Meet Kelly Parker: Designing Backyard Dreams at A Oasis Pools

How did you get into being a designer?

I feel like becoming a designer was one of those “meant to be” moments. After 10 years in education, I knew the classroom wasn’t where my passion lived anymore, and I really wanted to find a career I could fall in love with again. I applied to a job posting on a bit of a leap, and after the very first interview, I knew doing pool designs was exactly what I’d been searching for. It lets me tap into my creativity, work with all types of clients, and still put my math brain to good use. It just clicked.

What is one of your favorite parts about designing?

One of my favorite parts of designing pools is listening to what clients imagine and then bringing those ideas to life visually. There’s always this moment of surprise when they realize I’ve captured exactly what they were picturing, sometimes even better, and that reaction is truly my favorite part of the whole process.  

What is one of your favorite pool projects you've designed and why?

 It’s hard to choose a single favorite because every project has unique details that I fall in love with. But if I had to pick one, I’d choose the very first design I ever sold. That project gave me a huge boost of confidence and really lit a fire in me. It was the moment I realized I was exactly where I was meant to be in this field.  

What is the number one thing you want people to know about designing a pool?

The number one thing I want people to know is that designing a pool is so much more than just placing water in a backyard. We look at the entire space; how you use it now, what you might add in the future, and how everything will flow together. My goal is always to help create a true backyard oasis, not just a pool.

A Closer Look at Kelly:

Kelly recently celebrated three years with A Oasis Pools, gaining hands-on experience in bringing what it takes to bring a backyard oasis to life—from the very first design sketch to the finished build. Committed to staying at the forefront of the industry, she continues to expand her expertise through ongoing learning and active involvement with the Pool & Hot Tub Alliance, and she is currently working toward earning her Certified Pool Builder designation.

Outside of work, Kelly’s time is devoted to her family—her husband, Stephen, and their 5-year-old daughter, Abigail. Together, they enjoy tackling DIY projects at home, building with LEGOs, and traveling whenever they get the chance.