When Architecture Works: Les Maisons de Bayou Lafourche and the Future of Resilient Housing

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The Comms Exchange: a Podcast by 30|90 Marketing

Rachel Ledet

13 episodes

19 hours ago

The Comms Exchange is a podcast by 30|90 Marketing, a strategic marketing and communications firm dedicated to shaping communities, amplifying voices, and building visibility for projects and people. Hosted by Rachel Ledet, founder of 30|90, and Communications Director, Christianne Brunini, the show explores how communications drives strategy, builds trust, and creates momentum across the worlds of commercial real estate, economic development, and community-building. Each episode dives into the stories, strategies, and tactics that power successful projects. From conversations with industry leaders to behind-the-scenes insights from our own team, The Comms Exchange uncovers how the right message at the right time can change perceptions, spark investment, and inspire action. We believe that communications isn’t an afterthought; it’s the foundation of every successful endeavor. Whether it’s bringing a new development to market, launching a culture initiative within a company, or shifting public opinion to support bold community projects, communication is the common thread that determines success. This podcast explores those moments where strategy meets storytelling, where creativity intersects with execution, and where communities are built brick by brick. Listeners will gain insight into: -Strategic marketing frameworks — How to align communications with organizational goals. -Brand storytelling — Turning values, culture, and mission into messages that resonate. -Commercial real estate and development marketing — Tools and tactics that bring visibility to projects and engage stakeholders. -Economic development communications — Approaches that build trust, attract investment, and showcase impact. -Case studies and lessons learned — Real stories from our clients, our team, and industry peers about what works and what doesn’t. -Core values in practice — How values shape who you work with, how you operate, and how success is defined. At 30|90 Marketing, we know that every project, every partnership, and every breakthrough begins the same way: with a conversation. That belief is at the heart of The Comms Exchange.

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When Architecture Works: Les Maisons de Bayou Lafourche and the Future of Resilient Housing

The Comms Exchange: a Podcast by 30|90 Marketing

25 minutes 15 seconds

4 weeks ago

When Architecture Works: Les Maisons de Bayou Lafourche and the Future of Resilient Housing

In this episode of The Comms Exchange, architect Steve Rome, partner at VergesRome Architects, joins host Rachel Ledet and co-host Christianne Brunini to explore what resilient design really looks like on the Gulf Coast. Steve walks through the story of Les Maisons de Bayou Lafourche, a $9.5M affordable housing community in Lockport, Louisiana, designed with Fortified Gold, Enterprise Green, and Energy Star certifications—and then tested in real time by Hurricane Ida.

While surrounding neighborhoods suffered catastrophic damage, Les Maisons de Bayou Lafourche experienced minimal impact, proving how intentional architecture, rigorous quality control, and sustainable building practices can transform hurricane preparedness and community resilience.

The conversation covers how empathy, equity, and foresight inform good design, why certifications should be more than a box-checking exercise, and how travel, reading, and continuous learning keep architects sharp. If you care about architecture, resilient communities, affordable housing, or climate-smart design, this episode offers a powerful case study and practical insight.

Key Takeaways

Resilience as a design mandate: Les Maisons de Bayou Lafourche was intentionally designed for major storm events, showing how architecture can change outcomes in disaster-prone regions.
Fortified Gold as a process, not a plaque: Fortified Gold, Enterprise Green, and Energy Star demanded strict documentation, construction oversight, and quality control from foundation to roof.
Beauty and strength can coexist: Vernacular Gulf Coast design, front porches, and neighborhood-friendly aesthetics can align with high-performance, hurricane-ready construction.
Collaboration is essential: Close partnership among architect, developer, and contractor kept the project on budget while honoring resilience goals.
Community resilience starts with buildings: Housing that can be quickly reoccupied after a storm helps preserve jobs, social networks, and neighborhood stability.
Quality control pays off: Careful detailing on roof decking, structural connections, and systems resulted in less than $4,000 in storm-related damage on a roughly $9.5M project.
Lifelong learning matters: Steve credits reading, travel, and curiosity with expanding his perspective as a designer—and encourages young architects to do the same.

Steve Rome’s Reading List:

No Compromise: The Work of Florence Knoll

https://a.co/d/b9xwEcu

If Walls Could Speak: My Life in Architecture

https://a.co/d/apskVS5

The Pillars of the Earth (Kingsbridge)

https://a.co/d/bkkOWL6

You Say to Brick: The Life of Louis Kahn

https://a.co/d/3pgYQ2f

You can learn more about VergesRome Architects at www.vergesrome.com

The Comms Exchange: a Podcast by 30|90 Marketing