Frequently Asked Questions

For 2026, you CAN NOT edit any part of the home other than changing materials to similar finishes given on the deliverables (no drastic color changes).

You CAN NOT edit any part of the roof.

You CAN NOT add any furniture or finishes to the interior of the home.

You CAN NOT change any of the exterior structure, doors, or windows of the home.

You CAN add flatwork that attaches up to the house.

Although the client would like to preserve any native vegetation, you are welcome to remove it if it works better with your design.

Yes, you are welcome to edit the adjacent sites and background (not topography). Please note the judges will be told very specifically that the judging for the contest will only be based on the client's home site itself.

Yes, please! We do not want the design boundary showing up in final renderings.

We are expecting well over 60 entries this year. Don't let that discourage you. If you feel overwhelmed, team up and enter as a group of four or less.

Our goal is that everyone can put together a solution and join us to compare and contrast how the finalists solved the design vs. your own. The top 8 designers will be ranked and put into print — even if you're not a finalist, you may still be named one of the top designers in the country.

Although the name of the project is "The Million Dollar Pool Design Challenge," you are welcome to exceed $1 million since there is no need to prepare costs.

Keep in mind that judges will evaluate practicality — could the design actually be built in real life? Keep it somewhat reasonable.

Post them in the forum below and we'll do our best to respond quickly. Others likely have the same question — don't be shy.