader in innovative pool experiences.
Crafting Unique Outdoor Experiences
From Culinary Arts to Outdoor Artistry
Nick Buchholz initially pursued a culinary career in Tennessee, dedicating his early years to fine dining and learning under top chefs. However, the demanding hours of the restaurant industry drove him to seek a new creative outlet, leading him to pool and landscape design. Self-taught in computer-aided design (CAD) and other tools, he embraced the digital revolution in design, merging his artistic instincts with technical expertise.
After gaining valuable experience with top firms in Phoenix, Buchholz returned to Tennessee, establishing Basin Pool Designs. His journey from culinary arts to custom pool design enriches each project with an eye for innovation and finesse, creating pools that are truly exceptional.
Basin Pool Designs: Beyond the Ordinary
While many pool builders focused on high-volume projects during the recent boom, Buchholz chose a different path, concentrating on bespoke designs with meticulous detail. His emphasis on quality and uniqueness is evident in every project, showcasing innovative layouts and materials that elevate the entire aesthetic without necessarily relying on opulent price tags.
Drawing from a “peasant food fit for a king” philosophy, Buchholz employs smart, economical material choices to create luxury experiences without exceptional costs. This approach ensures each project reflects thoughtful design principles and stands as a testament to Basin Pool Designs’ commitment to excellence.
Precision and Expertise in Pool Design
The Process: Part Art, Part Engineering
Buchholz’s process begins with an immersive understanding of his client’s vision and the site’s architectural context. His commitment to seamless integration between outdoor and indoor spaces drives his pursuit of design excellence, ensuring that every line and curve serves a purpose.
Beyond aesthetic charm, Buchholz’s projects boast unparalleled engineering precision. From resilient plumbing systems to advanced structural elements, his work meets commercial-grade standards, earning the trust and admiration of clients and industry professionals alike.
A Circle of Inspiration
Inspired by his experiences in the Southwest and collaborations with leading designers, Buchholz draws on a wide array of influences beyond the pool industry. Participation in industry groups like Tributary Revelation and Genesis, along with insights from architects and designers, inform his distinctive style.
One notable project—a striking elliptical pool inspired by an airplane nose cone—showcases Buchholz’s ability to blend innovation with organic design principles, demonstrating the marriage of bold creativity and harmonious execution.
Intentional Spaces, Calming Energy
For Buchholz, successful pool design evokes a sense of calm and balance. His projects often maintain a minimalist aesthetic, integrating natural elements to create soothing water features and thoughtful reflections of the surrounding environment.
Striving for tranquility, he emphasizes clean lines and earth tones to achieve serene outdoor spaces—each pool designed to provide a restorative experience for its users.
Selective by Design
Basin Pool Designs prides itself on its discerning approach, aligning with clients who appreciate thoughtful craftsmanship and innovative design. This selective ethos ensures projects reflect both the client’s and the designer’s creative vision, pushing creative and technical boundaries with each build.
Buchholz thrives on the challenges of complex design requests, from intricate geometry to comprehensive outdoor compositions, ensuring that every project presents an opportunity for innovation and artistry.
What’s Next for Basin Pool Designs?
Looking forward, Buchholz aspires to explore concepts that merge structural integrity with organic beauty. His vision includes creating visually captivating perimeter-overflow pools that maintain a calming presence, expanding the possibilities of modern pool design.
Dedicated to excellence, Buchholz continues to approach each new project with the dedication and skill that have become the hallmark of Basin Pool Designs, consistently delivering unparalleled outdoor experiences.
Curious to learn more from industry experts like Nick Buchholz? Tune into Pool Magazine’s podcast for in-depth insights on the evolving world of pool design.
Photo Credits: Builder: Basin Pool Designs | Photographer: Jimi Smith Photography
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