“We knew we needed to do something very special,” said Edward F. San Juan. “I wanted to preserve the front of the box to represent the Seaside Institute and the Seaside Prize while honoring the King with a unique design that would truly impress.”
In addition to its support of the 2026 Seaside Prize Weekend, E. F. San Juan is also collaborating with the Seaside Institute on a one-of-a-kind presentation case created to house the Seaside Prize awarded to His Royal Majesty King Charles III. The award, bestowed in recognition of the King’s lifelong contributions to architecture and urbanism, reflects principles closely aligned with New Urbanism, which the King championed long before his accession.
The presentation case incorporates a custom royal cipher, finalized after extensive consultation to ensure proper use of crowns and royal symbols. Hand-selected premium wood, intricate engraving, and enduring construction methods were employed to reflect both the prestige of the Seaside Institute and the significance of the recipient. Above all, the piece was designed to endure, serving as a physical embodiment of the lasting bond between traditional craftsmanship and modern urbanism.
CHALLENGES
When creating a piece for the royal family, you cannot guess at aesthetics. Using the wrong royal cypher, an incorrect crown design, or unauthorized symbols could be seen as a breach of protocol or disrespectful to the Crown. Also, the piece needed to represent “Legacy.” Standard materials wouldn’t suffice; the wood had to be stable enough to withstand international travel and changing climates without warping, cracking, or losing its finish.
SOLUTIONS
The Solution for keeping in line with royal tradition was through extensive research. Searching through previous cyphers and symbols to make sure everything that was being used was appropriate. For the materials used, choosing high-grade, seasoned hardwood that offered natural durability was the number one choice. We also utilized a mix of CNC technology, for the “Mortise Detail” seen in the blueprints, and hand-finished to ensure the fit and finish was airtight and permanent.
