Episode 93: Bianchi Design - Kirk Bianchi: Luxury Pool Design Inspired by Art, Architecture, and Photography
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In this episode, we sat down with Kirk Bianchi who is the owner of Bianchi Design and whose mission is to transform ordinary backyards into “waterscapes” or custom works of art. Bianchi’s design approach was inspired by a trip he took to Japan as a senior in high school. He was struck by how the Japanese architecture and landscape design integrated and blurred indoor/outdoor spaces in a simple, yet elegant way. It is this approach that makes him unique among conventional pool designers and landscape architects who do not integrate the elements of architecture, landscape, and pool design together. We love his approach of sculpting outdoor living spaces that encourage taking in the moment and quieting the noise.
During the episode, Kirk breaks down how he views the swimming pool design as if he were looking through a photographer’s lens. Taking into account every angle and framing up the pool as if it were the subject of the photo. His designs not only make you stop for a moment to take in the beauty but truly tell a story as you walk through the living art form. We have never heard anyone describe it as he did on the podcast. Whether you are a designer, builder, manufacturer, or service company, you will be inspired by the way Kirk describes what we do and what this industry provides for our clients. We promise, you will never view a swimming pool or outdoor space the same!
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Show Notes:
[02:23] - An artsy kid from the Detroit suburbs named Kirk Bianchi
[04:01] - Life changing moment visiting Japan with father on a business trip
[07:15] - Taking a break from corporate architecture and working at the Ritz Carlton
[08:34] - Hired by Sun Pools employee Ted Miller and working his way from the trenches to designing with Sun Pools owner Bob Hayne
[14:46] - Favorite time in architectural history
[23:57] - How Kirk Bianchi found his niche and then founded Bianchi Design
[26:00] - A test at ASU said I would be a Landscape architect
[28:14] - Getting the client to understand the creative vision of designing the whole backyard
[32:07] - Looking at the backyard through a camera lens
[37:46] - Helping the client understand how they will use and enjoy a new backyard and pool
[42:13] - Less is more and stop looking at Houzz for inspiration
[46:19] - Creating a backyard story just like in the movies
[54:23] - Building up the anticipation
[59:29] - People can’t stand bad music or what they hear but what we see visually can be tolerated
[01:02:50] - Making people feel frozen in time when experiencing backyard
[01:07:59] - Qualified for charging for designs
[01:17:41] - The furniture and the plants are the icing on the cake