STUDIO

who we are.

 

Founded in 2000 by Jan and Keli Sotelo, modern specializes in the design and construction of swimming pools, water features, and outdoor living, resort-style amenities in both residential and commercial settings.  For over 20 years, we have offered a complete range of design, construction, and engineering services to discerning clientele who appreciate the value of thoughtful, personalized designs that set the stage for stunning outdoor spaces.

We believe that places can be created to engage the senses and evoke curiosity, wonder and purpose. By working together with our clients from initial concept to final implementation, we strive to create innovative structures that are both modern and timeless.

what we do.

 

a great build starts with great design.

With a design-centric approach, we strive to provide our clients a blueprint of their vision for their dream pools and outdoor spaces. 

DESIGN.

Our design service provides clients a custom design that uniquely reflects who they are, what they like and how they want to enjoy their space. Our award-winning designs are the result of meaningful collaborations with our clients to create a vision that inspires without compromise. 

Our sample schematic designs and streamlined design packages make it easy for clients to pick and choose which design package best suits their project scope.

Build.

A modern design deserves a modern build. With decades of experience in bringing our award-winning designs to life, we have honed our build process to ensure efficiency, timeliness, and above all, quality. 

Our professional construction teams are guided by our philosophy of craftsmanship and a passion to deliver on the promise of our collaborative designs. A modern build is defined by its attention to detail and adherence to the highest quality standards.

our founders

Jan Garcia Sotelo.

Founder & Principal

The driving force of the modern design team, Jan has an amazing ability to visualize the finished project and execute that vision through his designs. His entrepreneurial drive was manifested in college where he started his first company while obtaining his Bachelor of Science in Psychology and minor in Biology. Jan soon discovered his profound passion for design that would ultimately lead to a lifelong obsession. He started in the design + build industry as a technology business consultant, and has thrived in the industry since 1998.

 
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Keli Sotelo.

Founder

Keli is a natural born disruptor. Never accepting the status quo, she continually raises the bar while cutting the chaff.

Supporting all aspects of the business and ensuring alignment across divisions, her inventive outlook keeps us on the edge, while helping adhere to the highest standards. Keli graduated Magna Cum Laude in 2000 from Texas A&M University with a Bachelor of Science in Horticulture.

our team

Dieter burckhardt.

Business Development Consultant (2019 - Present)

Dieter brings over 20 years of experience in guiding business operations, leading marketing and business development initiatives, and driving quality and process improvement across a diverse range of industries. Starting his career in design and construction with an international posting in Baku, Azerbaijan, he has since traveled the world working in Thailand, Japan, Qatar and the US Virgin Islands. Now back in his native Texas, this former UT Longhorn is proud to once again call Austin his home.

 

Mike newman.

Project Manager (2022 - Present)

A seasoned Project Manager, Mike brings with him years of experience in pool construction and knowledge, adding value to the modern team right off the bat. He oversees our build projects and sets our clients’ mind at ease, ensuring client expectations are met and projects are done and delivered on time.

Melissa burckhardt.

Director of Marketing & Sales (2020 - Present)

Melissa is an Austin newcomer, finally settling down and growing roots in Texas after years of living and working in Asia and the Middle East.  She brings with her knowledge in marketing and communications, business development, strategic planning, and stakeholder management, honed in her years of working in multinational organizations and multicultural environments.

 With her extensive and multi-faceted background, Melissa now leverages her international business experience at modern.  She is also our clients’ first point of contact, managing client relationships and ensuring on-boarding of new clients go seamlessly as possible.

 

iary garcia sotelo.

Designer (2020 - Present)

Having earned a Bachelor’s degree in Pre-Med Biology and two Masters’ Degrees in Education and Public Health from Baylor University, one would assume Iary has paved a clear path for a career in medicine and/or healthcare. But her passion for art and design pulled her in a different direction and led her to a lifelong pursuit of helping others achieve their dreams through creative exploration.

This passion has resulted in her winning various awards in art and education, doing a 2 year stint as an Art Consultant, and even owning and managing her very own art gallery and boutique for five years before taking on the position as an Activity Director, creating and implementing immersive art programs at a local retirement center. With this art-fueled trajectory, it wasn’t a surprise for Iary to land yet another role that allows her to do what she loves. As Lead Designer, Iary works closely with the Design Team in providing clients with their dream spaces and structures reflected in custom designs tailored to their needs and lifestyle. 

Marisela Sotelo.

Engineer (1999 - Present)

A professional Civil Engineer currently licensed in the state of Texas, Marisela investigates our project designs to ensure structural soundness. Her experience and ability to adapt to new construction techniques gives basis to our design solutions.

 

Weston Toth.

IPSSA (2016 - Present)

Weston had been in the pool service industry for over 10 years when he came to us with the desire to expand his extensive service knowledge into constructibility and feasibility analysis for our projects.  Having first-hand knowledge of what mechanical manufacturers’ designs work best in the industry gives us an edge over the competition, especially when it comes to reducing service calls and increasing the clients’ enjoyment of the overall project. Weston enjoys travel, diving, and adventuring as a few of his hobbies.

Alex Whitaker.

AIA (2007-2009 & 2013 - Present)

Alex began working with modern as a project manager in 2007 and took a 5-year “break” to get his Architecture license. During this time he worked and traveled through New York, Dripping Springs, and Wimberley. Now that Alex has rejoined our team, he adds a new dimension of design and keeps us at the forefront of design technology. Using Revit, AutoCAD, SketchUp and Vectorworks, we are able to render navigable models and create real-time changes to construction documents.

 

Shane Applegate.

Construction Management (2009 - 2019) | IPSSA, APSP

Shane has thrived in the pool service industry for over 15 years, starting in the water quality sector as a sales rep for Orenda and moving into his own service route and finally landing on a successful pool construction consultancy business. Providing positive feedback and a quick solution on our first project together, he quickly joined our ranks and has been assisting with our large scale project management ever since.

tim sack.

Project Management to the Luxury Development & Hospitality Market, Austin/Aspen (2015 - Present)

With a background spanning nearly all key elements of the design space, Tim brings a unique set of experiences which provide a comprehensive service, and a thoughtfully combined balance between aesthetic, construction, execution and the promotion to his projects.  His understanding of the construction field combines with a design awareness, honed over years as a leader in the luxury design media business, allowing for smooth communication and efficient execution of projects and developments of varying scale and scope.

A thought leader in design thinking, his open approach to client projects provides layers of value through efficiency management, solution creation and transparency.

modern designers & sales associates.

Our design associates collaborate with our Principal and design team to draw on our extensive background in all aspects of pool and outdoor living design, and over 50 years of combined experience in the pool design-build industry.  We collaborate closely with our clients to conceive unique spaces that seamlessly complement existing architecture while integrating surrounding landscapes. The ongoing relationships we form by collaborating with clients inspire us to imagine and create outdoor environments individually tailored to our clients that elevate their day-to-day experience. Whether it’s simplicity in form, functional honesty, or design embellishment, we adjust to unite design elements and exceed client expectations.

always on the lookout.

modern continues to grow and is looking for passionate individuals with a keen eye for design and a vast knowledge in construction.

our achievements

 

Certifications: Austin MBE, Texas Certified H.U.B., Certified Building Professional, Jandy Pro Edge, Lutron Pro, Creston, OC Preferred, International Pool and Spa Association

Awards: 4-Star Green Building Program, AIA Austin VIP, Aquatic International Dream Design Award, Lead Gold & Platinum, Pebble Technology's 2020 World's Greatest Pools, BUILD Architecture Awards 2021 - Best Pool Design/Build Company, Best Swimming Pool & Spa Builder by Industry Oversight Report 2022

Features: Architectural Digest, Luxe Interiors + Design  Magazine, Luxe Design Gold List 2015-2020, Tribeza, Austin Monthly Home, Best of Houzz, culture map, hello kitchen, Pebble Technology’s 2020 World’s Greatest Pools book, 2022 Best Swimming Pool Builders in Austin List by Industry Oversight

Be inspired with what modern can create for you, with you.