About

“The will to win, the desire to succeed, the urge to reach your full potential… these are the keys that will unlock the door to personal excellence.”

– Confucius

Our Mission

The International Watershape Institute (IWI) is committed to elevating the professionalism, creativity, technical competency and culture of the watershaping industry. Through education, mentorship, and comradery based shared personal and professional experiences, IWI members are unified by their passion for perfecting the art and science of water.

Our Vision

We envision a future where every watershape project is crafted by professionals who are rigorously educated, trained, and certified. The IWI strives to provide a continuous education pathway that elevates the industry standard, expanding the workforce of qualified individuals. Through our efforts, we aim to cultivate a network that connects clients with highly skilled experts, fostering excellence and innovation in every project.

Perfecting the Art & Science of Water

The International Watershape Institute (IWI) exists because human beings universally love water. The desire to be near, in, on, or even under water is why so many consumers and businesses alike invest in pools, spas, hot tubs, fountains, ponds, streams, waterfalls, splash pads and countless other watershapes.

The professionals who started IWI in 2020, and those who have qualified to join its ranks since, recognize this hardwired desire for recreational and decorative water. As a result, they have identified the need, and more importantly the opportunity, to elevate the industry that designs, engineers and builds watershape of all types. In doing so, IWI has stepped into a professional void and has defined the future of watershapes, and all who enjoy them.

IWI’s guiding principle is simple and profound: by defining, maintaining and promoting industry education at the highest possible standards, more people will ultimately reap the benefits of watershape ownership, and all that goes with it

Affiliated with Watershape University, the industry’s leading education provider, IWI members exemplify excellence and leadership at every turn. They are the artists and artisans leading the way, the star-chamber of professionals who have stepped up to collectively define the pathways to success, customer satisfaction, and the all-encompassing benefits of the watershape experience.

Put another way, IWI trades in the currency of health and happiness, while standing on the foundations of ethics, professional conduct, technical expertise, and artistic excellence.

In the world of water, IWI is the very best of the best!

Our Values

Principled leadership

Defined by transparency, integrity, and ethical decision-making, we foster a supportive culture and strong network, while also building lasting partnerships with our clients and communities.

Technical innovation/advancement​

We are driven to deliver cutting-edge solutions that not only enhance quality, efficiency, and client satisfaction but also contribute to the industry’s evolution.

Social altruism​

Our education/culture emphasizes the impact of pools and other man-made bodies as the gateway to health, fun, and social, unity, creating an impact of well-being for the industry and society at large.

IWI Leadership Team

Benjamin Lasseter, IWI

David J. Peterson, P.E., IWI

Watershape Consulting

David Penton, IWI

Fluid Dynamics Pool & Spa Inc.

J.C. Escudero, IWI

J Design Pools & Spa

Jason B. Brownlee, IWI

JBrownlee Design

Joe Dempsey, Jr., IWI

Lea Frederick, IWI

Michael Nantz, IWI

Paul Benedetti, IWI

Aquatic Technology Pool & Spa

Rick T. Chafey, IWI

William T. Drakeley, ACI, IWI

Drakeley Pool Company