This paper presents the perspective of one design practitioner regarding changes that have occurred in the industry over the past 25 years – particularly as related to the design of waste containment systems using geosynthetics. An effort has been made to present practical changes that have taken place in approaches to design, rather than advances in academic theory. Given the practical limitations of a single person writing an overview of this topic, there are bound to be biases in emphasis and subject matter related to the author’s perspective and experience. In this regard the author asks forbearance from the readers, and welcomes any feedback from industry peers.