Are you planning a custom pond, waterfall, or fountain in East Tennessee?

Then you’ve probably come across two of the most trusted names in the region: Modern Design Aquascaping and Earthadelic.

Both companies are respected. Both companies have glowing reviews. And both companies are capable of building you something beautiful.

But they’re very different.

And choosing the right fit for your project matters.

That’s why we created this side-by-side comparison—so you can make an informed decision, with total transparency, and walk away knowing you hired the right team for your goals.

This article includes:

✅ Honest review summaries

✅ Background info, credentials, and awards

✅ Who’s best for what kind of client

✅ A no-pressure call to action so you can take the next step when you’re ready

Who Is Earthadelic?

Originally launched as Knox Lawns in 2001, Earthadelic is a Knoxville-based design-build firm that’s grown into a full-service outdoor construction company. They offer everything from landscaping and hardscaping to outdoor kitchens, fire features, home additions—and yes, water features too.

📞 Phone: (865) 806–1125

📍 Address: 5937 Middlebrook Pike, Knoxville, TN

🌐 Website: earthadelic.com

📺 YouTube 

📘 Facebook Page 

🎖️ Awards/Certifications: None published for water features

💧 Water Feature Specialist? No—offered as part of their wider outdoor services

⭐ Google Rating (Water Feature Clients): 5.0

Earthadelic’s water feature clients consistently use words like oasis, peaceful, natural, and emotional. They’re praised for being artistic, reliable, and professional—especially on projects that include water as part of a bigger backyard transformation. Many reviews mention excellent communication, and several highlight specific team members by name.

🔹 Featured Review:

“I was about 75% committed to another company before talking with Earthadelic… I ended up going with Earthadelic even though they were more expensive because of the ideas, competency, and feel of commitment to doing a quality job. That ended up being a good choice.”

— Don Sloan

View full review

✅ Best Fit: If you’re already hiring for a major outdoor renovation and want a water feature as part of a larger package.

Who Is Modern Design Aquascaping?

Modern Design Aquascaping is a family-owned, globally awarded design-build company focused 100% on ponds, waterfalls, and fountains. Based in Friendsville, TN, they’ve built projects across the U.S., Canada, South America, the U.K., and multiple trips to Africa. Their work is immersive, artistic, and emotionally transformative.

📞 Phone: (865) 995‑1234

🌐 Website: www.mdaquascaping.com

📍 The Oasis Outdoor Showroom: Friendsville, TN

📺 YouTube Channel (50K+ subscribers)

📘 Facebook Page

🎖️ Awards/Certifications:

– Master Certified Aquascape Contractor

– Aquascape Artist of the Year (2013)

– Water Feature Artisans of the Year

– Best Waterfall (Pond Trade Magazine)

– Rainwater Harvesting Certified

⭐ Google Rating: 5.0 (35 verified water feature reviews)

Modern Design clients often say their project “changed our life” or “transformed our property.” Their team is praised for passion, integrity, and a design-first process that focuses on emotional impact—not just installation. One project is tackled at a time, and their Oasis showroom lets you see their artistry firsthand.

🔹 Featured Review:

“I told my wife I wanted to build a mountain stream in our yard… and that’s exactly what Modern Design delivered… It’s changed the feel of our entire property. This isn’t just landscaping—it’s living art.”

— Benjie Cox

✅ Best Fit: If you want a stand-alone, artistic, ecosystem-based water feature designed to impact your lifestyle—not just your landscape.

 

🎥 Wondering if Modern Design is right for you?

Watch this video before you decide:

🔍 Process & Team Comparison

Category	Modern Design Aquascaping	Earthadelic
Specialization	100% dedicated to water features	Water features = one of many services
Team Consistency	One crew, one project at a time	Depends on scope and project type
Design Style	Naturalistic, immersive, artistic	Traditional landscaping with features
Project Focus	Lifestyle transformation	Property renovation and aesthetics
Onsite Experience	The Oasis outdoor showroom	None noted for water features
Customization Level	High—every project is bespoke	Moderate—part of broader installs
Construction Philosophy	Ecosystem-based, nature-first design	Functional + aesthetic hardscape
National Recognition	Multiple industry awards and features	Not publicly listed
Video + Educational Content	500+ YouTube videos, educational CTAs	Minimal online content for water

🤔 Which One Is the Right Fit for You?

 

Your Preference	Modern Design	Earthadelic
You want a dedicated water feature specialist	✅	❌
You’re hiring for a total backyard transformation and want one contractor	❌	✅
You want full customization and artistic design as the centerpiece	✅	❌
You value ongoing educational content, pricing transparency, and support	✅	⚠️
You want a team with decades of water feature awards and national presence	✅	❌
You want a great local reputation and a high-end, functional result	✅	✅

🎥 Still deciding who to hire?

Watch this video before you make your final choice:

Final Thoughts: 

Both Are Excellent—But Only One May Be Right for You

Earthadelic is a top-tier outdoor construction firm with a stellar reputation in East Tennessee. If you’re already planning a full backyard transformation—landscaping, patios, lighting, grading—having them add a water feature can be a smart and seamless move. They’re known for creating polished, all-in-one outdoor spaces that bring everything together.

 

Modern Design Aquascaping is the right choice when a water feature isn’t just one of the features… it is the feature. Their work is immersive, emotional, and globally recognized. These aren’t just installations—they’re experiences. If you’re dreaming of a naturalistic stream, a powerful waterfall, or a pond that brings your family outside and changes the way you connect… this is the team that brings those visions to life.

At the end of the day, you’re not just choosing a contractor. You’re choosing an artist. Both companies are reputable. Both build solid work. But only one of them is aligned with your vision—and the best way to know which is to look at the work.

👉 Still not sure?

🎥 Choosing the Right Contractor for Your Water Feature | How to Select a Pond Contractor

This video walks clients through how to evaluate contractors for a water feature project—style, process, red flags, expectations, and more.

 

It walks you through everything you should consider—style, process, expectations—before making your decision.

👉 Need help deciding?

No matter which direction you go, we’re happy to help. Because for us, it’s not about pushing a sale—it’s about helping you find the right team to bring your outdoor dreams to life.

 

🧠 About the Author

John G. Adams is the founder of Modern Design Aquascaping Inc. and widely regarded as one of the most respected and artistic minds in the water feature industry. With over three decades of experience building ponds, fountains, and waterfalls across the United States and around the world — including Canada, the U.K., South America, and multiple trips to Africa with the Aquascape Foundation — John has earned a reputation for precision, passion, and an eye for the little things that take time… but make all the difference.

Although his sons now lead most of the construction at Modern Design, John has shifted his focus toward educating and inspiring others. He dedicates his time to creating powerful social media content, mentoring up-and-coming artists, working with nonprofit projects, and soaking in life with his eight grandchildren. His YouTube channel, Modern Design Aquascaping, has over 50,000 subscribers, serving as a free, ever-growing resource for anyone who wants to learn about ponds, fountains, and waterfalls.

Whether you’ve stumbled on one of his videos, met him on a job site, or are just discovering his work now — his mission remains the same: to change lives through water and help people connect more deeply with the spaces around them.