👤 Who: Scenic Walton honored Alys Beach leaders, including Robert Stenhammer and architects Marieanne Khoury-Vogt and Erik Vogt.
🏆 What: The organization presented its Design Excellence Award, recognizing architectural quality and scenic design.
📅 When: February 26, 2026.
📍 Where: Alys Beach along Scenic Highway 30A in Walton County, Florida.
🌿 Why: The community was recognized for its consistent architectural vision, thoughtful planning, and scenic preservation.
Scenic Walton has recognized Alys Beach with its Design Excellence Award, praising the community’s commitment to architectural consistency, thoughtful planning, and scenic preservation along the Scenic Highway 30A corridor.
The nonprofit presented the award during a ceremony on Feb. 26, honoring the development’s distinctive white architecture and carefully planned streetscapes that have become a hallmark of the coastal community.
Robert Stenhammer, vice president and general manager of Alys Beach, accepted the award on behalf of the development and its owner, EBSCO Gulf Coast Development, Inc. The recognition was presented by Leigh Moore, executive director of Scenic Walton, with Scenic Walton Board President Tony Vallee also attending the event.
Scenic Walton created the Design Excellence Award in 2017 to recognize projects and organizations that demonstrate exceptional commitment to architecture, landscaping, signage, and overall scenic quality in Walton County’s built environment.
“Alys Beach represents one of the most thoughtfully designed and carefully executed communities anywhere along our coast,” Moore said during the ceremony. “Its commitment to architectural excellence, timeless design, and respect for place has set a standard not only for Walton County but for coastal communities nationwide.”
The award also highlighted the role of the community’s long-time town architects, Marieanne Khoury-Vogt and Erik Vogt of Khoury Vogt Architects. The pair has guided the architectural vision of Alys Beach for more than 15 years.
Moore noted the architects have helped preserve the founders’ original design concept while steering the development’s growth.
“They have been stewards of the founders’ original vision and shepherds of the community’s growth and development,” Moore said.
Stenhammer said the award reflects the broader vision behind the community’s creation.
“We are honored to accept Scenic Walton’s Design Excellence Award on behalf of Alys Beach and our town architects,” Stenhammer said. “From the beginning, Alys Beach was envisioned to enhance the natural beauty of Walton County while setting a timeless standard for design, stewardship, and community.”
Vallee said the discipline required to maintain the development’s design vision has helped elevate the entire region.
“The vision behind Alys Beach and the discipline required to maintain that vision over time is truly remarkable,” Vallee said. “It reflects a level of commitment to quality and design that benefits not only residents and visitors, but the entire Walton County community.”
Known for its Mediterranean-inspired white buildings and carefully planned public spaces, Alys Beach has become one of the most recognizable communities along Florida’s Gulf Coast.
Scenic Walton leaders said the award highlights the development as a model for thoughtful planning and design across Walton County.
Pro Communi Bono
St. Francis De Sales, Ora Pro Nobis!
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