For Franco D’Ascanio, CEO of Coastal Source and president of D’Asign Source, outdoor living isn’t just part of the job—it’s part of who he is. Raised in the Florida Keys, Franco’s earliest experiences were shaped by the elements. “We spent more time outside than in,” he says. “That shaped my perspective early on.”
That deep connection to nature continues to guide D’Ascanio’s approach to design and innovation. Through D’Asign Source, he and his multidisciplinary team create custom outdoor environments tailored to each client’s lifestyle and location. “Every project starts as a blank slate,” he explains. “We don’t believe in one-size-fits-all. Our goal is to craft environments that feel effortless but are layered with intention.”
This philosophy is evident across his team’s work—particularly in standout projects like the Gulf Front Estate, a nearly 24,000-square-foot private oasis in the Middle Keys. Complete with guest cottages, native landscaping, a lazy river, a 15-person spa, a swim-up bar, a putting green, a waterfall grotto, and fire pits, the estate showcases D’Asign Source’s holistic design approach and seamless integration of luxury and nature. “It’s more than a home—it’s a destination,” he says. “Every detail, from audio zoning to lighting and materials, is designed by our team to enhance the experience without overpowering the setting.”
That balance of beauty and performance also defines Coastal Source, D’Asign Source’s sister company. Born from a need for outdoor technology that could survive and thrive in the challenging coastal environment, Coastal Source develops high-performance lighting and audio systems that defy the elements. “Nature is always the starting point, but nature isn’t always easy,” D’Ascanio says. “We test everything—materials, connectors, even cabling—to ensure it performs in the harshest conditions.”
Function never compromises form. Simplicity, according to D’Ascanio, is the ultimate sophistication. “When design is done right, it feels effortless—even if achieving that balance takes precision,” he says. Whether it’s a handcrafted lighting fixture or a rare, coastal-tolerant plant grown at the D’Asign Source Botanicals nursery, every element is selected with purpose.
Even the most remote sites don’t deter D’Ascanio’s team. He recalls an ambitious offshore island project that required all materials and equipment to be transported by barge. “It was one of the most logistically complex projects we’ve done,” he says. “But also, one of the most rewarding.”
Looking ahead, D’Ascanio is energized by the possibilities. As outdoor living continues to evolve, he sees growing demand for spaces that combine architectural sophistication with smart, sensory experiences. “Today’s outdoor spaces are not just seasonal—they’re year-round sanctuaries,” he says. “Technology, when done right, doesn’t interrupt nature—it enhances it.”
His advice for homeowners looking to upgrade their outdoor spaces? “Start with a specialist,” he says. “You’ll discover opportunities you never imagined—and realize results that are not just beautiful but built to last.”
With a career rooted in place and driven by purpose, Franco D’Ascanio is reshaping what luxury outdoor living looks—and feels—like. coastalsource.com, dasignsource.com
