The Comms Exchange: a Podcast by 30|90 Marketing — Season 2 | Episode 4

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.