As architects, we know that pools are more than just a way to beat the heat—they’re an experience. Whether perched on a cliffside or nestled beneath heritage oaks, each of these pools reflects our studio’s commitment to site-specific design, lifestyle integration, and sensory immersion. With summer in full swing, we’re sharing some of our favorite pools—from completed sanctuaries to future dreamscapes—that capture the spirit of the season.

1. Cliffside Drive – A Staycation Dream

Imagine stepping from your living room onto a shaded wraparound porch, framed by palm trees and opening to an infinity edge pool that melts into the horizon. At Cliffside Drive, this is reality. This Balinese-inspired retreat connects house and landscape in seamless harmony, turning a private residence into a year-round resort.

2. Malibu Bluff Estate – Oceanfront Oasis

Set high above the Pacific on a dramatic bluff, this minimalist pool floats at the edge of the world. With a custom-built poolside pavilion for shade and serenity, Malibu Bluff Estate balances elemental drama with elegant restraint—perfect for sunset swims or long lounge days overlooking the Pacific Coast Highway.

3. Dark Horse Ranch – A Resilient Refuge

Some pools carry stories. At Dark Horse Ranch, the pool survived a house fire that destroyed the original home. Today, it’s embraced by a low-slung ranch clad in reclaimed wood, rebuilt as an homage to endurance and renewal. Beneath the cooling canopy of mature oak trees, the pool offers a peaceful contrast to the heat of the season.

4. Bonsall West – Where Modern Meets Meditative

In this minimalist modern residence, the pool is not an accessory—it’s part of the architecture. Running alongside the main living spaces of the L-shaped home, this linear pool creates an elegant threshold between indoors and out. Sliding glass doors blur the boundary, inviting water, light, and landscape to flow freely through everyday life.

5. Fernhill – A Slice of Bali at Home

Tucked within a compound of interconnected cottages, the Fernhill pool is a lush, transportive sanctuary. At its heart: an antique pavilion shipped from Bali, lovingly reassembled atop a raised deck. Here, design honors both craft and calm, making this pool a favorite destination for quiet mornings or golden hour gatherings.

Honorable Mentions: Pools with a Story (or a Vision)

TRANCAS CANYON

An early but timeless bluff-top pool with panoramic ocean views. A classic that still makes our summer shortlist.

OTC 3 (Unbuilt)

Designed for a rustic modern retreat in Topanga, this dream pool links directly to a double-height living space via a two-sided fireplace. We’re already imagining the night swims.

HONESUCKLE FARMS (Unbuilt)

A summer party pool concept in Mississippi, featuring a beach entry, sport-friendly depths, and a dramatic open-air pavilion for dining, lounging, and sunset storytelling.

Pools are not just for swimming—they’re for living. Whether realized or imagined, each of these designs tells a story about place, people, and the power of water to transform a home. We design pools that connect with their context, enhance daily rituals, and invite moments of joy, calm, and connection.

Stay cool this summer—and if you’re dreaming up your own perfect pool, you know where to find us.