Logan Guinard Takes Swimming Pool Designs to Another Level

LOS ANGELES – When Logan Guinard was studying landscape architecture in his native France, he dreamed of creating all types of outdoor living that showed his talent and unique sensibilities. Today, those dreams have taken a turn as Guinard is today among those taking swimming pool design into the 21st century.

“It's hard to think that there are people who make pools that are not practical and with no character, but it happens,” he said. “That's why not everyone can be a designer because you have to combine something practical with something aesthetically correct and that's where my passion for pushing and improving designs around water comes in.”

Guinard, who is the lead pool designer for Architectural Blue, a design firm based in Palm Springs, Calif., is on the leading edge of pool designing with his unique and creative take on how swimming pools add to a home’s aesthetics.

“One of the first pools I designed was particularly special because of the positive reaction we got from the customer,” he recalled. “It was meant to be a lap pool, specially designed for swimming. But the client wanted it to be spectacular, functional and aesthetically unique so we ended up with something really special that had almost all of the customization options. It was good to work on that project for the first design."

Among his design features are elevated pools with an overflow to give it an infinity pool look which also gives the impression that it overflows into the backyard. Other features include a tanning shelf with bubblers, which allows you to put a lounge chair during the day and enjoy the waters feature at night. There is also a star floor that lights the pool from the bottom, that make it seem as if there are stars in the pool that reflect from the sky.

“It is not often you come across an individual that reminds you of your self some 20 plus years ago and the rare talent that one possesses in the small field of Water Shapes, Water Art, and the surroundings that match with it.,” said Matthew Naylor, president of Architectural Blue. “The tremendous talent and skill he possesses and through the learning he has gained from me and our team, he has become invaluable in creating the outdoor art environment that is rare to find in anyone.”

Born in Saint Brieuc, in France’s Brittany region, Guinard immediately became interested in building and architecture as young boy thanks to his father who was a construction supervisor. After earning a master’s degree in architecture at St. Ilan University in Brittany, he began working for an architectural firm in France after being inspired by industry veteran Phillippe Starck and his style with no limit of combining indoor and outdoor elements into his work. He would go on to work for a firm that specialized in landscaping design.

“What really got me involved in exterior architecture was when I started studying the Palace of Versailles and the French formal garden created by the renowned architect Andre Le Notre,” he recalled. “I have always been fascinated by the tricking fountains, symmetry-heavy layouts, and his attention to details as well as the landscaping itself.”

But he soon realized his future lay in the U.S. where he could take advantage of the growing opportunities for talented architects. Upon his arrival in 2018, he connected with Architectural Blue’s Naylor who impressed by Guinard’s work.

Today, Guinard is continuing to design high-end swimming pools as well as writing a book about his unique pool designs and ways to create your own look for your pool and surrounding environment.

For more information, Guinard is at www.loganguinard.com, as well as Facebook and Instagram. Architectural Blue is online at www.architecturalblue.com.