Photography by Colleen Duffley
Ah, a day at the beach on 30A—the soft, snowy sand; that fresh, salty air; the sound of waves rushing and retreating in that same blissfully steady rhythm they’ve been dancing to since the dawn of time. These oceanic allurements have enchanted many a visitor, some of whom have become so captivated that they never want to leave. Such is the case with architect Geoff Chick.
Recruited by a builder after architecture school, the Cornell graduate came to the Beaches of South Walton area for an interview. “I immediately fell in love with the laidback lifestyle and all the outdoor activities—boating, beaches, biking, fishing,” he says. “I thought it would be fun for a few years, and then I could go back to New York and get a ‘real job.’ ” But it didn’t take long for the appeal of beach life to change his mind. “Seaside was an inspiration to me as an architect, and I moved to Grayton Beach to be closer to the scene on 30A back before Highway 98 was a four-lane road. I met my wife a year later at the Red Bar, and I started my firm soon after.
“Our personal style is reflected in the color tones and the design of the floor plan. When you walk through the front door, you feel like you are walking out onto the beach.” —vicki Inman
There was a peacefulness to the beach back then, before the real estate market took off, and I bring those memories to each project.” The beauty of this seaside locale also worked its magic on John and Vicki Inman. When they decided it was time to build a second home in the Santa Rosa community, the couple was drawn to the work they had seen from Geoff Chick & Associates. Chick explains, “My projects seek to find a balance between the use of natural materials and modern sensibilities with structures that transcend popular fashion and are built to last.
These homes are reminiscent of traditional architecture, are relevant in almost any regional setting, and have been adapted to the way families live today.” And those features are what resonated with the Inmans. Vicki explains that their wish list was short: They wanted to be on the beach in a home that would feel relaxing when it was just the two of them, as well as inviting and accommodating when friends and family come to visit.
As planning began for this completely new build on a vacant lot in Gulf Place, architect and homeowners faced a few obstacles, the main one involving a sand dune that had deteriorated after years of neglect. It took several weeks and permits to sand-fill and sculpt the site.Chick worked with a seasoned team to handle more of Florida’s complicated on-beach building processes while maintaining the desired aesthetic of the home. Says the architect,
“We included 10-foot-tall Weather Shield bifold doors. When they are open, the pool area and patio connect to the living area to pull the outside in.”
They also added an elevated pool shell that allowed removal of the fence that covered the Gulf view.This area doubles as seating during parties. As the home took shape, decorators Robyn Prince and Marianne Temple joined the design team to help with the interiors. To reflect the coastal setting, the duo chose a color palette centered on natural and neutral tones with touches of turquoise and aqua. “They created the airy feel we wanted with hints of the ocean in the blue hues,” says Vicki. Now that the many steps of the building process are complete, the Inmans spend as much time as possible at their second home. And they especially enjoy welcoming guests for the day, the weekend, or longer.
“Spending quality time with family and friends has always been important to us, and this is the place where we can create memories,”
Vicki says. For this couple, beach life on 30A is all about sharing what they love most with others.
