WU at World of Concrete

Bill Drakeley, ACI, IWI

William Drakeley is principal and founder of Drakeley Pool Company, a New England-based luxury design and build custom watershaping firm; and, Drakeley Industries, an international consulting firm focusing on shotcrete applications and techniques. He is an award-winning shotcrete technologist specializing in concrete science and construction, particularly shotcrete applications, techniques and standards. He has thirty-plus years of experience in shotcrete installation, watershape geotechnical design and detailed custom construction—services include consultation and review, training and testing and expert testimony. As an educator and advocate for the highest industry standards, Bill is co-founder of Watershape University (WU), an industry-leading education provider of the highest quality live instruction covering business, design, engineering and construction—reaching students at all levels of pool, spa, aquatics and outdoor living sectors. He has conducted training for the Colorado School of Mines, the American Society of Landscape Architects, World of Concrete, NESPA Pool Show, and most notably for the New York City Metropolitan Transit Authority underground tunneling projects. His technical writing has been widely published in trade magazines and e-publications. Bill is chairman of the American Concrete Institute (ACI) Swimming Pool Shotcrete Committee, which in 2024 published the country’s first legal document for proper pool shotcrete protocol, ACI PRC-506.8-24. He is also a connoisseur of fine wine and a recent winery co-owner. 

Terence Thornton, IWI

Terence Thornton is a fourth-generation Las Vegan whose career spans more than three decades at the highest levels of custom construction and Watershape design. With a rare blend of technical mastery, artistic vision, and generational craftsmanship, Terence is widely regarded as one of Nevada’s foremost experts in bespoke aquatic environments. A highly credentialed and proudly self-described “pool nerd,” he is the only member of the International Watershape Institute in the state of Nevada, reflecting his commitment to education, excellence, innovation, and industry leadership.

Terence’s relationship with water began early, working hands-on in pool service and repair before advancing into concrete construction under his family’s contracting firm. This foundation provides him with an uncommon depth of understanding in structural design and material science—knowledge that continues to inform his meticulous approach today. Fun fact: Terence has been featured on HGTV’s Yard Crashers as guest designer, where his 2012 episode became the most-watched of the series and remains in rotation years later.

As a key member of the Ozzie Kraft Custom Pools leadership team, Terence is intimately involved in every phase of each project—from initial visioning and conceptual design to final detailing and completion. He is especially known for his precision in hydraulic design, equipment selection, and systems engineering, ensuring that every Watershape performs flawlessly. His passion for alternative, healthier water sanitization methods further reflect his commitment to sustainability, and wellness.

Throughout his career, Terence has collaborated with elite architects, landscape architects, and custom home builders, positioning Ozzie Kraft Custom Pools as Nevada’s premier luxury pool builder. His rare combination of academic credentials and extensive field experience makes him a trusted advisor and creative partner for discerning clients and design professionals alike.

Terence comes from a lineage of builders who helped shape Las Vegas itself. His grandfather contributed to the construction of the Hoover Dam and founded the city’s first natural gas company. His father and uncle later built what became the largest concrete company in Southern Nevada during the late 1990s. That legacy continues today, with Terence passing down both knowledge and passion to the next generation—his son spent many summers “building character” = digging trenches on award winning Ozzie Kraft swimming pool projects.

Certified by both the Society of Watershape Designers and the International Watershape Institute, Terence lives the lifestyle he designs. He is married to his college sweetheart and has two children. Outside of work, he finds inspiration wake surfing on Lake Mead, snowboarding in Utah, and scuba diving around the world—experiences that continually influence his approach to creating serene, immersive, and timeless water environments.

Charles Hanskat, P.E., F.ACI, F.ASCE

Charles Hanskat, P.E., is Executive Director and Technical Director for the American Shotcrete Association. He is a licensed professional engineer. Hanskat has been involved in the design, construction, evaluation and repair of environmental concrete, marine, building and shotcrete structures for 40 years.

Charles is an active voting or consulting member of many ACI technical and certification committees. He is a Board member and Chair of ACI’s Strategic Development Council. He was also 2014 President of the American Shotcrete Association. He also chairs ASTM C09.46 Committee on Shotcrete. Hanskat has been active in professional and technical engineering societies. He served as president of Florida Engineering Society (FES) and a national director of NSPE. He is a fellow member of ACI, ASCE and FES, and an active member of ACI, ASA, ASCC, AREMA, ASTM, ICRI and SDC.

Charles and WU co-founder Bill Drakeley have worked together on ASA position statements for swimming pool shotcrete.

Venue Address

Las Vegas Convention Center

3150 Paradise Rd, Las Vegas, NV 89109

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