Student &
Young Professional
A dedicated award for designers under 30 — bringing the next generation of the pool industry onto the biggest stage in watershape design.
In an effort to bring the pool industry directly into university and high school classrooms — and to give younger professionals new to the design field a real opportunity — the Million Dollar Pool Design Challenge and PHTA sponsor a Student / Young Professional design award.
These entries are entered within the general competition and are eligible to win multiple spots in the design contest. From that pool, one entrant will be named the award-winning Young Professional.
The selected young professional's design work will be presented at the International Pool | Spa | Patio Expo alongside the other finalists — though the award itself is separate from and not a guarantee of a top spot or one of the general prizes.
Built for the Next Generation
Classroom to Competition
Bringing the pool industry directly into universities and high schools — plus a launchpad for young pros new to the design field.
In the General Field
Entries compete in the main competition and are eligible for multiple finalist spots, with one named the winning Young Professional.
Solo or Team
Enter as an individual or as a group project submitted under one lead name. The full team can appear in the video presentation.
Present at PSP Expo
The winning young professional's work is presented at the International Pool | Spa | Patio Expo alongside the other finalists.
Airfare & Show Tickets
If the young professionals work is deemed a top 5 entry, the named entrant is a class presenter and receives the award, airfare, hotel, stipend and tickets to the show.
Age Requirement
Young Professionals must be 29 or under at the time of submittal. Students follow the student submission deadline.
Key Requirements
- Age
- 29 or under at time of submittal
- Format
- Individual or group entry
- Student Deadline
- September 20, 2026
- Submissions
- See the Contest Entry Rules
For group entries: submit under one lead name and list the other members. The named student or young professional will be the presenter at the class, and will receive any awards, airfare, and tickets to the show. The full group is welcome to appear in the video presentation.
Ready to submit your entry?
Take your seat at the table with the industry's best — and represent the next generation of watershape design in New Orleans.
Submit Entry