Industry Pioneer Enters New Phase

Bill Rowley, P.E., Palos Verdes Estates, Calif.

Despite four decades spent engineering some of the world’s finest aquatic facilities, Dr. William N. “Bill” Rowley has always shied away from spotlight. Therefore it’s not surprising that when he sold his venerable design firm last fall, he barely mentioned it, but Rowley International has officially become part of the giant geotechnical firm Terracon.

Renowned for his research, expertise and innovations during his lengthy career, Rowley has been directly responsible for the design of more than 650 major swimming pool complexes worldwide.

His list of projects includes projects for municipalities, resort properties, universities, therapy centers, historic sites and military installations. His more notable credits include the USC Olympic Stadium for the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics, the legendary lagoon pool at the Maui Resort & Spa at Kaanapali Beach, the Marion Davies/Annenberg Pool in Santa Monica, the White House Swimming Pool, and training facilities at West Point, the US Naval Amphibious Base SEAL Training Tank in Coronado, California, and the 50-meter Training Tank and Jump Tower at the U.S. Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Training Center at Twentynine Palms, California.

The National Sanitation Foundation (NSF) awarded him the 1985 Spes Hominum (For The Good Of Mankind) Award for his doctoral research on water filtration.

Away from the industry, Rowley has a lifelong history of distinguished service to his country, community, trade and family. He retired from the United States Air Force Reserve as a Major General in 1992 after more than 36 years of service, earning numerous medals and distinctions. He also holds a commercial pilot license with single and multi-engine instrument rating and commercial helicopter rating.

Rather than view the transaction with Terracon as an end, at 82 years young, Rowley remains excited about the future. “I’m not retiring,” he says. “Instead I’m excited by the opportunity to work within a nationwide organization that boasts tremendous design and engineering resources.”

Rowley is currently part of a team that is refurbishing the Neptune Pool at Hearst Castle, one of the world’s most famous and recognizable swimming pools.