From the Sand Up
Coastal Science & Engineering was founded in 1984 by a group of engineers and scientists who believed coastlines deserved better than guesswork.
At the time, shoreline restoration was a new frontier—and CSE was among the first to bring together coastal geology, engineering, and environmental science into a unified practice.
We started small, running sediment samples by hand and walking miles of beach with analog tools and clipboards. But our focus never wavered: use real data, respect the coast, and create solutions that last.
Building the Foundation
In the 1980s and ’90s, we helped shape some of the earliest large-scale nourishment projects in the Southeast. As our work grew—from the Carolinas to New York and beyond—we stayed grounded in science and small-team thinking.
No bloated project teams. No one-size-fits-all templates. Just deep fieldwork, thoughtful modeling, and clear communication with the people we serve.
Four Decades of Impact
Over four decades later, our designs have helped protect more than $15 billion in property and 90+ miles of shoreline. But just as importantly, we’ve built relationships that span generations of coastal managers, city planners, and homeowners.
We still monitor many of our original projects today—because we believe in being accountable to the results. We’ve seen what works, and what doesn’t. That’s why we continue to refine, test, and share what we learn.
“Our work has helped set national standards for beach nourishment and permitting. But we still answer the phone ourselves.”
The Team Today
CSE remains a tight, mission-driven crew. Some of us are coastal and environmental engineers. Others are geologists, numerical modelers, CAD specialists, or surveyors.
What unites us is a love of the coast and a shared belief that nature and infrastructure can—and should—work together.
