About us

Jonathan Nalepa is the founder and chief executive officer of Smart Aquatics. He guides the overall vision, direction, and standards of the firm, combining leadership, technical experience, and a deep understanding of aquatic design to shape the company’s work at every level.
Jonathan’s background spans hands on field experience, architectural training, and advanced aquatic engineering. This combination allows him to oversee the creative and technical quality of the firm’s projects while maintaining a clear focus on innovation, performance, and client experience. He works closely with the design and engineering teams to ensure that each project reflects the firm’s values and meets the expectations of clients who demand exceptional environments.
In his role, Jonathan sets the long term strategy for the company, leads the development of new services and markets, and maintains the relationships that drive the firm’s growth. His commitment to thoughtful design, technical excellence, and a fully integrated project process has shaped Smart Aquatics into a leader in high end residential and specialty aquatic environments.
Jonathan continues to guide the firm’s evolution with an emphasis on clarity, precision, and a belief that well crafted aquatic spaces can elevate the way people live and experience their homes.

Architect

Jeffry Hayek contributes to the design development and technical coordination of residential and commercial aquatic projects at Smart Aquatics. He works across multiple phases of project development, translating conceptual design into coordinated construction documentation.
Jeffry collaborates closely with structural, MEP, and BIM teams to refine layouts, develop details, and maintain alignment between architectural intent and technical requirements. His responsibilities include drawing production, interdisciplinary coordination, and project support to ensure clarity and consistency throughout the development process.
His structured approach to documentation and coordination supports the successful execution

Eric Kirby is a licensed electrical contractor with over 30 years of experience specializing in electrical systems for complex aquatic environments. He brings extensive hands on field experience as a practicing electrician, giving him a practical understanding of installation methods and constructability in addition to design.
Eric leads all electrical load calculations, power distribution planning, and electrical riser diagram development for Smart Aquatics’ residential and commercial projects. He specializes in the electrical integration of large scale swimming pools and water features, coordinating power requirements for mechanical equipment, automation systems, and advanced aquatic technologies.
His work ensures that complex aquatic electrical systems are properly designed, code compliant, and technically coordinated for high performance installations.

Rabih Dib oversees the design development and technical coordination of some of the firm’s most demanding projects. As Senior Architect and Project Manager, he guides each assignment from early concept through detailed documentation and construction support, ensuring that the original design intent is carried through with clarity and accuracy.
Rabih works closely with clients, consultants, and contractors to align the creative vision with the technical requirements of each site. His ability to anticipate challenges, manage complex conditions, and maintain organized communication makes him an essential link between design, engineering, and construction teams.
Known for his steady leadership and strong technical insight, Rabih brings structure to fast moving projects and provides the level of coordination required for high end residential, commercial, and specialty aquatic environments. His involvement strengthens the quality and consistency of every project he leads.

Simon leads the creative visualization work for Smart Aquatics. He translates early ideas, client goals, and architectural direction into precise two dimensional studies and highly detailed three dimensional models that reflect the true scale and character of each project. His work allows clients to understand the design long before construction begins and provides the team with a clear visual framework for decision making.
With a strong understanding of space, proportion, and materiality, Simon develops renderings and animated presentations that communicate the experience of the environment with accuracy and realism. He plays a key role in shaping the aesthetic direction of our projects and supports the design team by refining concepts into complete visual representations ready for client review and technical development.
Simon’s ability to merge creativity with technical precision makes him an essential part of the design process. His work strengthens communication, enhances client understanding, and ensures that the visual identity of each project is fully realized before it moves into engineering and construction.

Bruna Freire serves as the Administrative and Finance Manager for Smart Aquatics. She oversees the firm’s financial workflow, including billing, invoicing, payroll, and client payment coordination. Her work ensures that every project maintains clear financial structure from initial proposal through final closeout.
Bruna also manages the internal administrative systems that keep the firm organized. She prepares and processes change orders, maintains project documentation, supports contract administration, and keeps communication flowing between clients and internal teams. Her attention to detail allows the design and engineering staff to remain focused on technical work without interruptions.
Through her professionalism and consistent follow through, Bruna provides the operational support that strengthens the entire firm. Her work creates stability, clarity, and accountability across all aspects of Smart Aquatics.

Cynthia Boustani oversees the mechanical, electrical, and plumbing engineering requirements for Smart Aquatics and leads the coordination of all MEP systems across the firm’s portfolio. She develops system strategies from early design through final construction and ensures that all engineering decisions meet performance requirements, regulatory standards, and the unique technical demands of aquatic environments.
Along with managing her own projects, Cynthia provides direction and mentorship to the MEP team. She reviews engineering work, guides associates through complex design considerations, and supports their development across a range of project types. Her leadership helps maintain technical consistency and ensures that system integration remains aligned with the architectural and structural goals of each project.
Cynthia’s ability to identify issues early, resolve technical challenges, and lead her team through demanding engineering work makes her essential to the performance of every project the firm delivers.

MEP BIM Designer

Wafic is an MEP BIM Designer with over 10 years of experience specializing in mechanical, electrical, and plumbing system modeling for complex aquatic environments. He develops detailed 3D Revit models that coordinate pool mechanical systems, hydraulic layouts, electrical infrastructure, and equipment integration within residential and commercial projects.
Working closely with the engineering team, Wafic translates design intent into fully coordinated construction documentation. His role focuses on system layout development, spatial coordination, clash detection, and refinement of MEP infrastructure within architecturally and structurally demanding projects.
He plays a key role in ensuring that aquatic systems are accurately modeled, coordinated, and prepared for construction across technically complex installations.

Licensed Civil Engineer

Zak Lata is a licensed civil engineer with over 30 years of experience specializing in the structural engineering of swimming pools and aquatic systems. A second generation professional in the pool engineering industry, he brings deep technical expertise and real world experience to every project.
Zak leads all structural calculations, analysis, and engineering documentation for both residential and commercial aquatic environments. His work focuses on the structural and MEP integration requirements unique to complex swimming pools and water features, ensuring each system is safe, durable, and buildable.
His experience spans large scale, technically demanding projects where precision engineering and coordination are critical to successful execution.