Giuseppe Agrippa is a veteran landscaping artist with over 25 years of experience in the industry. He’s an award-winning creator of immersive environments, specializing in full-scale pool installations that integrate lighting, gardens, and custom-built patios.
Q: What are some changes in the kinds of requests you’re getting from clients over the last year?
GIUSEPPE AGRIPPA: We have more people asking for microspaces, which are compact, multifunctional areas that are an artistic extension of the home. Things like plunge pools tucked away in a side yard or a fire-lounge with built-in seating. I love this trend because it’s a chance to apply aesthetic design techniques that I’ve tried to hone over my career. It’s a chance to push yourself and acquire more knowledge that you can then offer to the client on the next project. But clients want to maximize every square foot of their yards and their properties, and we’re excited to lend our ideas.
Q: What’s trending in pool design right now?
GIUSEPPE AGRIPPA: People in urban areas with limited space are discovering that they can integrate plunge pools into their properties seamlessly and efficiently. There’s a nice sense of competition in the industry for creative designs for these pools. We’re integrating smart technology like app-controlled lighting, heating, and filtration systems that offer convenience and energy efficiency.
Q: How about for traditional pools?
GIUSEPPE AGRIPPA: For traditional pools, people want to have a more seamless transition between the pool area and the rest of the yard. There’s more of a use of mixed materials like stone, wood, and composite decking to create a cohesive look throughout the yard. Biophilic design is also huge. Our clients are asking for natural textures, different water and irrigation features, and native plants to create a calm environment.
Q: Do you think clients are approaching outdoor spaces as wellness retreats?
GIUSEPPE AGRIPPA: Yes, many of them are. Wellness is always a major driver in outdoor design. Clients are requesting features like yoga decks, meditation gardens, and hot tubs that feel like you’re at a spa. So we’re working to create designs that incorporate all the senses – things like the sound of water, the natural soil you walk on, different lighting designs, things that promote a sense of well-being. We’re creating spaces that engage all the senses, incorporating elements like the sound of water, natural materials underfoot, and soft lighting.
Q: Any features or materials you’re excited about this year?
GIUSEPPE AGRIPPA: I love integrating shade sails into backyard designs. They’re functional, obviously, and they can be grandiose in the right setting. They can create the perfect color pop and add a sense of whimsy to an otherwise straightforward design. I think people are also more open to creating a full-on kitchen in their backyard, with pizza ovens and weatherproof appliances, making it a full-fledged entertainment area. I like taking on those kinds of challenges and building on our past work to deliver exceptional quality to our clients.
