Aquatic architecture · Engineering · Construction
We don’t build backyards.
We create environments.
Award‑winning aquatic design, engineering and gunite construction from Austin, Texas. Designed for architects nationwide. Built in the Hill Country.
- 2026Coverings Installation & Design AwardsSpecial Recognition — Glass Tile Pool Design
- 2026Southwest Pool & Spa ShowGold — Technical & Engineering Achievement
- 2025Coverings Installation & Design AwardsSpecial Recognition — Residential Ceramic Tile Installation
- PressPool Magazine · CoveringsNationally published & industry recognized
GB IV Designs · Bee Cave, Texas
Extraordinary environments demand more than a pool builder.
GB IV Designs is an aquatic design, engineering and construction firm. We design pools, spas, water, fire, structures and landscape as one composition — then build it in gunite with the same team that drew it.
Founded by George “Bo” Barnett IV, a pioneer of large‑format porcelain in aquatic environments and a Coverings and Watershape University educator, the firm serves architects across the country and builds exclusively in Austin and the Texas Hill Country.
What we do
Design. Engineering. Construction. Material innovation.
Five disciplines, one firm. Aquatic and outdoor design for any site in the country; construction, renovation and consulting in Central Texas.
Selected work
Bee Cave. West Lake Hills. Dripping Springs. The Hill Country.
Six proof pillars
Anyone can build a rectangular pool. This is the rest of it.
The disciplines that separate an aquatic architecture firm from a pool contractor.
Design
Award-winning aquatic and outdoor architecture, modelled in 3D before it is built.
Engineering
Hydraulics, elevations, structural complexity and difficult Hill Country sites resolved on paper first.
Material Innovation
Large-format porcelain, glass, specialty finishes and the installation systems that make them permanent in water.
Craft
Gunite, waterproofing, tile, stone and plaster executed by specialists and inspected by the designers.
Complete Environments
Pool, spa, landscape, structures, fire, kitchen and lighting designed as one composition.
Industry Leadership
Teaching, speaking, awards and trade-organisation service that keep the firm at the front of the field.
How we work
Five steps. The designers build the design.
From a site walk and an honest conversation about investment to commissioning, training and a written warranty.
-
Step 1
Consultation & Site Study
Listen, walk the site, align on budget
We meet at the property, walk the site with you and document grade, soil, access, utilities, trees, views and how you actually want to live outdoors. We discuss investment range honestly before anyone draws a line.
TimingScheduled within 1–2 weeks. -
Step 2
Concept Design & 3D Model
See it before it exists
Bo and the design team develop the concept — geometry, elevations, water and fire, structures, materials — and build a 3D model you can walk through. We revise until the design is right, not until the hours run out.
Timing3–6 weeks. -
Step 3
Engineering, Proposal & Permitting
Resolve the hard parts on paper
Structural, hydraulic and equipment engineering are completed, the proposal is itemised line by line, and we prepare and manage permit, HOA and municipal submissions.
Timing3–8+ weeks, permit-dependent. -
Step 4
Construction
The design team builds the design
Excavation, steel, gunite, plumbing and electrical, waterproofing, tile and stone, decking, structures, equipment and landscape — sequenced and inspected by the people who drew the plans. You receive a schedule and regular site reports.
Timing14–28 weeks, scope-dependent. -
Step 5
Commissioning & Handover
Start-up, training, warranty
We balance the water, programme the automation, verify every system and walk you through operating the pool. Warranty documents and a maintenance plan are handed over in writing.
Timing1–2 weeks.
Why GB IV
The company people call when ordinary pool construction isn’t enough.
One accountable team
The people who design your pool are the people who build it. Your project is not handed to a stranger once the drawings are signed.
Gunite, not shortcuts
We build in gunite — shaped to your yard rather than dropped into it — and engineer every shell for Austin's limestone and clay.
Proof, not adjectives
Coverings CID recognition in 2025 and 2026, a Southwest Pool & Spa Show Gold for technical and engineering achievement, and 23 SWPSS category awards in two years.
Built to be published
Our projects are photographed, awarded and written about because they are designed to a standard most pool contractors do not attempt.
Client reviews
4.6 stars on Google, 83 reviews.
Chad has been an invaluable designer through the years, helping me navigate multiple custom pool designs with unmatched expertise.
Eric Morris · Google review
Highly responsive and professional. I would definitely recommend Bo, he is truly top notch!
Claire Stewart · Google review
Galleries
Water. Fire. Edge. Stone.
Where we build
Austin, Bee Cave, Westlake, Lake Travis, Dripping Springs — and the ridges between.
Construction is limited to Central Texas so that the designers can be on site. Design engagements for architects and estate owners are accepted nationwide.
- Austin
- Bee Cave
- West Lake Hills
- Dripping Springs
- Lake Travis
- Tarrytown
- Lakeway
- Rollingwood
- Barton Creek
- Spanish Oaks
- Steiner Ranch
- Driftwood
- Travis County
- Hays County