FOUNDERS

Jeromey Naugle

Jeromey is a self-taught designer who got his start building pools. When that template-driven industry couldn’t build his innovative designs, he moved on, opening Premier Paradise Inc. Using his background from job-site experience, Jeromey is able to understand physical complexities and design his way out of them much faster and easier than other pool designers. Built into his company is the philosophy that no project should ever be reproduced. While other designers may tout the word ‘custom,’ Jeromey’s opposes the vernacular on the basis that every pool should be tailored to its owners.

In a climate such as Arizona’s, there’s no shortage of competing pool companies, but Jeromey stands alone in a class of watershapers. His clients would say that he’s the most expensive designer in town but also that he’s worth it. He takes care of the job as if it were going in his own backyard.

Whereas other pool designers tell clients what they should have, Jeromey listens. His ‘nerdy, detailed’ side makes lists; his outgoing side makes jokes. By the end of the first meeting, most clients are ready to sign the dotted line on personal connection alone.

“It’s a privilege to me to come to work and do what I do,” he says.
Jeromey is currently filming a pilot show for DIY Network called Pool Kings, scheduled to air this fall. He is terrified of snakes and loves spending time with his wife and three kids at their home in Phoenix.

Tributary Pools founder Jeromey Naugle

Kurt Kraisinger

PLA, SWD, LEEDAP

Having started his career in master planning, Kurt understands how to integrate components for an engaging space that connects with the surroundings and sets the stage for ultimate entertaining.

Kurt feels many pool designs are generic and are implemented without forethought. When undertaking a large pool project, forethought is an absolute must and design features that match the scale and type of project are key. “Some features look plugged in like LEGOs,” he says. “I don’t design from a kit of parts that artificially attaches.”

After graduating from K-State with a degree in landscape architecture, Kurt opened an office in Kansas City doing master planning. He then launched landscape architecture firm LORAX Design Group in 2009 followed by Liquify Pools + Spas in 2013. A large portion of his work is high-end residential, which he enjoys most because of the adaptable work schedule, creative input and financial flexibility to do the job right.

He consistently strives to design in tandem with a client’s lifestyle and uses his own tradesmen to verify the work quality is consistent with his design. He’s as equally adept at designing elaborate environments as he is with simple pool designs. He recently completed the Genesis Educational Program and is the first SWD accredited individual in Kansas City (Society of Watershape Designers).

“It’s not just about design and something looking cool, it’s a functional space that people can actually use,” he says. He regularly educates his clients on everything from the need for planned contingencies to proper material selection, and is open to client ideas without letting them drive the project. In this way, Kurt delivers a superior creative design from concept to completion.

Kurt loves the outdoors, especially hiking and camping. Each summer, he takes his 10-year-old son on across-country tour of baseball stadiums. He lives with his family in Overland Park, Kansas.

Tributary Pools founder Kurt Kraisinger