SEAN LYNCH
10 Apr 2013
Sean Lynch of Malibu Pools and Landscapes talks about his career to date and the future of the pool and landscaping industry.
Can you tell us a bit about your background – childhood dreams, education, employment, mentors etc?
Growing up on the Sunshine Coast I had an early ambition to have a positive influence on the way our growing region was developed. My education at Nudgee College in Brisbane allowed me to study horticulture and conservation management. After Nudgee I studied Environmental Science at Griffith University, where I focused on sustainable property development, natural resource economics and town planning. My goal was to learn about best practice eco smart design and construction methods and how they can be applied to residential projects. After completing my Environmental Science degree, I met Peter White, the founder of Malibu Pools, and I spent the next 5 years learning all I could from this industry expert in the design and construction of quality pool and landscape projects. I have now been the Managing Architect at Malibu for over 10 years, continuing to offer our clients the best in personal service and unique custom projects.
Can you tell us about Malibu Pools?
Malibu Pools and Landscapes was established more than 35 years ago in Brisbane with the intention of designing and building pools and landscapes with an eye-catching quality. Malibu is now one of the leading pool design and construction companies in the country, having won many state and national industry design and construction awards. Malibu specialises in offering complete pool and landscape projects through bespoke design and quality workmanship. Malibu uses experienced in-house trade staff, guaranteeing a professional project management approach and a lasting quality of construction
The experience and professional service we offer in working with our clients from concept to completion results in stunning projects, built with attention to detail and the personal service we are known for.
How did you get into the pool industry?
My professional career is a combination of my love of the outdoor Qld lifestyle and my passion for design. My early appreciation of the natural environment was reinforced by the study of design and sustainable development at university. My goal was to be able to combine these elements into a career which allows me to combine the application of the latest in eco smart systems with stunning outdoor lifestyle spaces into people’s homes. I feel a great deal of satisfaction in being able to apply these elements to each of my projects and I feel I am positively contributing to the way our region is developed at a residential level.
What has been your career highlight to date?
Career highlights in a general sconce would be working with clients every day in helping them design and build a personal space in a unique way. People’s homes are important to them and I consider it a privilege to be able to help design and shape these spaces for their families to enjoy both their relaxation time and their special family occasions. From an industry angle, winning design and construction awards both at state and national levels, always creates a sense of professional achievement and recognition which is appreciated.
How has the swimming pool industry changed over the years?
The largest step forward in the pool building industry, in my opinion, has simply been the improvement in technology which can now be offered on every project. The variable speed pump systems, the energy efficient LED lighting systems and water saving devices alone have made a huge difference in reducing the energy and water use around the pool. The move away from heavy residual chemical use in sanitising the pool has also allowed for more eco friendly water treatment systems. The system I use and recommend is the closest to a chemical free pool I have found. The Enviro-Swim system creates a beautiful fresh water swimming pool experience without the cost or presence of heavy chemicals. By reducing our energy consumption, our water use and our chemical reliance, we are creating pools that are cheaper to run, better for us to swim in and better for the environment.
Where do you see the industry in 5 years?
I see the industry improving in many ways and I look forward to contributing as we move forward. As the new technology becomes more accessible and applicable to people’s homes, designers and builders will be able to offer a better quality product without the additional costs that have previously attributed to eco smart technology. I believe that the industry needed a clean out after the construction boom of the last century and look forward to seeing more fresh ideas, an upgraded set of principles and the continued growth of professionalism in this specialised industry.