Coastal Engineering
Solving Complex Problems in the Coastal Environment
Coastal environments are dynamic and complex—requiring engineering solutions that respect natural processes while protecting vital assets. For clients, success lies in building projects that are resilient, cost-effective, and defensible. At Integral, we apply decades of multidisciplinary engineering experience to help you design, construct, and maintain sustainable coastal and waterfront projects. From nature-based shoreline protection and flood mitigation solutions that incorporate dune restoration and beach nourishment to dredging and waterfront structure projects that support safe navigation and shoreline access, we guide you through every stage—from planning and permitting through design, bid support, and construction oversight.
Coastal Engineers
Andrew Wycklendt, P.E., BCCE Senior Engineering Advisor
Robert A. Walker, P.E. Principal, Coastal Engineering
Taylor Makana Caster, E.I.T. Project Engineer
Babak Tehranirad, Ph.D. Senior Consultant
Featured Projects
Nature-Based Solutions for the Conservancy of Southwest Florida
Rio Del Mar State Beach Living Shoreline Project – Santa Cruz, CA
Greens Bayou Sediment Investigation and Remediation
Deep Experience in a Variety of Coastlines
Integral Consulting has extensive expertise in designing and implementing a diverse portfolio of coastal restoration, shoreline protection, sediment management, dredging, navigation, waterfront structure, and flood mitigation projects across Pacific, Atlantic, Gulf, and Arctic coastlines. Our team has successfully worked on a wide range of coastal systems, including barrier islands, headlands, estuaries, deltas, cliffs, and embankments, as well as pocket, perched, and open coast beaches. These efforts have focused on restoring and nourishing beaches, marshes, and habitats composed of sand, mixed sediment, vegetation, cobble, boulder, or volcanic material.
We emphasize nature-based resilient solutions, complemented by technical capabilities in dredge and fill operations (for disposal, nourishment, or restoration), coastal structures (breakwaters, groins, jetties, revetments, seawalls), and waterfront infrastructure (access stairs, boardwalks, docks, piers, quays).
Design and Construction
From beach nourishment to harbors and marinas, our team guides you through every phase of your coastal project. We integrate nature-based and structural solutions to deliver protection and resilience that lasts.
What You Get:
- Durable shoreline protection and adaptable flood mitigation that reduces long-term maintenance costs
- Nature-based and hybrid solutions that enhance habitat as well as infrastructure protection
- Full support through planning, permitting, bid management, and construction oversight
- Projects designed to meet regulatory standards and community needs
Methods and Tools
Successful coastal engineering requires a precise understanding of how waves, sediment, and ecosystems interact. We use advanced methods and tools to design projects that fit your site and deliver lasting results.
Our Approach Includes:
- Surveying and monitoring programs to understand site-specific coastal processes, track project performance, and support design adaptation
- Analytical and numerical modeling to support the engineering design process
- Nature-based and living shoreline strategies that prioritize softer, sustainable approaches like dune, beach, and wetland restoration over traditional hard structures
- Dredging and beneficial sediment reuse strategies for habitat and beach restoration
- Coastal structures such as groins, breakwaters, jetties, revetments, and seawalls
FAQs
Yes, when designed properly Living shorelines can withstand major storm events while maintaining beach access and natural character. They often provide co-benefits such as habitat restoration, recreational value, and cultural preservation.
Living shorelines use natural features—like dunes, vegetation, and native materials—to absorb wave energy, accumulate sediment, and provide habitat. Unlike rigid structures that deflect energy and can worsen erosion, living shorelines adapt over time and strengthen coastal resilience.
We start with a site-specific analysis of waves, sediment transport, and ecological conditions. From there, we design a solution—natural, structural, or hybrid—that balances protection, cost, community values, permitting feasibility, and long-term resilience.
Our engineers provide expert testimony, evidence-based evaluations, and defensible analyses that help clients achieve resolution and keep projects moving.