The Evolution of J Designs Luxury Pool Experts Since 2007

Have you ever wondered how much swimming pool design and construction have changed in the last 18 years?

Or how a company can evolve from sketching pools on paper to building luxury outdoor living spaces with 3D renderings, smart automation, and award-winning design?

At J Designs, we’ve spent nearly two decades evolving not just in what we build, but in how we think, lead, and collaborate.  This is the story of how our brand grew from humble beginnings to becoming one of Southern California’s most trusted names in outdoor living.

From Humble Beginnings to Modern Mastery

2007 When It All Began

We started small, as a family-owned business with big dreams, working with hand-drawn plans and scheduling appointments via landline. Our first pools were functional and traditional, but we always asked:

• How can we improve the process for our clients?
• How can we design smarter and build stronger?

Those questions became the foundation of our evolution.

Building Intelligence Into Every Phase

From Sketches to Immersive 3D models

We quickly adopted CAD and early 3D tools, helping clients see their future backyard, not just imagine it. Today, we use fully immersive renderings and video walkthroughs that bring designs to life.

More than a “wow factor,” these tools have improved communication, accelerated decision-making, and built lasting trust.

Education That Transformed Our Team

We committed early on to becoming experts, not just contractors.

Our team has earned certifications in:

• Structural design
• Hydraulics and water flow
• Soil and geotechnical understanding
• Waterproofing and material compatibility
  …and more.

Our CEO, JC, went a step further, becoming a faculty member at Watershape University.  That leadership now drives how we train, design, and build every day.

“This level of education doesn’t just improve our work, it shapes how we think.”

Interior Finishes & Partnerships That Build Trust

We've evolved from bare plaster to offering refined finish options like pebble aggregates, glass tile blends, and enhanced cement surfaces, all with the durability today’s clients expect.

And we’re not just using these products, we’re certified by the brands themselves.  We’re approved builders for top finish manufacturers like PebbleTec®,  Wet Edge®, and others. We’re also factory-trained and listed by trusted equipment suppliers, automation brands, and automatic pool cover systems.

That means:

• Better installations
• Extended warranties
• Early access to innovations
• Recognition as a trusted professional in the field

Building Smarter Pools, Reflecting a Smarter Brand

Pool equipment has come a long way, and so have we. We’ve moved from noisy, single-speed pumps to fully automated, app-controlled systems.

Today, clients can manage lighting, heating, jets, and sanitation with the tap of a screen. Systems are more energy-efficient, quieter, and more intuitive than ever.

Lighting has evolved too from clunky incandescent bulbs to dramatic, synchronized LED displays.
Sanitation? It’s smarter, cleaner, and safer, thanks to ozone and UV systems trusted by aquariums around the world.

We adopt every tool that helps deliver a better experience, but always apply it with thoughtful design.

Clients: The Real Driving Force

Our clients have inspired every innovation, improvement, and bold idea.

• They asked for the destination backyards we designed for them.
• They challenged us with complex features, which we delivered.
• They demanded less maintenance and more style, and we delivered both.

Their creativity pushes us to evolve and fuels our passion to keep leading.

 “J Designs didn’t just build a pool; they designed an experience. And it works better than we imagined.”  Client, Beverly Hills

Awards, Recognition, and Industry Presence

We’re proud to have been recognized for our commitment to design excellence and innovation:

• Multiple International Awards of Excellence, including a 2023 Merit Award
• Featured in Architectural Digest, Luxury Pools, Pool Magazine, Pool Pro, Aqua Magazine, Watershapes.com, and more...
• Invited to speak, write, and mentor across industry platforms, our CEO is currently a member of the Watershape University faculty.

These milestones aren’t just for show; they reflect the real effort and integrity behind every project.

Our Brand, Reimagined, is not just a logo.

Over the years, we’ve evolved our logo, style, and brand identity, just as we’ve evolved our process and expertise.

• More modern, yet timeless
• More forward-thinking, yet grounded
• More tech-forward, yet always human-centric

In 2021, we took that identity a step further by registering our brand phrase:
Building Long Lasting Memories™ reflects what truly matters to our clients and to us.
It’s not just about the pools we build, it’s about the moments they make possible, for years to come.

Showcasing our visual timeline in this article is a reminder that staying current doesn’t mean losing your identity.

Behind the Build: Operations, CRM, and the Power of Process

As our designs and systems evolved, so did the way we manage projects, teams, and communication.

A pivotal part of that transformation has been the development of a robust internal infrastructure, one that keeps clients, field crews, and designers aligned at every step.

With guidance from our Co-Founder and President, Liliana, whose financial expertise adds discipline and precision to our operation, we’ve implemented:

• CRM platforms that centralize project info and client communications
• Construction apps that manage schedules, selections, and updates in real-time
• A client portal that gives homeowners 24/7 access to their project status, documents, approvals, and timelines
• An internal culture of accountability and transparency from proposal to final walkthrough

This blend of marketing, operations, and technology ensures that every project not only looks beautiful but also runs efficiently.

 “At the end of the day, it’s not just about the pool; it’s about the experience our clients have during the process. That’s where systems and leadership matter.”

Embracing the Modern Era

Today’s clients want instant updates, bright visuals, and seamless experiences, and we deliver:

• Virtual consultations
• Online project dashboards
• Social media inspiration and behind-the-scenes with real testimonials.
• AI-assisted planning tools (guided by human expertise)

 “Yes, we use AI. No, your pool isn’t built by robots. It’s built by artisans who happen to use smart tools.”

Staying True While Looking Forward

In 2007, we started with a pencil, a landline, and a whole lot to learn.
In 2025, we offer tailored, tech-integrated outdoor living environments that reflect not just great design but a commitment to quality, craft, and care.

Our story isn’t just about pools; it's the journey to becoming the trusted swimming pool builder in Los Angeles.
It’s about people, purpose, and always pushing for better because we love being in and around water.

Building Long Lasting Memories is not just a slogan, it's our Registered Trade Mark.