30+ Years of Award-Winning Excellence

Since 1993, our family team has earned peer-judged awards, national press, and advanced certifications for ponds, waterfalls, fountains, and ecosystem filtration. Based in Tennessee, we’ve built award-winning water features across the Eastern and Southeastern United States — and nationally. Our portfolio spans from Virginia to Florida, across Tennessee and the Carolinas, and as far afield as Colorado, Oregon, and North Dakota. Along the way, we’ve been featured in outlets like the Knoxville News Sentinel, POND Trade Magazine, HGTV, and national media, and we’ve collaborated on high-profile builds such as Shaquille O’Neal’s Atlanta pond, the Lincoln Park Zoo, and the Shedd Aquarium.

🏆 Aquascape Artist of the Year (2013)

In 2013, Modern Design Aquascaping was named Artist of the Year, cementing our reputation not just as skilled builders, but as true aquatic artists.

Unlike typical awards, you don't apply or campaign. You're chosen by peers, past winners, and Aquascape leadership because your work sets the bar for artistry, integrity, and impact on the industry.

This award was given after Aquascape reviewed our Seiler Project in Tennessee — a landmark water feature that combined wetland filtration, a negative edge, fish caves, and large-scale stone artistry into one breathtaking, naturalistic masterpiece. That single project opened the door to the honor, and it remains one of the most recognized builds in our company history.

For our team, the award was more than a trophy. It was a turning point. It silenced doubts, gave us a voice in the industry, and inspired us to combine artistry with business mastery. Today, Tristan carries that legacy forward as the next generation of Modern Design — evolving the artistry and shaping the future.

Awards & Recognitions

Peer-judged awards, official accolades, and industry recognition spanning three decades of excellence.

🏅 Interlocking Concrete Pavement Institute (ICPI) — Certification & Re-Certification (1999, 2004)

In 1999, John G. Adams completed the ICPI Contractor Certification Program in Atlanta, Georgia, earning his certification as a professional installer of interlocking concrete pavements. This national certification required extensive training in base preparation, grading, compaction, material standards, and installation techniques — all benchmarked against ICPI's rigorous industry standards.

In 2004, John renewed his certification through re-certification testing and coursework, extending his credentials through 2007. These certifications placed Modern Design Landscaping among a select group of contractors nationally recognized for technical expertise in segmental paver installation.

1999 Certification

2004 Re-Certification

🎨 Dogwood Arts Festival — Certificate of Appreciation (February 20, 2002)

Modern Design Landscaping was formally recognized as a participant in the Dogwood Arts House & Garden Show for two consecutive years. Certificate signed by House & Garden Chairman Ann Pope and the Dogwood Arts Festival Executive Director.

Certificate 2002

🏛️ Market Square Opening Festivities — Knoxville, TN (April 23, 2002)

In April 2002, Modern Design Landscaping was honored with a handwritten letter of appreciation for our contribution to the Market Square Opening Festivities in downtown Knoxville. We landscaped around the stage area, bringing beauty and class to the centerpiece of the city's public celebration.

"Dear John,

Thank you so very much for your contribution to the Market Square opening festivities. Your landscaping around the stage was beautiful and certainly added class. We appreciate you.

Sincerely,
Herb Muncy, Chairman"

— April 23, 2002

Thank You Letter

🌿 Popes Garden Center — Vendor Referral Letter to Aquascape (July 26, 2003)

In July 2003, Popes Garden Center of Maryville, TN issued a formal referral letter to Aquascape Designs, praising John G. Adams and Modern Design Landscaping for professionalism, installation excellence, and partnership success. After purchasing Pope's earlier that year, new ownership sought to expand offerings with Aquascape water features and partnered with John to build momentum.

At his own expense, John installed a fully landscaped pond and waterfall at Pope's entrance, trained their staff on Aquascape systems, created referral and follow-up methods for customers, hosted seminars and tours, and even installed an in-store display video to educate walk-in traffic. Popes credited these efforts as a major success in growing customer interest and sales, highlighting John's reliability, responsiveness, and ongoing availability for client support.

Most importantly, this letter wasn't just a thank-you — it was directed to Aquascape itself. By formally vouching for John's expertise and professionalism to the manufacturer, Popes reinforced Modern Design's credibility at a national industry level. This endorsement is a key trust marker that ties into Modern Design's long-standing certification and recognition as a top-tier Aquascape contractor.

Letter Page 1

Letter Page 2

⛳ St. Mark's United Methodist Church — Golf Tournament Fundraiser (August 19, 2004)

In August 2004, St. Mark's United Methodist Church of Louisville, TN formally recognized Modern Design Landscaping for contributing to their annual golf tournament fundraiser. The proceeds were directed to the church's building fund, college scholarship program, and youth program. Thanks in part to John Adams' contribution, the event raised $7,200 for community development, with additional acknowledgment in Sunday services and the church newsletter.

Thank You Letter

🌺 Friends of the UT Gardens — Pond Tour Proceeds Contribution (August 14, 2005)

In 2005, John G. Adams and Modern Design Landscaping organized and sponsored the Pond Tour (July 9–10, 2005) with all proceeds donated to the Friends of the UT Gardens. The event raised significant funds to support garden initiatives at the University of Tennessee, further strengthening John's long-standing relationship with UT Gardens.

Thank You Letter

Newsletter Feature

🏆 Aquascape Designs — Certified Aquascape Contractor (2002–2006)

In January 2006, Modern Design Landscaping (now Modern Design Aquascaping) was officially recognized as a Certified Aquascape Contractor (CAC) for the years 2002–2006. This certification, signed by Greg Wittstock (The Pond Guy™), established our company among the earliest contractors nationwide to be validated by Aquascape Designs — the global leader in water feature innovation.

The recognition was accompanied by a letter from Aquascape thanking John Adams and Modern Design as one of their top-performing customers, whose support made it possible for Aquascape to continue innovating and "change the way the world builds ponds." This milestone represents the foundation of our long-standing relationship with Aquascape, culminating in our current status as Master Certified Aquascape Contractors — the highest level of certification available in the industry.

CAC Certificate

Thank You Letter

🏆 Dogwood Arts Festival – House & Garden Show Award (March 12, 2006)

Modern Design Landscaping was honored with an official letter from the Dogwood Arts Festival organizers for excellence in the House & Garden Show. The letter lauded the beautiful and well-executed garden display, efficiency in setup, and well-deserved accolade. That same moment was captured by CityView Magazine, Knoxville's premier lifestyle publication, in a photo featuring John Adams proudly holding the award ribbon.

Award Letter

CityView Magazine Photo

🎯 Aquascape — A Week in the War Room (October 20, 2006)

In October 2006, John Adams was invited by Greg Wittstock (The Pond Guy) to participate in the very first Aquascape War Room — an elite mastermind session with hand-selected contractors from across the country. The week-long strategy retreat focused on business growth, leadership, and innovation in the water feature industry.

John successfully completed the training and was personally congratulated by Greg Wittstock with a formal recognition letter. The War Room also produced the founding group of the Pond Guy Peer Group, an invite-only circle of contractors dedicated to raising industry standards.

Group Photo

Completion Letter

💡 VISTA Professional Outdoor Lighting — Contractor Certification (2000s)

John G. Adams successfully completed the VISTA Professional Outdoor Lighting Contractor Certification Program, the leading instructional course in the industry. This certification confirmed his proficiency in designing and installing professional-grade outdoor lighting systems — further expanding Modern Design's expertise beyond water features into full-spectrum outdoor living design.

Certificate

✍️ Greg Wittstock (The Pond Guy™) — Handwritten Endorsement (Undated, circa mid-2000s)

Greg Wittstock, CEO and founder of Aquascape Inc., personally wrote a handwritten letter to John Adams recognizing his excellence, adaptability, and leadership within the Certified Aquascape Contractor (CAC) community. In the note, Greg commended John as "a wonderful model for all the CACs who aspire to be the best" and expressed excitement about featuring Modern Design Aquascaping prominently in an upcoming Aquascape coffee table book.

Handwritten Note

🎤 Bloomsdays UT Gardens — Speaking Engagement (June 24, 2007)

In June 2007, John G. Adams of Modern Design Landscaping was invited as a featured speaker at Bloomsdays, the University of Tennessee Gardens' premier annual garden festival and marketplace. John's session, "Watering Your Garden," introduced homeowners and garden enthusiasts to the beauty and accessibility of water features. His talk emphasized how even small spaces can benefit from the sound and cooling effect of trickling water, and offered practical insights on design, installation, and long-term care.

This invitation highlighted John's growing reputation as a trusted authority in the regional gardening community and aligned Modern Design with one of East Tennessee's most respected horticultural institutions.

Festival Schedule

Brochure Foldout

🎓 Aquascape — Advanced Water Feature Design & Construction Certification (February 15, 2023)

In February 2023, John G. Adams completed the Advanced Water Feature Design & Construction Certification Program hosted by Aquascape, the global leader in ecosystem water features. This intensive program, taught directly by industry founder Greg Wittstock ("The Pond Guy"), recognized John for perfecting advanced installation techniques and design strategies that push the boundaries of naturalistic aquascaping. This certification builds on more than two decades of collaboration between Modern Design Aquascaping and Aquascape, further demonstrating John's commitment to staying on the leading edge of water feature construction.

Certificate 2023

🏆 Aquascape — Southeast Regional Certified Aquascape Contractor of the Year (2023)

In 2023, Modern Design Aquascaping was honored as the Certified Aquascape Contractor (CAC) of the Year – Southeast Regional Winner. This prestigious award is peer-voted and presented by Aquascape Inc., the global leader in water feature innovation. It recognizes the top contractors in each U.S. region who demonstrate exceptional artistry, technical skill, customer satisfaction, and leadership within the Aquascape network.

The CAC of the Year program is considered one of the highest honors in the pond and water feature industry. Each year, Aquascape selects regional winners across North America, with those winners advancing as candidates for the national Artist of the Year award. Being named the Southeast Regional Winner places Modern Design Aquascaping among the very best water feature professionals in the entire country.

Award Certificate 2023