Rising to New Heights

Designing Spaces with Purpose and Vision

By Kelly Curry | Photography courtesy of Burwell Associates, Inc.

In the world of architecture, the interplay of creativity, functionality, and sustainability is crucial for creating spaces that enhance the human experience. Burwell Associates, Inc. design firm embodies this philosophy, with principal architect Gerald F. Burwell delivering innovative design solutions that resonate with his clients and the communities he serves. With a commitment to quality and a focus on collaboration, Burwell has established a reputation for excellence in architectural design across the affluent communities of the Northwest Florida Gulf Coast, where he spent summers as a child while living in Saudi Arabia with his family most of the year.

At the core of Burwell’s business is a design philosophy that prioritizes a deep understanding of client needs and aspirations. He believes that architecture should not only meet functional requirements but also inspire and uplift. By fostering collaborative relationships with clients, builders, contractors, interior designers, and local governing agencies, Burwell ensures each project reflects the unique vision and values of those it serves and adheres to strict codes and building standards often implemented in Florida’s Walton, Okaloosa, and Bay Counties, including the coastal areas along Scenic Highway 30-A.

“Having been born in Pensacola and taking annual family vacations to Miramar Beach, founded by my late grandfather Col. Michael Grimaldi (US Army Ret.) in 1926, Florida’s Gulf Coast is rooted deep within me,” the architect says. “It is here that I have honed my design and business skills for more than twenty-five years.”

Burwell focuses on residential architecture, commercial design, and community initiatives. He is known for creating custom homes that seamlessly integrate with their environments, prioritizing aesthetics, sustainability, and livability to deliver beautiful and practical spaces. Regarding commercial designs, Burwell tailors layouts to enhance and reflect each brand’s unique identity and needs through a new hybrid creative process of “branditecture.” Understanding the value of community engagement, Burwell has also undertaken projects such as designing local theaters and gathering spaces that benefit the public.

In the world of architecture, the interplay of creativity, functionality, and sustainability is crucial for creating spaces that enhance the human experience.

No project is too big or small; Burwell was integral in designing the interiors of the longstanding Destin Jewelers boutique, which was a pillar in Miramar Beach, Florida, before rebranding and moving to Grand Boulevard as The Jewel—branded by the team at The Idea Boutique, where Gerald Burwell serves as the vice president alongside his wife, Lisa Marie Burwell, the founder and CEO. Through collaboration with The Idea Boutique and its flagship publication, VIE magazine, Burwell’s architectural expertise has been utilized in the creation of multiple offices, restaurants, and The Heritage – A VIE Legacy Show Home, a landmark project in Seagrove Beach’s Heritage Dunes neighborhood where Burwell has designed nearly a dozen homes. Working with small or unusual lot sizes and building between other established residences in the community, Burwell nonetheless ensured each of his Heritage Dunes residences had views of the Gulf—a testament to his creativity and ability to work with any space allotted while maintaining the highest standards.

“The hot and humid salt-air environment along the Gulf Coast is arguably the most corrosive in the world, which makes for a less-than-desirable habitat for building systems,” Burwell admits. “My years of observing how building systems behave and survive this unforgiving weather have seasoned my ability to design accordingly.”

A strong commitment to environmental stewardship also informs Burwell’s design process. He integrates sustainable practices, such as using energy-efficient materials, maximizing natural light, and incorporating green technologies to reduce the ecological impact of projects while taking advantage of the area’s beautiful natural landscape and views.

The firm’s diverse portfolio showcases its versatility and creativity, ranging from intimate residences to beautifully curated office spaces, like the modern-chic VIE magazine office in Grayton Beach and The Idea Boutique Ltd. marketing agency in Clifden, Co. Galway, Ireland. Each project reflects meticulous attention to detail and a keen understanding of the site’s context. Burwell believes architecture can shape lives and communities, actively engaging with residents and others by enriching the social and cultural fabric of a space or area.

Gerald and Lisa Burwell | Photo by Hunter Burgtorf

Burwell’s notable projects in progress for 2025 include a large-scale custom retrofit of a bank building in Iowa and a 6,000-plus-square-foot modern home on the Choctawhatchee Bay in Santa Rosa Beach, Florida. Interior designer and owner Suzy Accola of Q-Tile + Lemontree dubbed the home the “House of Light” thanks to its ample, expansive windows. It is complete with a pickleball court, pool, and multiple outdoor living spaces to be enjoyed year-round. Suzy and her husband, builder Jim Accola of Coastal Elements Construction, are longstanding friends and clients of VIE, and the House of Light might just become the next magazine show home, so stay tuned!

With a passion for design and a commitment to collaboration, Burwell’s holistic approach—balancing aesthetics, functionality, and sustainability—ensures each project is a true reflection of the client’s vision and the broader community context. For those looking to create inspiring and lasting spaces, Burwell Associates Architecture is a trusted partner in turning ideas into reality.

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For more information about their projects and design philosophy, visit BurwellAssociates.com and follow them on Instagram at @burwell_associates.