Scott Cohen
Scott Cohen,
Garden Artisan / Supervising Designer
Scott is an acclaimed landscape designer, author, and licensed contractor in landscape, pool and general construction whose award-winning work has been frequently showcased on HGTV and in numerous books and national magazines. Cohen is known for his spectacular gardens that combine the best of outdoor living with inspired artistic touches. A charismatic and entertaining speaker, Cohen is also the author of 10 design and construction books, including the award-winning Outdoor Kitchen Design Workbook, Poolscapes, The Candid Contractor, and Outdoor Fireplaces and Fire Pits.
A 5-time Masters of Design Award winner, Scott has been featured on several Home and Garden Television shows such as “Cool Pools” and “Get Out, Way Out!” He also provides construction defect expert witness services, and continues to lobby for ethical Workers’ Compensation practices in the construction industry.
Some of Cohen’s past designs are featured in his books, and are available for purchase from Amazon.com. Scott also frequently provides services as an Expert Witness in the swimming pool and landscape design and construction industries.
Standards Leadership & Industry Authority
ANSI/PHTA-5 Residential Swimming Pool Standard
Scott Cohen was selected by leadership at the Pool & Hot Tub Alliance (PHTA) to serve as a voting member on the national committee responsible for updating the 2025 ANSI/PHTA-5 Residential Swimming Pool Standard — the benchmark that defines the standard of care for pool design and construction across the United States.
He invested over 18 months collaborating with the nation’s top contractors, engineering experts, builders, safety officials, and code authorities to modernize the standard for 2025. The ANSI/PHTA-5 Standard is adopted into code or referenced as governing best practice in 38 states, shaping how safe, durable, and compliant residential pools are built nationwide.
Scott’s contribution is literally written into the new standard — a permanent recognition of his technical expertise and industry stewardship.
Advancing the Profession: PHTA Builders Manual – 2025 Edition
As a Director on the National Builders Council for the PHTA, Scott also served on a dedicated subcommittee charged with rewriting the 2025 PHTA Pool Builders Manual — widely regarded in the industry as the definitive training and reference guide for professional pool builders.
For more than a year, he worked side-by-side with top builders and educators refining construction guidelines, best-practice recommendations, and professional standards. The manual is actively used to train builders across the country and influence industry certification and licensing programs.
In recognition of his design excellence and technical leadership, Scott’s work is featured on the cover and throughout the manual as examples of the craftsmanship and innovation expected of top-tier professionals.
“Having our projects showcased on the cover and throughout the book is a tremendous honor — it reflects not just my commitment to excellence, but the talent and dedication of the entire Green Scene team.”
Recognized Industry Leader
For his leadership, service, and significant contributions to industry standards, Scott Cohen was honored with the Pool & Hot Tub Alliance “Volunteer of the Year” Award, one of the organization’s most prestigious distinctions.
This award recognizes exceptional commitment to advancing the pool and spa profession through committee work, standards development, and education. Cohen’s dedication to improving construction practices, elevating professional training, and strengthening consumer safety played a key role in earning this national recognition.
Why This Matters in Expert Testimony
When you retain Scott Cohen as an expert witness, you are hiring someone who:
- Helps write the standards and manuals that govern the pool industry
- Contributes directly to national code and construction guidance
- Teaches the technical and best-practice principles many contractors are judged against
- Understands what the industry requires of quality construction work.
Scott Cohen is a Certified Building Professional (CBP) through the Pool and Hot Tub Alliance, a designation that reflects advanced expertise, ethical standards, and a commitment to quality pool construction.
For more information, contact The Green Scene at (800) 675-5296 or Scott.Cohen@GreenSceneLandscape.com.