Favorite Millwork Project Picks: Edward San Juan

At E. F. San Juan, it’s hard to pick favorites when it comes to our architectural millwork projects, because each one holds something special. Every project has its own story, challenges, and unique details that make it meaningful to us. Behind each finished product is a team of hardworking, dedicated craftsmen and staff members who put their time, talent, and heart into bringing each vision to life.

We take pride in every project we have the opportunity to be a part of, and no matter the size or scope, each one represents the creativity, commitment, and passion that make E. F. San Juan what it is today, after 50 years in business. While we could never choose just one favorite, we’re excited to highlight a few projects that hold special significance to our president, Edward San Juan!

The Nesbitt Residence – Seaside, FL

“A home in Seaside originally known as the Nesbitt residence and which we refer to as the Wooden Classicism project in our website portfolio, this Gulf-front home was designed by world-renowned architect Robert A. M. Stern and lead architect Gary L. Brewer,” shares Edward. “The home was built by O. B. Laurent Construction, and it was a wonderful collaborative effort with architect Gary Brewer, my father (Ed F. San Juan), and project manager of O. B. Laurent, Stan Hayward. I was running the manufacturing plant at that time and was amazed at the amount of intricate millwork we provided on the interior and exterior of this home. There is no sheetrock in the home, and every room had unique moulding profiles for ceiling paneling, wall paneling, crown moulding, casing, and baseboard. We also provided the unique wood rustication, siding, columns, brackets, and beams for the home’s exterior. In total, we ground knives for more than 70 custom wood profiles in this iconic Seaside beachfront home.”

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The Chapel at Seaside

Edward says, “Being invited to participate in this now highly acclaimed and world-renowned structure was a pivotal moment in our company’s trajectory. Scott Merrill is the architect who designed Seaside Chapel a decade after he had been the town architect for Seaside. Mark Breaux, one of the original builders in Seaside, was the builder. For some reason, at the time this structure was built more than a quarter of a century ago, it was apparent that it was special, yet we had no idea how special it would become in the world of architecture and New Urbanism. We manufactured interior and exterior wood millwork for the chapel that would one day witness the marriage of my only daughter. Very special to me!”

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53 Seaside Avenue

“At the turn of the first decade of the second millennium, our local economy and the economy of the world seemed to have shut down,” Edward recalls. “Our company had been in business for over 30 years, and for the first time, there was no work to be found. We were literally down to our final work order when Warren Laurent of O. B. Laurent Construction informed us that we would be providing windows, doors, and interior and exterior architectural millwork for one of the only custom homes being built along 30A at that time. Our entire team was elated to have this work, and we were thrilled with the many woodworking challenges this project provided. The home was designed by the architect firm Curtis & Windham and was commissioned by a lovely family from the Houston, Texas, area. Our website portfolio refers to this home as In Surf We Trust, and this project was certainly a godsend for us.”