This year marks the 20th anniversary of Hurricane Katrina, a storm that reshaped Southeast Louisiana and changed how we approach building in hurricane-prone regions. At Woodward Design+Build, the lessons from Katrina continue to inform our design philosophy, helping communities better withstand storms, flooding, and the challenges of living with water.

Woodward is serving as design-build of the Associated Branch Pilot’s Annex Building. This two-story, raised facility in Venice, Louisiana will house over 20 pilots and crew members. Its designed to withstand 200mph winds and to sustain water and power for four weeks.

Over the past two decades, resilient design has evolved from reactive measures to proactive, integrated strategies:

• Elevated Structures: Post-Katrina, raising buildings above flood levels has become standard, protecting people and assets while reducing recovery time.

• Durable, Hurricane-Resistant Materials: Modern construction leverages materials and systems designed to withstand high winds, heavy rain, and prolonged exposure to moisture.

• Advanced Stormwater Management: Flexible site planning, bio-swales, permeable paving, and retention systems are used to manage floodwaters naturally.

• Local Material Selections: Coastal restoration and landscaping are integrated to work with water, not against it, reducing long-term risk.

• Rapid Recovery Design: Buildings and infrastructure are now designed to recover faster, minimizing disruption to communities post-storm.

• Holistic, Long-Term Planning: Projects today balance safety, functionality, and ecological health to create sustainable spaces for generations.

Hurricane Katrina reshaped our region, but it also reshaped how we think about design, collaboration, and resilience. By embracing lessons learned and advancing building practices, Woodward helps communities in Southeast Louisiana live with water rather than fight against it—turning vulnerability into opportunity.