Beauty for Ashes

Mourning with Those in Times of Trouble

…to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of joy instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair. They will be called oaks of righteousness, a planting of the Lord for the display of his splendor. —Isaiah 61:3

There is a time to build and a time to mourn, and unfortunately, we are currently in a period of collective mourning as we stand in solidarity with those affected by the fires in Los Angeles. The devastating images of the Palisades and surrounding communities leave me speechless. What was once a vibrant landscape—filled with homes, restaurants, schools, and shops—now resembles the aftermath of a nuclear attack rather than a wildfire.

As I write this note, it’s hard not to think about the uncontrolled fires that still rage on, which remain a constant disturbance in the back of my mind, subtly playing in my subconscious as I try to return to work after the holidays. There is a deep sadness and a dampened spirit as I grieve for those I do not know and for the few who, thankfully, were spared the loss of their homes. The images are horrifying, and I know that the anguish experienced by the thousands of people affected there is far worse than we can imagine.

Our thoughts and prayers go out to everyone needing a home and the brave first responders and firefighters working tirelessly to protect lives and property in harm’s way. Finding comfort and well-being can feel nearly impossible when your place of refuge is disrupted. I can only imagine the burden carried by caregivers, parents, and others in responsible roles as they face evengreater challenges while navigating the difficulties of survival, rebuilding, and hopefully thriving in the near future. We dedicate this Dwellings & Interior Design Issue to you. We are committed to doing everything we can to help and will share ways for everyone to contribute through our social media channels.

This curated edition showcases many beautiful homes featuring stunning architecture and interior design, each considered a work of art. Many of these residences are located in thoughtfully designed New Urbanism communities on Florida’s Scenic Highway 30-A along Florida’s Panhandle, alongside beachfront and bayfront properties that deserve editorial features. This contrast fills me with gratitude for the blessings we are given and enjoy. Our area in Northwest Florida, where we are headquartered, has experienced its share of natural disasters, particularly several catastrophic and devastating hurricanes. We know what it’s like to rebuild after such events. Many individuals and businesses featured in this issue have experienced this firsthand, and witnessing their remarkable comeback stories is truly inspiring.

The Seaside Institute, located in the renowned New Urbanist community of Seaside, Florida, is celebrating its thirty-first anniversary during the upcoming Seaside Prize Weekend, scheduled for February 7–9, 2025. During this event, the prestigious Seaside Keys will be awarded to Ellen-Dunham Jones and June Williamson, co-authors of the widely acclaimed book Retrofitting Suburbia. As the outgoing chair of this esteemed organization, I feel honored to have had the opportunity to learn and lead while recognizing the importance of effective urban planning. The mentorship and guidance this coalition provides are invaluable to many aspiring developers, land planners, architects, and engineers as we move forward. To learn more or register for future events, please visit SeasideInstitute.org.

On the cover of this issue are the power couple Roy and Wendy Sembera, the developers of the stunning Churchill Oaks neighborhood on the south shore of Choctawhatchee Bay in Santa Rosa Beach, Florida. They invite VIE and our readers to explore their beautiful home in our feature story, “A Crowning Jewel on the Bay,” by editor Jordan Staggs. This exceptional residence is a true masterpiece, reflecting their dedication and passion for their home and the surrounding community.

To a healthy, safe, and prosperous year ahead!

—Lisa Marie Burwell

CEO/Editor-in-Chief/Creative Director

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