fostering an environment for creativity and collaboration
At Sweet Sparkman, our team thrives on a collaborative, inclusive approach to design. We foster an environment where diverse perspectives are valued, drawing on the unique experiences and skills of our team members to enrich every project. With backgrounds spanning 18 nationalities and fluency in nine languages, our team is a reflection of the communities we serve. This diversity, combined with expertise in areas like sustainability, construction administration, and 3D visualization, ensures that each project benefits from both innovative thinking and technical precision. We take pride in cultivating a workplace culture that encourages creativity, teamwork, and professional growth.
Our team is united by a shared commitment to delivering meaningful, community-oriented design. Whether working on a performing arts center, public park, or fire station, we approach each project with the same dedication to quality and collaboration. By blending fresh perspectives from emerging talent with seasoned insights from experienced professionals, we achieve designs that are both visionary and practical. This dynamic environment allows us to consistently exceed client expectations, offering solutions that are responsive, resilient, and deeply rooted in their context. At Sweet Sparkman, we believe that great design comes from a strong team and an unwavering focus on the people and places we serve.
Our People
ELIZABETH LEE, ASSOCIATE AIA
COLE MEARS, Associate AIA
CARLOS FLOREZ, Associate AIA
JENNA ALBERS, AIA, NCARB
HANNAH BOEHMER, AIA
Architecture
← ALL TEAM
Ram Venkat, AIA
Alexis Castro, SCA
Allison McClure, Associate AIA
Owen McCormick, Associate AIA
Laura Lozano, Associate AIA
Albert Frias
Warren Teague
Paige BeBout
Marcus Peduzzi, AIA
Juan Ocana, Associate AIA
Valentina Mancera
Nicole Ruiz, Associate AIA
Abigail Korn, Associate AIA, GGEP
Kevin Tenor, Associate AIA
Conor Joyce
Rob Harrison
Rafael Ballester, Associate AIA
Yaroslav Senyk
Li Si
Daniel Rivero-Gonzalez
Maria Ceban, Associate AIA, LEED Green Associate
Eddie Kaufman
Megan Suau,
RA
Daniel Mertke
FOUNDER
Todd Sweet, AIA, LEED AP
The founder of Sweet Sparkman, Todd was born and raised in the Northeast, where he received his Bachelor of Architecture degree from Roger Williams University. Todd spent his internship at Arquitectonica in Miami, Florida, where he worked on projects throughout Europe, South America, and the United States. In 2002, Todd started the firm TOTeMS Architecture (the original firm name). In 2004, he partnered with Jerry Sparkman to form Sweet Sparkman Architects. The firm has built a national reputation for design excellence and has been asked to participate in La Venice Biennale, a bi-annual architecture exhibit in Venice, Italy. In his 20 years of practice, Todd has enjoyed the study of simple building volumes and the exploitation of materials in an unconventional fashion. Municipal planning and architecture are Todd's award-winning specialty.
Education: Roger Williams University, B.Arch, 1991 Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, 1985
Registrations: Registered Architect FL AR-0015832U.S. Green Building Council LEED Professional Accreditation, 2007 American Institute of Architects Member, Gulf Coast Chapter Past President 2002 Institute of Architects Member, Gulf Coast Chapter Past President 2005
FOUNDER
Jerry Sparkman, AIA, NCARB
The creative force behind the Casey Key Residence project, Jerry is a second-generation architect. After graduating from the University of Tennessee, Jerry spent some time working in Manchester, England, before returning to the States to obtain his Master’s in Architecture from The University of Virginia. Not only is Jerry an exceptional architect with many awards under his belt, but he is also a talented musician, playing slide guitar and a mandolin. His band, Radio Free Carmela and the Transmitters, has toured Florida from Tallahassee to the Keys, performing at festivals like the Florida Folk Festival, Riverhawk, and WMNF 88.5 Tampa FL Community Radio's 'Tropical Heatwave.'
Education: University of Virginia, M. Arch, 2001 University of Tennessee, B. Arch 1992 University of Manchester, England, Urban Design Studies, 1991
Registrations: Registered Architect in FL AR-91475 Registered Architect in Tennessee 101441 Registered Architect in North Carolina 11210 Member National Council of Architectural Registration Boards American Institute of Architects Member, Gulf Coast Chapter Past President 2005
John Bryant, AIA, LEED AP
After receiving a degree in music at Grinnell College, John received his Master of Architecture from the University of Maryland School of Architecture, Planning, and Preservation in 2007. At the University of Maryland, he received the Dean's Thesis Award and the 2007 David M. Schwarz Traveling Fellowship, which allowed for thesis research in Japan.
No one benefited more than Sweet Sparkman Architecture and Interiors when John and his family decided to move to Sarasota. His highly effective design and project management skills were instrumental in projects such as the Ringling College of Art + Design's Basch Visual Arts Center, Fruitville Elementary, and the New College Master Plan. His work with the Siesta Key Beach Pavilion has earned two awards: 2015 Florida Association of AIA: Merit Award for an Object for the Siesta Key Beach Pavilion's picnic shelter and a Finalist for the SRQ Magazine: Building of the Year. His work on Fruitville Elementary has earned the firm the coveted national 2017 Brick in Architecture Award K-12 given by the Brick Industry Association. John's prolific body of work during this period compelled the Florida / Caribbean AIA jury to award Sweet Sparkman the 2018 Firm of the Year.
Karl Bernhard, AIA
Originally from New Orleans, Karl Bernhard was shaped by the city’s rich architectural heritage and its delicate balance with the surrounding swamplands. His early fascination with the interplay between built environments and nature led him to a career in architecture, with a strong focus on resilient and impactful design.
Now based in Sarasota, Karl applies his expertise to creating spaces that evoke emotion, inspire creativity, and enhance well-being. Passionate about mentorship, he actively contributes to the architectural community through the American Institute of Architects (AIA). Outside of his professional life, Karl is a dedicated father and husband, finding balance through martial arts, long-distance inline skating, and exploring the natural world—pursuits that continue to inform his creative approach to design.
Shane LaMay, AIA, NCARB
Shane is a rare Florida native. He grew up in the middle of the state and attended the University of Florida, where he graduated cum laude with a degree in architecture. He studied at the Vicenza Institute of Architecture in Vicenza, Italy before attending the University of Florida Citylab, Sarasota, for his Master’s degree in Architecture. Shane interned at Sweet Sparkman Architects while attending Citylab. His work was exemplary, and his internship evolved into a permanent staff position.
Shane enjoys working on the firm’s public work: fire stations, parks, and theaters. He and his wife live with their dog, Guinness. Guinness is a beloved addition to the studio life at Sweet Sparkman Architects.
Hannah Boehmer, AIA
Hannah, originally from Cocoa Beach, graduated in May 2014 with a Master of Architecture from the University of South Florida and has been a licensed architect since 2019. She has worked on projects in both the residential and public spectrum of the office and has a fondness for working with existing structures, bringing clarity and renewed purpose to otherwise unconsidered spaces.
In 2019, her graduate thesis exploring how contemporary design can integrate with Florida vernacular won an AIA Florida Theoretical and Research Design Merit Award. In 2021, Hannah secured the first runner-up finish in the Center for Architecture's Tiny House Competition. In addition to obsessively observing the play of shadow and light in daily spaces, she is also a member of the Junior League of Sarasota, an avid reader, and an espresso enthusiast.
Jenna Albers, AIA, NCARB
Jenna is a Bangor, Maine native. She went to school at Roger Williams University in Rhode Island (Todd Sweet's alma mater). Like so many in our firm, her exposure to the construction industry started at home. In Jenna's case, her father is the founding civil engineer at Kiser & Kiser Company in Hampden, ME, where she worked during the summers.
Travel has played a significant role in Jenna's love of architecture. Jenna has a minor in Art History and has studied Art and Architecture abroad in Italy. She loved all aspects of studying in Italy from the Roman Architecture to the design of the Boboli Gardens behind the Pitti Palace. She has traveled extensively on the East Coast of the United States from Boston, Washington, D.C. down to Charleston S.C. Each place has influenced her aesthetic.
Jenna came to Florida in 2011 and was glad to leave the snow and cold behind to bask in the warm sunshine of Florida. Jenna likes working on a range of project types because they offer various challenges and require unique design solutions. One of her favorite projects was a country club that employed heavy timber trusses, a rare detail in Florida construction. When Jenna is not designing large projects, she is outside enjoying the beautiful Florida weather. Hiking, yoga, and going to the beach are just a few of her interests.
Carlos Flórez, Associate AIA
Born and raised in Bogotá, Carlos Flórez earned his Bachelor of Architecture degree from the National University of Colombia and gained his initial professional experience working in residential and commercial projects. During the last 14 years, Carlos has been working in Sarasota on numerous commercial projects, including the addition and renovation of the Florida Studio Theatre, several residential projects from single-family homes to condominiums, and the improvement throughout the state of multiple facilities of the Florida Department of Health.
Carlos enjoys movies, history, traveling, and swimming. He loves spending time at home with his wife and their two daughters.
Cole Mears, Associate AIA
Cole is a Florida native. He was born and raised in Orlando and graduated from the University of South Florida with a Master's degree in Architecture. His interests involving architecture are broad and varied, but he particularly enjoys focusing on how architecture communicates. He believes that exploring connections between architecture and other art forms is a valuable way of expanding the way he thinks and creates. Cole is applying his creativity to Sweet Sparkman Architects' public work, including Fire Stations.
Elizabeth Lee, Associate AIA
Elizabeth received her Master of Architecture from Florida International University in Miami. After working for two years at a small firm, she was ready to leave the madness of Miami. She moved back to the Sarasota / Bradenton area, where she grew up. Elizabeth has comprehensive experience in design and construction documents and client consultations. She brings this experience to Sweet Sparkman’s large-scale commercial projects, incorporating her environment design experience into every project. With her strong problem-solving skills and team player ability, she is a seamless fit at Sweet Sparkman.
When she isn’t working, Elizabeth enjoys hiking and martial arts. She has achieved a 3rd Dan Black Belt Ming Wu and a 1st Dan Black Belt Hwa Rang Do.
Laura Lozano, Associate AIA
Born in Mexico, Laura moved to Miami, Florida with her family when she was 12 years old. During and following achieving her Master’s in Architecture from the University of South Florida, she served as a graduate teaching assistant and then researcher in urban architecture. School and work took her to cities across the United States and the world. Travel has played an important role in her life, being able to experience different types of architecture and peoples’ culture.
Now settled in Saint Petersburg, Florida, she takes particular enjoyment in residential design, where she can work closely with clients on every aspect of their new homes but also serving in her role across Sweet Sparkman’s broad range of projects.
When not working, she enjoys going to the beach, kayaking and all things outdoors with her family.
Owen McCormick, Associate AIA
As an outdoorsman, Owen appreciates the biodiversity of Florida. Originally from Birmingham, Alabama, he earned his bachelor’s degree at Auburn University. While a third year, he worked at the school’s acclaimed Rural Studio, an off-campus design-build program that gives architecture students a more hands-on educational experience within a small community in south Alabama.
Taking advantage of the Florida weather to hike, bicycle, and do a little “amateur birdwatching,” he also enjoys his time on the job, using his knack for mathematics to execute project design across the range of Sweet Sparkman residential, commercial, and public architectural work.
Allison McClure, Associate AIA
A native of Gallipolis, Ohio, Allison holds a Bachelor of Science and Master of Architecture from Kent State University. Her education was augmented by a three-month internship at a residential architecture firm on the island of Kauai, Hawaii, as well as a summer internship and fall co-op primarily working on retail architecture in Cleveland. Upon graduation, she moved to Naples, Florida, lured by the Gulf and its beaches.
Allison was attracted to Sweet Sparkman by the variety of work and the “spark” that ignited when she met partners Todd and John. Getting a family vibe from the organization, she was happy to join the staff, initially tackling several large commercial projects.
Alexis Castro, SCA
Alexis Castro grew up in Medellin, Colombia, where he graduated from Pontifical Bolivarian University (UPB) with a Bachelor's in Architecture and Urbanism. He is a passionate and awarded architect with a long and prolific practice, successfully conceiving and planning architecture and interior design projects in Canada, the USA, the UK, India, the Caribbean, and South America.
He and his wife love to travel around the world and learn about different cultures, their people, and architecture. He also enjoys being with his two dogs, nature, music, reading, exercise, and fishing.
Ram Venkat, AIA
Ram Venkat is a recent transplant from Ithaca, New York, where he served as the Senior Project Manager on staff for Cornell University's facility department. In this role, Ram had the opportunity to manage large complex renovations and new construction projects with many talented and well-renowned firms that built on this Ivy League campus, including Lake Flato and Payette Architects. As an Architect, he aspires to build beautiful buildings rich in character and meaning, and develop strong relationships with all the people involved. His diverse experience on various higher education building types provides Sweet Sparkman with excellent design standards and a knowledge of how best to serve the needs of our higher education clients. Ram enjoys being with his family, playing tennis and running outside in the warm Florida weather, a welcome change from upstate New York.
Juan Ocaña, Associate AIA
Juan Ocaña grew up on the east coast of Florida, where he studied music and art, and was always intrigued by taking things apart and figuring out how to put them back together again. This led to his interest in design and architecture, as well as a talent for becoming fluent with various building and design technology. He seeks to blend nature, history, and innovation into his work by pushing the limits of what is possible. He has had the opportunity to collaborate on sports, aviation, healthcare, government and residential projects. He enjoys creating visual graphics to communicate ideas with the client, as well as coordinating construction drawings and details to help deliver the client's vision to reality. Juan is currently enrolled part-time at the Academy of Art University in pursuit of his Bachelor's of Architecture. He enjoys taking road trips to explore new territory with his wife and two dogs.
Marcus Peduzzi, AIA
Marcus, a Bradenton native, received his Master's of Architecture degree from the University of South Florida. He started his architecture career at Wilder Architecture before moving to Austin, Texas where he worked on a variety of commercial and residential projects. In 2020, Marcus moved back to town with his wife and son to be closer to family. He polished his design and fabrication skills at Modulo Design Studio in Tampa before joining our team. Creating, construction, and problem-solving are the factors that have drawn him to the profession of architecture. Marcus enjoys traveling and is an avid mountain biker, frequenting Alafia State Park for the best local bike trails.
Warren Teague
Born and raised in the United Kingdom, Warren earned a bachelor’s degree with 1st Class Honors from the University of Glamorgan. From there, he went on to complete his master’s from the University of the West of England where he graduated with Distinction. He’s currently enrolled at Boston Architectural College, working towards a master’s in architecture.
Over the course of his 15-year career, Warren has acquired a breadth of experience in helping clients with commercial, civic, and residential architecture projects, such as schools, libraries, offices, leisure facilities, healthcare and home design. He approaches projects with a simple and honest design style that is sustainable, respectful to the community, and ultimately reflects the clients’ goals.
Warren currently resides in Sarasota, FL. As a Welshman, he loves watching his home nation play Rugby, as well as enjoys golfing, running, and spending time with his family.
Albert Frias
Albert Frias, with a Master of Architecture from the University of New Mexico and a Bachelor of Architecture from the University of Houston, brings a wealth of knowledge to his role as a project manager for Sweet Sparkman's residential team.
With a background in construction management and extensive experience in project management within architecture and real estate development, Albert sees his role akin to a symphony conductor, ensuring seamless collaboration between the design team and clients. Passionate about creating timeless architecture, his avant-garde design style is influenced by modern minimalism, contemporary and organic architecture, parametric design, and biomimicry. Notable achievements include awards like the AIA Portfolio Award, Domus Best in Design, and publications in Architecture Record, Metropolis, and Dwell.
Beyond architecture, Albert enjoys spending time outdoors with his family, engaging in cultural events, and actively contributes to community activities. His belief that a balanced life enhances the creative process reflects in his dedication to designing multi-sensory environments for individuals with autism and veterans with PTSD, showcasing a commitment to functional art that enriches lives.
Conor Joyce
Hailing from Tucson, Arizona, Conor Joyce's architectural journey began with a desire to help build the world around him. Obtaining his Master's from the University of South Florida in Tampa nurtured his creative spark and helped him hone his design skills. Now based in Tampa, Florida, Conor fuels that spark by finding innovative and aesthetically pleasing ways to solve design issues. The ideas of biomimicry and adaptive reuse and architects like MVRDV and Renzo Piano also influenced him.
Conor's architectural style favors dynamic, boundary-pushing forms. Joining Sweet Sparkman was a natural fit, given his appreciation for design excellence. Beyond architecture, Conor explores the outdoors with his family through camping, hiking, bird-watching, and kayaking. In his ideal world, the forgotten spaces people pass by daily would incorporate thoughtful and intriguing designs. One of his driving forces is the idea of Kaizen, a Japanese term translating to "constant improvement." Conor's story encapsulates creativity, dedication, and innovative design.
Kevin Tenor, Associate AIA
A Miami, FL native, Kevin’s family relocated to Haiti when he was three years old before eventually moving back to the States after middle school. He holds an Associate degree in Architecture from Miami Dade College and earned his Master’s in Architecture from Florida International University.
Since childhood, Kevin has always had a fascination with houses and buildings. Daily, constant house sketching sketches were a hobby for him in these spaces while growing up. His design style is a combination of contemporary and minimalist mid-century modern. In his work, he loves the challenge of solving spatial issues with not too much emphasis on the design. He considers himself a minimalist, and he loves the challenge of solving spatial constraints.Kevin had the privilege of managing several K-8 educational projects throughout several counties in Florida. It is his current passion, and he finds pleasure in building safer schools for the kids in the community.
When he’s not working, Kevin enjoys creating music on the saxophone and piano. He also enjoys soccer with friends in the Tampa Bay area. He lives with his lovely wife and son in Ruskin, Florida.
Nicole Ruiz, Associate AIA
Nicole's path to architecture was guided by a childhood passion for art and numbers, rediscovered through a nostalgic note expressing her dream of becoming an architect. This revelation solidified her commitment to using architecture to positively impact communities through design. Nicole is dedicated to creating spaces that foster connection and community.
Inspired by the integration of form and function, her architectural style embodies modern aesthetics and sustainable principles inspired by Frank Lloyd Wright and contemporary sustainable design practices. While still exploring her niche within the field, Nicole finds inspiration in biophilic design and organic forms, striving to merge visual appeal with environmental consciousness. As a member of the AIA and young professionals groups, Nicole values community engagement, fostering both professional relationships and friendships that influence her multifaceted approach to architecture.
In her free time, Nicole enjoys playing volleyball and paddle boarding, activities that provide a balance to her professional life and inspire a holistic approach to design.
Valentina Mancera
Valentina's architectural path was influenced by her upbringing between Bogota, Colombia, and Sarasota, FL, which sparked her fascination with the contrasting built environments. Her academic career led her to Tulane University's School of Architecture, where her interest in 3D printing and sustainable design flourished. Valentina's passion lies in exploring how design influences human thought and behavior, particularly in sustainable and community-oriented projects.
Drawing inspiration from mid-century modernism and contemporary female architects like Lina Bo Bardi and Jeanne Gang, her architectural style reflects a blend of contemporary aesthetics with contextual sensitivity. Notable achievements include receiving the Alpha Rho Chi medal for leadership and recognition for her commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion.
Beyond architecture, Valentina finds creative inspiration in watercolor painting and beadwork, fostering a fluid approach to design thinking. Her diverse interests and community engagement enrich her creative process, infusing her work with depth and perspective.
Daniel Rivero-Gonzalez
Daniel holds a Bachelor of Design and a Master of Architecture from the University of Florida. Inspired by his family’s background in construction—especially his mother’s work as an architect in Colombia—he developed a passion for architecture’s ability to shape communities. While living in Sarasota, he was drawn to the city's rich architectural history and the design philosophy of Sweet Sparkman, leading him to join the firm.
Daniel’s work is influenced by mid-century modern architecture, Scandinavian design, and the Sarasota School of Architecture, with a strong focus on urbanism and sustainability. His studio’s work on the Envision Resilience 2022 Narragansett Bay Challenge won a Student Award from the Rhode Island Chapter of the American Planning Association. Outside of architecture, Daniel enjoys music, playing guitar, reading, and drawing—creative pursuits that inform his holistic approach to design.
Li Si
Li Si is a project designer with a Master's degree from the University of Florida. Originally from China, she currently works at Sweet Sparkman Architecture and Interiors, seeking to expand her expertise in residential and public projects. She's particularly passionate about design and the creation of immersive architectural experiences.
Inspired by mid-century modernism and traditional Asian architecture, her style is self-described as "more is more." She draws influence from architects like Victor Lundy, Carlo Scarpa, Tadao Ando, and Antoni Gaudi. Li Si also enjoys hobbies like watercolor, oil painting, photography, and collecting mid-century modern furniture, which provide a unique perspective in her work.
Yaroslav Senyk
Yaroslav's architectural journey began in Lviv, Ukraine, before earning a Bachelor of Science in Architecture from the University of Minnesota and a Masters in Architecture from the University of South Florida. He's driven by a passion for architecture's potential to address global challenges.
Inspired by modularity, evident in his award-winning Master's project "re:HOME," Yaroslav's architectural style is still evolving, influenced by the innovative genius of Antoni Gaudi and the philosophy that architecture transcends mere physical structures.
Outside of architecture, Yaroslav finds solace in music, strumming his guitar and exploring new landscapes on his bike, activities that nourish his creative spirit and offer fresh perspectives to his architectural practice.
Rafael Ballester, Associate AIA
Rafael discovered his passion for architecture early, competing in his first architectural competition at 16 and eventually earning his Master’s degree from Florida International University in Miami. With 10+ years of design experience, Rafael likes to create functional spaces that engage the architecture with its users and the environment. Inspired by innovators like Louis Kahn and Tadao Ando, his style blends minimalism with classical and brutalist influences. Rafael's love for basketball, photography, and the outdoors complements his creative approach, fostering a collaborative mindset crucial to his design philosophy.
Rob Harrison
Rob's diverse educational journey took him across the US, UK, and Australia, culminating in a Bachelor of Architecture from the Spitzer School of Architecture at the City College of New York. He has worked for Neil Pelone Architecture and several construction companies, gaining hands-on experience that informs his pragmatic design approach. Passionate about design and technical problem-solving, Rob enjoys working within constraints to create practical, economical, and beautiful solutions. His style is shaped by his love for woodworking and creative projects, such as building a 30' tree deck and an acoustic guitar. Notably, he conducted an independent study on a timber gridshell cabin, presenting his work at an international symposium. Recently moved to St. Petersburg, Rob is eager to engage with the local community and continues to draw inspiration from a variety of sources in his professional and personal life.
Eddie Kaufman
Eddie discovered his passion for creativity early on, initially dreaming of becoming a Disney animator before shifting his focus to architecture. With a background that includes a blend of commercial art training in high school and a B.Arch from Penn State University, Eddie has developed a deep love for residential architecture. At Sweet Sparkman, he aims to hone his skills in residential design, working closely with clients to bring their visions to life. Inspired by shape grammars, materiality, and atmosphere, Eddie's style merges elements from arts and crafts and brutalist architecture. Influenced by architects like Tadao Ando, Steven Holl, and Peter Zumthor, he believes in the principle that form follows function. Eddie's achievements include being a finalist in Penn State’s 3rd year Hajjar Design Competition and winning the Premio Piranesi Competition in Rome. Outside of architecture, Eddie enjoys drawing, cooking, reading, playing musical instruments, and staying active with sports, all of which contribute to his well-rounded approach to design.
Paige BeBout
Originally from Cincinnati, OH, Paige relocated to Tampa, FL to achieve a master’s degree in Advanced Architecture from the University of South Florida. While studying abroad in Greece and Italy, she explored Venice, Rome, Verona, Tuscany, and lived for over a month in Florence. These travels expanded her view of the world and love of architecture.
Paige finds her work at Sweet Sparkman’s to be immensely gratifying, especially when seeing the joy and excitement a client expresses when the team brings a desired design to life. She continues to evolve her architectural style by further developing her knowledge in the field through her career.
Paige now resides in Bradenton, FL where enjoys spending time with friends and family. Outside of work, she loves being outdoors and is a dedicated competitive swimmer.
Abigail Korn, Associate AIA, GGEP
Abigail’s journey into the architecture field was far from conventional, shaped by a diverse array of passions and experiences. Despite not being drawn to architecture from an early age, her immersion in music as a saxophonist and her dedication to competitive swimming underscored her affinity for both creativity and physical activity. Abigail's educational path at the University of Idaho took a turn towards architecture during her sophomore year, where a transformative design-build project constructing a winery tasting room ignited her passion for the field. This hands-on experience, combined with her background in marketing and graphic design, cultivated her unique perspective on architecture as a powerful tool for storytelling and brand representation.
Inspired by experiential design and the blurring of boundaries between the built environment and user experience, Abigail aspires to specialize in pop-up and flagship design, striving to create immersive spaces that resonate with a brand's ethos. Her admiration for architects like Madelynn Ringo and her belief in architecture as an experience rather than just a physical structure shape her design philosophy. Notable achievements, including winning the Pacific Northwest AIA Honor Award and contributing to various research projects and exhibitions, highlight Abigail's dedication to excellence.
Maria Ceban, Associate AIA, LEED Green Associate
Maria is an accomplished architectural designer with a strong focus on environmental sustainability. She holds an Honors Bachelor of Science degree in Architectural Design and Technology and an Honors Master of Architecture from the Boston Architectural College. Maria's passion for architecture stems from her high school love for sciences, math, and art, all of which she finds beautifully integrated in the field of architecture. She is particularly enthusiastic about understanding client needs and translating them into user-friendly and comfortable spaces. Maria draws inspiration from 19th-century architecture, especially its ornamentation, materiality, and construction techniques, and strives to incorporate these elements into her modern work with a focus on sustainability. Influenced by the innovative work of MVRDV, she aims to reintroduce nature into urban environments. Maria has been recognized for her academic excellence with the Thesis Excellence Award and the 2021 Connecticut Green Building Award of Merit. Outside of architecture, she enjoys reading, horseback riding, traveling, and creating videos, all of which provide her with unique perspectives and creative insights that she applies to her professional work.
Daniel Mertke
With a background in structural engineering and a passion for design, Dani sees architecture as the perfect blend of technology and creativity. Originally from Germany, he values how structure shapes space and focuses on creating timeless, human-centered designs that frame views, guide movement, and foster interaction.
Inspired by architects like Mies van der Rohe and Fran Silvestre, Dani embraces architecture’s connection to natural elements like light, air, and gravity. His award-winning thesis, living.lofts, reimagined a Zurich building into flexible living spaces and was featured in an architectural magazine. Outside of work, he resets his creative mindset through exercise and soccer, bringing fresh energy to his design process.
Megan Suau, RA
A Sarasota native, Megan's journey in architecture began over 15 years ago with her first internship at Sweet Sparkman. Her career has taken her across the country and abroad, where she has collaborated with architects, engineers, and builders on impactful projects that prioritize community-driven design. Now back in Sarasota, she brings a global perspective to her work, blending thoughtful storytelling with architecture that serves both people and place.
Megan believes buildings should transcend style and trends, instead reflecting the stories of those who build and use them. Her experience with Partners in Health and Dr. Paul Farmer in Rwanda reinforced her belief in architecture as a tool for transformative community impact, rooted in deep stakeholder engagement and long-term local commitment. In addition to her practice, Megan has shared her passion for design through teaching roles at the University of Virginia and the Boston Architectural College, furthering her commitment to shaping the next generation of architects.
Eloise Abraham
Born and raised in England, Eloise's initial passion was the theater. In her training, she was fascinated by the manipulation of the mise en scène to convey the psychology of space. She saw how the arrangement of scenery and props on stage controlled the ambiance. That led her to study Product and Spatial design before completing her degree at KLC School of Interior Design in Chelsea, London. She began her career working on high-end residential projects in England and throughout Europe, helping clients choose the environments that accurately reflected their own story. In 2013 she moved permanently to the United States and finally settled in Sarasota as Residential Interiors Lead Designer. Eloise's love of travel, cultures, and history is reflected in her work, cohesively tying different styles together to create timeless and exciting aesthetics.
When Eloise isn't solving design problems and creating divine surroundings, she stays active and enjoys the challenges of learning new skills and hobbies. Eloise has two beautiful dogs, Darcy and Maddie. Darcy loves to lay on the fluffy rug in Eloise's office.
Shirley Quinlan, NCIDQ
Originally from the Netherlands, Shirley Quinlan joined Sweet Sparkman Architects from New York City, where she worked on both large- and small-scale projects from 2011-2017. In New York City, her experience centered on the workplace and working with commercial building owners and developers to enhance the value of their properties. Shirley received her BFA in Interior Design from the famed New York Fashion Institute of Technology. As Sweet Sparkman Architects' Commercial Interior Designer, Shirley collaborates with all of the project managers and architects at the firm. A spirited, receptive, and innovative designer with extensive experience, she provides well-rounded interiors to all projects, including fire stations, K-12 schools, university campuses, and cultural projects.
Shirley spends her free time with her beautiful daughters and husband. She loves drawing and crafting with her girls. Besides design, her interests are traveling, outdoor activities like rafting, climbing, and zip-lining, or merely relaxing with a good book.
Joyce Serrano
Born in Guayaquil, Ecuador, Joyce earned a Bachelor’s degree in Architecture from the Catholic University of Santiago de Guayaquil and went on to complete a Master's in Interior Design at Savannah College of Art and Design in Georgia.
Influenced by her master’s program, Joyce takes an Evidence-Based Design approach to her work, focusing on how the design of a space can positively impact and enhance the quality of daily life for people in places like schools and office environments. She is inspired by the modernist movement, its value on purity of materials, natural light, and the importance of functionality in design. By incorporating these elements and ideas, she creates spaces that have a meaningful impact on users.
Joyce currently lives in Sarasota, FL, having a love for coastal areas. In her space time, she enjoys painting, trying out new recipes, exploring new places, and spending time with family and friends.
Jaclyn Dinenberg, NCIDQ
Jaclyn is an NCIDQ-certified Commercial Interior Designer at Sweet Sparkman, bringing a passion for creating impactful spaces that resonate with people on both a local and global level. A Sarasota native, she holds a degree in Interior Design from the University of Florida and has spent the past five years focusing on workplace design. Jaclyn is excited to broaden her expertise and work on a variety of projects that contribute to her community. Her style is an eclectic blend of natural and bold elements inspired by her travels and experiences living in diverse locations. Outside of work, she enjoys playing competitive volleyball, traveling, and exploring her creative side through pottery, which continuously shapes her design approach and keeps her adaptable and open to new ideas.
Lissette Callejas, CPSM
Lissette holds a Bachelor’s degree in Interior Design from the Ringling College of Art + Design. Over the years, she has gravitated towards the business and marketing side of the architecture and design industry. Lissette ran her own interiors business for seven years and has brought that experience to Sweet Sparkman Architects. She now serves as the Marketing Manager.
Originally from Puerto Rico, Lissette grew up in Pennsylvania and moved to Sarasota in 2007 to pursue her education at Ringling College. She quickly fell in love with the vibrant arts culture and architectural history of Sarasota. With the perfect weather and pristine beaches Sarasota offered, she decided to move permanently.
Besides architecture and design, her interests are socializing, cooking, boating, traveling, and cars. Above all, she loves spending time with two children, husband, and her two long-haired dachshunds, Marco and Polo. She believes in the power of a delicious meal and a good bottle of wine to bring people together.
Calvin Wren
Calvin graduated from the University of South Florida in May 2021 with a BA in Professional and Technical Communication. A Sarasota native currently living in North Port, Calvin has eclectic taste, which helps him as the office's preeminent IT problem solver and administrative assistant. In his private life, Calvin is an SCCA RallyCross racer, 3D printer, maker, and musician. At the office, no two days are the same. Calvin wrangles the ever-changing technology, keeping up to date with the latest versions of REVIT, Lumion, Sketch-up, Zoom, and the many other programs that keep Sweet Sparkman moving forward.
Amber Hernandez
Amber is the Marketing Administration professional at our St. Petersburg office. She holds a Bachelor's degree in Marketing from Florida Gulf Coast University, where she developed a keen interest in the creative aspects of marketing. Her experience working with a medical animation team during her studies ignited her passion for design, leading her to join Sweet Sparkman. Amber is dedicated to implementing innovative marketing programs and practices, continually seeking opportunities to grow professionally. Raised in Key West, she has always been drawn to the creative side of business and marketing. Amber enjoys content curation and social media, which complement her role and provide a unique perspective on her work.
Dina Berg
Working on the administrative side of the architectural field for the past six years, Dina enjoys the professional, creative atmosphere of the design world, and the fast-paced atmosphere of Sweet Sparkman. Dina graduated from St. Lawrence University and lived in the Northeast until moving to Florida in 2000. Outside of work, she enjoys playing tennis and spending time with her family.
Jerry Kozaka
In 2018, Jerry moved to Florida after living in Chicago for 20 years to find peace and enjoy the warm weather. Originally from Poland, Jerry studied civil engineering in his native country. However, his enjoyment of working with numbers eventually led him to accounting. As a result, he graduated from Northeastern Illinois University with a Bachelor of Science in Accounting.
He worked in accounting departments for a door and hardware distributor and for general contractors on many prestigious projects. As an Accounting Manager, Jerry likes working across a variety of tasks and collaborating with other team members within the bustling office setting.
When he’s not poring over mathematical formulas or diving into spreadsheets, Jerry can be found spending time with his family, going to the beach, or fishing with his son.
Kelli Ruiz
Kelli brings 20 years of experience in the medical billing and coding field and has recently joined Sweet Sparkman as an Administrative Assistant, seeking a fresh change of pace and a new professional environment. With her strong background in organization and attention to detail, Kelli is eager to support the firm’s operations and contribute to its success. Outside of work, she enjoys music, attending concerts, and reading, which provide her with a balanced and creative outlook on life.
Email your resume and portfolio to info@sweetsparkman.com
Sweet Sparkman is a dynamic firm where architects, designers, and thinkers come together to shape spaces that inspire. We offer opportunities to work on award-winning projects, leveraging cutting-edge tools and innovative approaches. Alongside experienced professionals and emerging talent, you’ll find a workplace committed to excellence, professional growth, and creating designs that leave a lasting impact. Join us and help shape the future of architecture and design.
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