
LEONARDTOWN, Md. — The story of Prestige Illumination & Ponds begins with a shovel, a backyard, and a ten-year-old boy with a vision. Founder Curtis King built his first pond alongside his father at the age of ten—a project that sparked a lifelong passion for water gardening.
“That pond is now home to 12 koi fish, and many happy frogs,” Curtis says. “Back when my father and I dug that pond, I guess we got pond water in our veins, and the thrill of water gardening has never left us.”
From that early hands-on experience, Curtis went on to lead pond installations and maintenance for The Pond Doctor, his father’s company that started in 2006. After his father’s passing Curtis then rebranded the business as Prestige in 2020, carrying forward the same dedication to craftsmanship while expanding its services to include advanced pond restoration and energy-efficient landscape lighting.
In 2021, Joseph Houchens joined the team. His addition helped Prestige continue to grow while staying focused on what matters most to their clients—quality craftsmanship and lasting results.
Today, Prestige is known across Maryland, D.C., and Virginia for building and maintaining natural-looking ponds, water features, and lighting systems that homeowners can enjoy year-round. With deep roots in the community and a shared commitment to quality, Curtis and Joseph continue to help families and property owners create outdoor areas that are both functional and enjoyable.
Full-Service Pond and Water Garden Solutions

Prestige specializes in the design, construction, and maintenance of eco-friendly water features. As a Certified Aquascape Contractor, we use top-tier materials and natural ecosystem designs to ensure beauty, balance, and sustainability.
Pond Services Include:
- Pond and Water Garden Installation – Custom builds using Aquascape systems designed to support fish, plants, and natural filtration.
- Leak Detection and Repair – Timely diagnostics and durable repairs to resolve water loss and structural issues.
- Filtration System Installation – Installation of high-quality filtration systems to maintain clear and healthy water.
- Seasonal Services – Spring openings, fall cleanouts, and winterizations to protect your investment throughout the year.
- Rebuilds and Restorations – Renovations of aging or damaged features to improve appearance and functionality.
- Scheduled Maintenance – Routine service contracts to keep your pond operating efficiently with minimal effort.
Low-Voltage Landscape Lighting Installation

Prestige offers custom outdoor lighting solutions that highlight architectural details, garden landscapes, and water features while also enhancing safety and increasing overall curb appeal. Each lighting system is designed and installed using long-lasting, energy-efficient technology and adheres to the industry’s best practices, ensuring both beauty and durability in every season.
Lighting Services Include:
- Low-voltage LED lighting installation
- Path, spotlight, and accent lighting
- Timer and smart system integration
- Lighting system repairs and upgrades
- Ongoing maintenance to keep your lighting performing at its best
Expert Consultations

Creating Tranquil Outdoor Spaces Since 2006, Prestige was previously known as The Pond Doctor
At Prestige, they don’t just build water features—they sculpt living art with water and stone. Whether you’re envisioning a peaceful koi pond, a flowing backyard waterfall, or a fully restored water garden, their consultations are the first step in bringing your ideas to life.
From design and installation to maintenance and upgrades, their mission is to help you fall in love with your outdoor space — day and night, season after season.
Contact Prestige Illumination & Ponds
Email: info@prestigeilluminationandponds.com
Website: www.prestigepond.com
Phone Numbers:
(240) 249-POND (7663) – Maryland & D.C.
(434) 226-POND (7663) – Virginia
(540) 272-6866 – Main Office
Office Location:
22650 Cedar Lane Court, Suite 200,
Leonardtown, MD 20650
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What Clients Are Saying
“We recently had the pleasure of working with Prestige Illumination & Ponds LLC for the rebuilding of our pond and water feature. From the very beginning, Curtis was professional and attentive. He took the time to understand our vision and preferences… He provided valuable insights on design options, materials, and maintenance considerations, which helped us make informed decisions.” — Doug Fidler
“Prestige Illumination and Ponds did a fantastic job renovating my mother’s large Koi pond, which involved repairs of leaks plus installing modern equipment such as a UV filter to keep the pond free of algae. We also use their services for annual maintenance, and the water stays crystal clear year-round!” — Ali T.
“Prestige has looked after our pond for several years, and has consistently done an excellent job. Work is estimated accurately and Curtis is always on time, communicative, and proactive in addressing all the items needed to keep the pond healthy and looking great. Highly recommended!” — David Cassidy
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