Like many young architects interested in the New Urbanism movement and eager to start their practice, Eric Watson opened his office in Seaside, Florida where a hands-on approach to the design and construction of a variety of buildings has fostered some of the best talent in the profession. Since 1992, his practice has become well known for the distinctive houses he has designed within the Florida panhandle resort towns of Seaside, Rosemary Beach, Alys Beach, WaterColor, and WaterSound.
Watson developed a fascination for architecture from an early age by studying and drawing the new houses built in his neighborhood during the booming suburban south of the 1970’s. In 1988, after completing his architectural training with a Master of Architecture degree from the Yale School of Architecture, Watson apprenticed in the craft of designing high-end traditional houses in New York City and South Florida.
Watson has been published in books, magazines, newspapers, journals, and has lectured on his work. He is a 2004 Palladio Award recipient and is a two-time recipient of the Southern Home Award from the editors of Southern Living magazine.
Watson is a member of the Institute of Classical Architecture, Congress for The New Urbanism, American Institute of Architects, The New Urban Guild, The National Council of Architectural Registration Boards, and is a registered architect in Florida and Georgia.