FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

GENERAL

How do I request a proposal or an estimate?: Please contact us by phone or email and provide details regarding your project. Relevant information may include drawings, photos, and other information that describe the site and overall objective. Water Studio reviews projects of any size and type, but focuses primarily on projects that require site-specific, contemporary designs. Our scope of work varies based on the needs of each project and client.
What services do you provide and what types of projects do you accommodate?: Water Studio offers design, engineering, fabrication, construction, and installation services for all types of water features and fountains. Our range of projects varies greatly from small fabricated water walls to large water features with complex components and pump systems. Please view our expertise section for a comprehensive list of our capabilities and services.
Do you have a representative or distributor in my area?: Water Studio operates from a design, fabrication, and testing facility in Culver City, California, but we regularly undertake projects out of state and abroad. Please visit our locations page for a partial list of successfully completed projects in various locations.

FABRICATED WATER FEATURES

What materials do you work with?: Water Studio works with a variety of materials ranging from corrosion-resistant metals, such as stainless steel and copper, to a wide selection of stone and glass. Numerous material finishes and textures are utilized to create desired water effects and unique water patterns. Many of our textures are proprietary and have been developed over many years of research and testing.
What is the typical lead time?: Although lead times vary depending on the design and scale of the water feature, small to medium sized water features are generally completed within 8 weeks after the receipt of the signed contract and deposit.
What is the cost range for custom water features?: We believe in offering our clients the best value, quality, and service. Our fees are based on water feature type, materials, complexity, and scope of work. Our semi-custom projects typically start around $12,000, but most custom projects start around $30,000.
What is the typical design and fabrication process?: After the receipt of the initial contract agreement and deposit, we design and engineer your water feature adhering to parameters established with the client, architect, or another creative professional. Our shop drawings and site preparation documents are submitted a few weeks after the project commences. Once the drawings are approved, we begin our fabrication work which typically lasts six weeks or more depending on the size of the project. After the water feature is fabricated, assembled, and thoroughly tested, it is ready for delivery or shipment. Please visit our profile page to learn more about Water Studio’s design and fabrication teams.
Is everything custom or can I order something similar to your previous work?: Water Studio thrives on designing and creating unique, one-of-a-kind water features. We understand that each site has many variables such as surrounding finishes, architectural elements, and other design parameters. Although we can use details, materials, and finishes similar to other projects on our website, each water feature is treated as a custom project in order to provide the attention and customization necessary to address various conditions and variables at the site.
Can you build a water feature designed by my architect or interior designer?: Yes. We welcome design collaboration with other creative professionals. In the event a design is not feasible or functional, we may suggest a modification or an alternate design during the initial consultation. We feel great design is achieved through collaboration and shared understanding of the water feature and its interaction with the space and the viewer.
Can we hire you to design the water feature before we decide to move forward?: Our design fees vary depending on the size of the water feature, required development time, and complexity of drawings. Please contact us to request a design proposal.
Do you offer water treatment and maintenance systems?: Yes. Depending on the size of the water feature, our water quality options range from a basic water refresh systems to sophisticated treatment systems employing reverse osmosis, ultraviolet light, and/or ozone systems. We do not use identical systems for all our projects. We custom tailor your water maintenance system to best suit site conditions, expected use, and budget.
What type of lighting do you offer?: We use typically use small brass underwater light fixtures with low-voltage halogen or LED bulbs in most of our water features. Particulars such as lamp wattage and beam angle depend on the type of water feature and the project’s design intent. We also have extensive experience with the latest LED and fiberoptic lighting systems to add a full spectrum of colors to any water feature.
Can we place your water features outdoors?: Yes. Most of our water features can be designed and fabricated for placement outdoors in any climate.
What are the site requirements for a custom water feature?: Since most of our water features are self-contained within a stainless steel basin with its own internal piping and structures, the site requirements are simple and easy to prepare. Provided the floor supporting the water feature can handle the weight, typical requirements at the site include a water supply, drain, and standard 120-volt power source for a pump and any underwater lighting. The minimum requirement is an electrical power source for the pump.
Do you provide installation services?: As a licensed contractor, our team of on-site installers and managers are are available to provide delivery and installation services for all local projects and some out-of-state projects. For large out-of-state projects, our on-site installation technicians and managers can work with your general contractor or a local installer to ensure flawless installation. Our project managers also provide unlimited technical support, detailed drawings, and coordination for all our projects.
Do you handle residential projects?: Yes. Although many of our projects shown on our website are commercial or public, we have extensive experience working with residential clients for both remodels and new constructions. Please visit our locations page to view a selection of residential projects.
Why should we choose Water Studio?: Water Studio’s experience in building custom-fabricated water features is unmatched. Our design and technical expertise developed over more than 20 years places us at the forefront of our field. Water Studio’s service-oriented approach coupled with our innate understanding of architecture and building technologies results in water features that are enduring, distinctive, and singular. We are also fully insured to take on any projects in U.S. and licensed to provide on-site installation and construction in California. Please visit our profile page to learn more about us and visit our projects page to view our portfolio.
What are the site requirements for water features with fire?: In addition to water, drain, and power connections, our water/fire features require a natural gas supply to provide fuel necessary to create the desired flame effect. Size and pressure requirements for the gas pipe vary depending on the size of the flames. Additional power may be required for automated ignition and safety systems. Please consult with your local fire and safety authorities to determine whether a custom fire feature can be installed in your desired location.
Why should we consider a custom water/fire feature instead of a fire pit?: Water Studio’s custom water/fire features were developed to address the safety and visual concerns of traditional fire pits. Although we occasionally build features with fire only, the water surrounding the fire element provides an added safety barrier and visual enhancement with or without fire. The interaction of fire with water is a rare and mesmerizing viewing experience.

SITE-CONSTRUCTED WATER FEATURES

What type of design services do you offer?: For site-constructed fountains, we offer complete design services from concept & schematic design development to engineering, mockups, and construction drawings. Our design services and scope of work vary depending on the needs of each project. For more information about our design services, please review our comprehensive list of services.
Can you engineer and provide equipment for a site-constructed fountain?: Yes. After the initial design phase, we can engineer and build any fountain equipment packages. A typical skid-mounted pump system with filtration, water treatment, manifold, valves, and control panel are tested and adjusted prior to shipping.
What type of services do you provide for site-constructed fountains and water features?: As a licensed contractor in California, Water Studio can provide complete construction and design-build services to build all types of fountains and water features. In additional to providing all required fountain equipment and specialty components, we are able to provide following work: poured-in-place concrete, waterproofing, masonry, finished stone work, plumbing/electrical, equipment installation, and final start-up.
What is the advantage of using fabricated components in site constructed water features?: Our fabrication and construction methods originate from our cost-conscious approach to focus on the efficient use of materials and effective employment of on-site resources, leading to value-engineered solutions that are more cost effective than traditional building methods.