Innovative swimming-pool surface designs are among the multidisciplinary creations of Alex Proba, whose interiors and furniture express her urge to enhance living spaces with unexpected arrangements of color and form. Many works are reconceptualized from her 2013–2017 “A Poster A Day” project, when she daily turned abstract concepts into asymmetrical, surreal digital collages. German born, the New York– and Oregon–based designer attributes inspiration to memories of gardening with her florist and horticulturalist grandmother (babcia)—a Polish refugee from Communism. Memories of patterns she wore, gardens she tended, meals she cooked, remind Proba of art’s power to evoke emotion and connection.
install. Photograph by Ori Harpaz
How do you describe your “signature visual language”?
A style that exudes joy and playfulness. My work is expressive and colorful, with moments of boldness, quiet elegance, and organic, playful forms. My mission is to push boundaries, transforming the ordinary into something extraordinary, turning everyday spaces into vibrant fields of color and shape that captivate and inspire.
How did transforming pool surfaces occur to you?
With their clean, expansive surfaces, pools presented a unique opportunity to blend love of vibrant color with the natural elements around them—a perfect canvas to merge design with the joy and playfulness pools represent.
How do you approach a pool project?
I begin with an exploration of the space—its environment, architecture and energy—thinking about how the art can reflect the water’s fluidity and the surrounding natural elements.
What role does nature play?
My design ethos is built on a foundation of inspiration taken from the natural world, a seamless integration, where the artwork feels like it belongs in the space and deepens the experience of the pool. In a Miami pool, design evocative of coral reefs serves as a reminder of the importance of environmental conservation and protecting local ecosystems.
What complications arise in creating the designs?
The biggest challenge is ensuring durability. Pools are exposed to elements like water, sun and chemicals, which can affect the materials used. I need to consider how the design will hold up over time and how to make sure the colors remain vibrant, and the surface remains intact.
What extra expense is involved in this kind of non-classic surface?
The custom, organic handmade tiles and non-traditional surfaces require specialized craftsmen and high- quality materials, and the installation process requiring skilled labor increases the overall cost.
What are the benefits of this decorative approach?
A functional area is transformed into an artistic focal point, blending form and function to add both visual interest and emotional impact. It creates an immersive environment where art and nature coexist, bringing joy and vitality to the space.
What other residential surfaces could benefit from this treatment?
Bathroom walls, kitchen backsplashes, entryways, courtyards, backyards, facades could benefit from this approach. Even floors in high-traffic areas could be enhanced with bold, colorful designs that bring personality to a home, creating a cohesive, dynamic atmosphere throughout the space.
What public space would you like to design?
I would love to embellish a large urban plaza or a public historic fountain. A place where people gather and interact would be perfect for creating an immersive, colorful experience. I see it as an opportunity to connect people with art in their everyday lives, sparking joy and curiosity as they move through the space.