DESIGN 2321: Essential History of Water in Architecture [Live In-Person and Online]
May 18 - 19, 2026
McKinney, TX
This course fulfills a requirement for the IWI pathway (CWD, CWP, and IWI certifications).
Hosted by
IACET CEUs offered: 1.6
Duration: 16 hours
Time: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM CT
Taught by: Mike Nantz, IWI
Address: Heritage Headquarters
7440 State Highway 121
McKinney TX, 75070-2196
Gain design inspiration to elevate your projects to the next level.
Dive into the foundations of design with History of Water in Architecture, an inspiring course that explores how water has shaped the built environment across civilizations and eras. Discover how centuries of fountains, baths, canals, and civic works can inform today’s pool and watershape designs—helping you create projects rooted in timeless beauty, cultural meaning, and architectural significance.
Learn to discuss the vital role of water in shaping cities and architecture throughout history, identify landmark water-related projects every designer should know, and draw practical design lessons from these historic works—gaining aesthetic inspiration and forward-looking insight to elevate your own watershaping projects.
What you will learn:
Discuss the importance of water in the built environment.
Describe how water shaped civilization, the birth and growth of cities, and its influence on architecture throughout history.
List several important water related projects you should know about as an architect or landscape architect.
Describe design lessons inherited from these historical places and projects and what it might predict for our future in the watershaping world.
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.
Become certified.
Certified Watershape Designer
All watershape projects begin with design. This coveted certification requires completion of courses that dive deep into perspective drawing, application of design principles including color theory, materials and textures—nothing less than the path to design excellence.
Requirements: D2321 + 3 courses | see all
Resources
Venue Address
Address: Heritage Headquarters
7440 State Highway 121
McKinney TX, 75070-2196
Questions about this event?
Call us at 858.788.9998 or