Resilient Luxury: The New Coastal Reality
By Marsha Faulkner, President of ICAA Florida Chapter and Founder of Studio M Interior Design
As Florida’s coastal communities confront increasingly volatile climate patterns, the conversation around waterfront development is shifting dramatically from “keep me close” to “keep me safe.” Insights from the Institute of Classical Architecture & Art Florida Chapter’s (ICAA-FL) recent symposium reveal how the pursuit of coastal luxury must evolve to meet our changing environmental reality.
When clients discuss building their dream home on Florida’s stunning coastline, they often envision panoramic water views and seamless indoor-outdoor living. What many don’t anticipate—especially those relocating from other states—is the complex reality of coastal construction in an era of climate volatility. As an interior designer who frequently collaborates with architects and builders on waterfront projects, I’ve witnessed how this reality transforms our approach to coastal luxury.
The ICAA-FL symposium in Naples earlier this year was titled “Enduring Foundations: Naples Coastal Architecture for a Resilient Future.” The panel of experts—including architects, engineers, and urban planners—confronted a sobering truth: Our traditional vision of coastal living from the panhandle to the Florida Keys is undergoing a necessary transformation.
