Watershape University founders David J. Peterson and William T. Drakeley are pleased to announce the purchase of WaterShapes.com, the website and digital newsletter that keep professionals within and beyond the pool and spa industry on top of design trends and innovative techniques and technologies. As part of the sale, which is effective immediately, WaterShapes founder and principal Jim McCloskey will remain in place as editor-in-chief.
WaterShapes is a prominent addition to Watershape University’s growing list of brands and initiatives, including the International Watershape Institute, a home for the leaders, teachers and true influencers in the industry; and the Live Blue Foundation, Watershape University’s partnership with Wallace J. Nichol’s The Blue Mind Company with a mission of “getting people near, on and in water for life.”
"WaterShapes' twice-monthly engagement with more than 15,000 design professionals fulfills the IWI's goal to put our winning team on the same playing field as AIA, ASLA, APLD, and ASID,” says Peterson, WU CEO. “With its dedication to the best in design, engineering and construction, WaterShapes will now be the voice of our institute and Watershape University’s students, faculty and corporate-engagement partners. I can't think of a better way to provide more value to our growing team!"
As McCloskey explains, “When Dave and Bill approached me at the International Pool | Spa | Patio Expo about acquiring WaterShapes, I used the opportunity of the show to learn as much as I could about WU’s vision. The industry’s positive reaction and immediate acceptance of that vision made me happy to align WaterShapes with their leadership team and its ambitions.”
“We already shared the name ‘watershape,’ ” adds Drakeley, WU President. “We already shared a desire to foster professionalism and elevate watershaping’s standing within the community of architects and designers. Now we share the obligation of preserving the integrity of education and extending knowledge to those who represent the future of our industry.”
