DESIGN 2321: ESSENTIAL HISTORY OF WATER IN ARCHITECTURE (LIVE IN-PERSON AND ONLINE)
Explore how water has shaped architecture, cities, and culture across civilizations—and how those timeless principles can elevate modern watershape design. This immersive 16‑hour course blends history, design theory, and practical application to help you create projects rooted in beauty, meaning, and architectural significance.
You’ll examine fountains, baths, canals, civic works, and iconic water features from around the world, uncovering the design lessons they offer today’s architects, landscape architects, builders, and watershapers.
Event Details
WHAT YOU WILL LEARN
- Discuss the importance of water in the built environment.
- Describe how water influenced civilization, city development, and architectural evolution.
- Identify landmark water‑related projects every designer should know.
- Apply historical design lessons to modern watershaping—and understand what they signal for the future of the industry.
This course fulfills a requirement for the IWI pathway (CWD, CWP, and IWI certifications).
Certified Watershape Designer (CWD)
All watershape projects begin with design. This respected certification requires mastery of perspective drawing, design principles, color theory, materials, and textures—forming the foundation of design excellence.
COURSE REQUIREMENT
DESIGN 2321 + 3 additional courses View full certification requirements on the Watershape University website.
meet your instructor
Michael Nantz, IWI
Michael Nantz, IWI is principal and founder of Elite Concepts, Inc., an international, progressive design/build firm of refined watershapes located in Dallas, Texas since 1991.
With a vast geographical reach — currently some 76 cities, 11 states, 2 Territories, 5 countries — Mike’s work product is in high demand. With a depth of industry expertise, he is frequently retained by architects, landscape architects, contractors, pool builders and home owners, as well as attorneys in need of expert witness.
Mike has lectured and instructed across the United States, Canada and Europe on subjects directly related to swimming pool design, construction and business practices.
Passionate about education, Nantz is a Watershape University faculty member and served as the University’s first Dean of Culture. He currently serves as WU’s Dean of Design.
Avoid onsite registration and
travel recommendations
BY AIR
Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) – 30–35 minutes from McKinney
Dallas Love Field (DAL) – 35–40 minutes from McKinney
GROUND TRANSPORTATION OPTIONS
Rental cars (most convenient for moving between hotel, venue, and dining)
Rideshare (Uber/Lyft widely available)
Limited hotel shuttles depending on property
accommodations
- Denizen McKinney Hotel – Modern, boutique‑style stay just minutes from the venue.
- Holiday Inn Express & Suites McKinney – Frisco East – Reliable, comfortable, and close to dining.
- La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham McKinney – Affordable with breakfast and a heated outdoor pool.
- Quality Inn Allen – Plano East – Straightforward stay with indoor pool and sauna.
nearby attractions
- Historic Downtown McKinney – A walkable district with shops, restaurants, and preserved 19th‑century architecture .
- Erwin Park – Hiking, biking, and scenic outdoor space for a quick nature break