Philip Kent, 38
Design Consultant
Southlake, Texas
Philip Kent has spent his entire professional career with Claffey Pools, where he’s grown from the drafting department to one of the company’s lead design consultants. He began in 2010, preparing construction plans and learning the fundamentals of pool building from the inside out. A few years later, he became an assistant to one of the company’s owners, producing renderings, pricing new designs and working closely with clients throughout construction. For the past decade, he has stepped fully into the design role himself, guiding projects from concept to completion.
“Every customer brings a unique vision and varying set of challenges, which keeps the work exciting and rewarding,” Kent says. Each backyard becomes an opportunity to tailor something new — solutions that require both creativity and problem-solving. Seeing those one-of-a-kind spaces come to life for families is what makes the job fulfilling.
What stands out most in his career is his growth at Claffey Pools, highlighted by designing projects that have earned industry acclaim. “These recognitions not only validate the hard work and creativity invested in each project but also reflect the unique and personalized experiences I strive to deliver for every client,” Kent says.
Early in his career, Kent was challenged with earning trust as a young designer selling high-end pools to clients often decades older. “It was difficult at first to convey that I, along with Claffey Pools, could deliver on the promises of such significant projects,” he says. Over time, by focusing on knowledge, work ethic and Claffey Pools’ reputation for excellence, Kent’s dedication won the confidence of both homeowners and builders, laying the foundation for lasting professional relationships.
Kent aims to keep raising the bar for pool design. Currently a Certified Builder Professional, he aspires to achieve Certified Master Pool Builder and Design Professional status. “I’d like my mark on the industry to be helping elevate the role of the pool designer to that higher standard,” he says. He believes designers should be recognized alongside architects and landscape architects for the artistry and technical knowledge required to create remarkable, functional backyards.
When he’s not creating backyard projects for clients, Kent is an avid golfer with a passion for golf course design. He enjoys sketching layouts that integrate natural landscapes into the game, a creative outlet that mirrors his approach to pools. He also spends time outdoors with his wife and two young sons, whether exploring around Dallas or traveling together across the country.
