The Crew
Our Mission
“Our mission is driven by the urgent global challenges we face today; from climate change to housing shortages to the need to improve our wellbeing. We will lead in providing high quality, bespoke and sustainable floating accommodation with a range that covers a spectrum of lifestyles and budgets. Alongside our location partnerships we will provide an alternative Waterlife which matches the uniqueness of our clients. We are here to inspire a new reality, where new communities can thrive on water, where connection to each other and nature matters more and where sustainability is at the heart of an alternative life on water.”
Ian Watkins, founder, Waterlife.
Who we are
The crew at Waterlife are not only water lovers from a young age but also have experienced personally or through friends and family the challenges of climate change and flooding. Each of us want to be part of the solution and believe Waterlife is one way to help, not only adapting to a changing climate, but also to the housing crisis in the UK by creating more affordable alternatives.
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Having spent his whole life on or around the water, Ian has a vision of creating a world where anyone, whether boating enthusiasts or not, can enjoy the benefits of a life on the water. Ian has been leading the UK’s Houseboat industry for many years and campaigns for more space to be made available to help solve the challenges we face. His unwavering passion for living more sustainably drives our manufacturing partners to continually seek cleaner materials and processes.
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Ian’s brother Gareth’s 20 years of experience as a head of finance in an international environment positions him perfectly to support and help grow the business. Gareth also loves the outdoors and gets out on the water with his children whenever he finds time. You may well catch him in Yarmouth or Brighton enjoying the Waterlife!
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Darren joined his father-in-law Ian to grow the business and turn living on a water a reality for so many. Darren is likely to be one of the first people you talk to, as he’s responsible for handling initial enquiries, arrange viewings and build your bespoke space to the finest detail. Darren loves meeting new people, and points out that there are worst ways to spend your working day than introducing people to a new Waterlife!
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Life on water started early for Mark canoeing, windsurfing, sailing then kiteboarding in and around the Solent. His experience in Brand and Creative strategy for multinational corporate brands has now been coupled with his love for the water. Mark’s work helps audiences appreciate the lifestyle that comes with living the alternative including heath and sustainability benefits.
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Danny has supported Waterlife from the start and helped Waterlodge grow at speed in Brighton. With over 20 years experience in the property market across the south east, Danny has a new found love for these fantastic homes and his enthusiasm is hard to miss when helping our customers build their bespoke spaces working closely with Darren.
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Katie’s experience as a legal Executive Assistant has been instrumental in helping brother-in-law keep a tight ship! Responsible for office management, transport logistics, customer service and warranties, Katie is the oil keeping the cogs moving smoothly so that Waterlife customers can take delivery of their new floating homes and support them as they get settled into a new life on the water.
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Tom Kolodz is our Service Technician. He brings with him a wealth of multi-skilled experience from the construction industry, and is a versatile problem-solver. He is fluent in English and Polish, and has undertaken a comprehensive Product Training Program with our manufacturing partners in Poland, so he knows our entire range of spaces inside and out and will be there to support you once afloat.
