Sustainable design is almost ordinary these days, but there are still a few new twists. Such as Deerfield Beach Pier and Café's special consideration for the local sea turtle population.

The LEED Silver structure's sea turtle-sensitive design is centered around the lighting techniques involved in the project, specially engineered to ensure the long-term well-being of the local fish and wildlife species, Garcia Stromberg founding partner Peter Stromberg tells us. Putting it together entailed a close relationship with the local environment specialists from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. Snapped: Garcia Stromberg partner Jorge Garcia and Peter, standing in front of one of Peter’s larger works (he also paints).

Besides turtle protections, the architects incorporated water-efficient landscaping, low-impact building materials, and specialized roofing into the plans. The pier won the Broward League of Cities award for Sustainable Development, and the café was the first LEED-certified restaurant in Broward County. Peter adds that he anticipates that developers and investors will insist on more and better green features, to make properties both profitable and sustainable.