Designing The Island at West Bay Club: A Conversation with Jorge Garcia of Garcia Stromberg

The Island at West Bay Club represents a new expression of contemporary coastal living in Estero, Florida. Designed by the acclaimed architecture firm Garcia Stromberg, The Island blends refined design, natural surroundings, and livability into a residential experience that feels both elevated and effortless.

We spoke with Jorge Garcia, Principal at Garcia Stromberg, about the inspiration behind the project, the role of architecture in enhancing lifestyle, and how The Island fits seamlessly into the West Bay Club community.

A Site That Sets the Vision

From the moment Garcia first encountered the site, its character was unmistakable.

Surrounded by water, preserve, and expansive sky, the location offered a rare sense of privacy paired with openness. The natural setting helped guide the architectural response, allowing the design to emerge organically from the land rather than compete with it.
The design vision for The Island can be summed up simply:

A refined, contemporary coastal retreat deeply connected to its environment.

As construction progresses, what excites Garcia most is seeing how the architecture frames everyday moments. Sunrises, sunsets, shifting light, and long water views become part of daily life for residents, reinforcing a strong connection between home and nature.

Residences Designed for Light, Air, and Privacy

One of the defining features of The Island is that every residence is a corner residence. This was a deliberate decision that significantly enhances the living experience.

Corner residences allow natural light, cross breezes, and panoramic views to enter from multiple directions. The result is brighter interiors, a greater sense of openness, and a stronger connection to the outdoors.

Rather than following a traditional condominium layout, the residences are planned more like private homes in the sky. Spaces are intuitive and well balanced, with clear separation between public gathering areas and private retreats. Views take priority, and circulation feels natural and unforced.

The coastal environment heavily influenced the architecture. Deep overhangs, expansive terraces, and a light, calming material palette help blur the boundary between indoor and outdoor living. The design responds to Estero’s climate while maintaining a timeless, understated elegance.

Rooted in Estero’s Coastal Character

Estero’s natural surroundings played a central role in shaping both the architecture and site planning. Mangroves, waterways, and preserved landscapes informed the building’s placement, proportions, and rhythm.

Rather than overpowering the environment, the architecture remains composed and respectful. The coastal character of Estero is reflected through restraint, texture, and proportion, allowing nature to remain the focal point.

Within the broader context of West Bay Club, The Island introduces a more contemporary architectural language while complementing the community’s established lifestyle and identity. It elevates what already exists without feeling disconnected from it.

Orientation was another critical design consideration. Residences are positioned to maximize long views, capture prevailing breezes, and take advantage of natural light throughout the day, creating comfortable and energy-efficient living spaces.

Amenities That Extend the Home

Amenities at The Island were designed as natural extensions of the residences themselves. Rather than feeling separate or overly programmed, these spaces function like shared living rooms where residents can relax, gather, and connect.

The amenities play an important role in fostering community, creating opportunities for casual interaction and shared experiences. Outdoor amenity spaces overlooking the water are expected to become the heart of The Island, where architecture, landscape, and lifestyle come together seamlessly.

A Reflection of Garcia Stromberg’s Design Philosophy

The Island is a clear expression of Garcia Stromberg’s core design philosophy. The firm prioritizes clarity, context, and livability, creating architecture that feels timeless, purposeful, and deeply connected to its surroundings.

For Garcia, the most rewarding aspect of the project has been collaborating with a team aligned around quality and vision, and bringing a thoughtful response to such a special site.

If visitors remember one thing about The Island, he hopes it is this: the design feels effortless. Sophisticated, relaxed, and completely at home in its coastal setting.

About Jorge Garcia

Jorge Garcia is a Principal at Garcia Stromberg, an award-winning architecture firm known for its thoughtful, context-driven approach to design. With decades of experience in residential, mixed-use, and hospitality architecture, Garcia has played a key role in shaping distinctive environments throughout Florida and beyond.

His work emphasizes clarity of form, respect for place, and a deep understanding of how people live and interact with their surroundings. Under his leadership, Garcia Stromberg has earned a reputation for creating architecture that is both refined and livable, blending timeless design with contemporary coastal sensibilities.

Mid-2027 Delivery

Advancing at approximately 12 days per floor, vertical construction is accelerating at an impressive pace as owners and future residents are increasingly looking forward to experiencing this private sanctuary in the sky.
For those looking to explore this exclusive coastal club lifestyle, the Sales Gallery open daily and located at 22050 S. Tamiami Trail in Estero. Visit IslandWestBay.com or call 239-378-5582 for more information.