One element of landscape architecture that has been steadily growing in demand is the use of rock, both real and artificial, with an accompanying water feature. Now found in many custom backyards, these amenities have really blossomed in the destination resorts, adding aesthetics and atmosphere to common areas. Many times these features take months to plan and are built in sequence according to the plans. Other times these attractions are the result of years of experience, matter-of-fact know how, and a tight deadline.

“I had just finished a condominium project in Florida working with Bradshaw Gill Fuster & Associates,” said Bob Morris, Bob Morris & Associates, “when (Mr.) Bradshaw said he may have another project for us. There was only one catch...the Super Bowl was going to hit town in six weeks and this project had to have flowing water by then.”

The owners wanted to remodel the pool ’ area, the inside lobby, add a terrace, and upgrade the existing water garden. “This was definitely a fast track project,” according to Emilio Fuster, one of the principal landscape architects on the project. “The deadline was mainly established by the Super Bowl in late January. We were called on the project near the end of November. The entire project involved more than 40,000 square feet.”

In addition to the lobby and terrace work, the project included a 14' rock feature with a 12' waterfall, providing a backdrop to the existing pool when seen from the lobby. “We had worked with (Mr. Morris) on 5 or 6 (other) major projects,” continued Fuster, “and were fortunate he was available for this project.”

“When you work on a destination resort,” Morris added, “deadlines are an absolute. These hotels promote themselves for the peak seasons and when they say to turn on the water...the water begins to flow.” Fortunately by the time the champagne was flowing over Joe Montana, the team of Bradshaw Gill Fuster & Associates and Bob Morris, “Custom Rock Creations” had already scored the winning touchdown in their own two-minute drill.