Welcome to the latest issue of Sweet Sparkman | In Detail, in which we share insights into the art of architecture, a look at some of our projects, and news about our staff and organization. We hope you enjoy this glimpse into our world and the many directions our profession takes us. As always, if there’s a particular project or topic you’d like us to address, let us know. We want “In Detail” to be a forum for enthusiasts of all things architecture and interior design, as well as those merely curious about the process.
Sarasota County Fire Station #8 officially opened its doors in recent months, welcoming area firefighters to their new, top-of-the-line working and living quarters.
The 19,300 square foot facility reused Sweet Sparkman’s plans for Sarasota County Fire Station #1 and also included interior design services for the building’s selection of finishes and furnishings. This new structure includes approximately 7,200 SF for a Special Operations structure with an air-conditioned workroom and five apparatus bays. Additionally, the design is expected to meet Sarasota County's 2030 challenge and is pending LEED certification.
Located next to the Celery Fields, the architecture team took inspiration from the nearby landscape, cladding the building in the cultured limestone, a nod to the site's agricultural history. The Fire Station juxtaposes the limestone with a more contemporary pre-finished aluminum cladding wall and roof panel system. The overall architecture expresses sloped roofs, deep overhangs, a front porch, and lanai, all elements prevalent in southwest Florida vernacular.
To see more of this project, take a look at the project profile on our website.
Hannah Boehmer, AIA of Sweet Sparkman Architecture and Interiors, and David Morrison, AIA of Leader Design Studio earned an impressive first runner-up finish in the professional category of The Center for Architecture Sarasota’s (CFA) “Less Is More” Tiny House competition.
The first-of-its-kind competition invited Florida AIA professional architects and architecture students to design original concepts for a tiny house to promote small, flexible, affordable, and sustainable alternatives to traditional housing. As part of the challenge, CFA tasked entrants with utilizing innovative design to meet various nontraditional housing needs, including temporary housing for first responders, those displaced by disasters, the homeless, and even stand-alone homes for aging relatives or returning children.
Read about the competition and the complete list of winners here.
The results are in - Sweet Sparkman Architecture and Interiors’ Palma Sola Modern design has been awarded gold for “Best Overall Home ($1-2M)” for SRQ Magazine’s | Home of the Year 2021 ranking.
According to judges, the Palma Sola design blends seemingly simple geometry with complex detailing and design intent to enhance the connection to the surrounding landscape, all while providing a “simple but beautiful backdrop to daily life.” Read the full description and view other winners at SRQ Magazine.
Architect: Jerry Sparkman, AIA, NCARB
Contractor: Ross Built Construction Company
Builder: Greg and Lee Ross
Interior Design: Ross Built Construction Company and Owner
Kitchen Cabinets: G2 Cabinetry
Bathroom: Ross Built Construction Company
Carpets and Flooring: Rosser Tile and Flooring
Landscape: RightWay Designs
Pool: Tom Sanger Pool and Spa
Photographer: Ryan Gamma Photography
A very special congratulations to Sweet Sparkman’s very own, Caitlin Jensen, RIDQC, on earning her Residential Interior Design Qualification. Caitlin completed the two-part RIDQC exam in February of this year, showcasing her commitment, passion, and talent in the residential interior design field.
RIDQC Certification is the industry’s recognized indicator of proficiency in interior design principles and a designer’s commitment to the profession. Professional residential interior designers who possess the RIDQC Certification have distinguished themselves by demonstrating a specific set of core competencies supported by verified work experience and education.
Sweet Sparkman’s Sarasota-based roster of architectural and design experts just got bigger. On behalf of our entire team at Sweet Sparkman, we are pleased to welcome Laura Lozano and Jose “Fab” Ruel Bozzolo-Fabia, two new team members recently joining the team.
Laura and Fab join Sweet Sparkman, each with an unwavering passion for outstanding design and diverse, accomplished backgrounds. Read their full bios below.
Laura Lonazo
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.
Jose Ruel “Fab” Bozzolo-Fabia
Fab was born and raised in the Philippines where he won several high school Math competitions and was Valedictorian of his graduating class. He attended the University of the Philippines at age 16 where he won a number of awards in student ideas competitions and has been published in the field. He subsequently received his Master’s in Architecture from the State University of New York at Buffalo doing his graduate research in Material Culture. At Buffalo, he participated a semester abroad in Spain and also received the Henry Adams Award for Excellence in Architecture, a national award given to the top-ranking graduate. Fab worked for a New York City design-build firm as a project manager after his graduation.
In 2017, Fab emigrated to the United States to join his husband, Ellis, after a three-year long-distance relationship. An avid runner, Fab dabbles into the world of art and performance during his free time.
To learn more about all of our team members, please visit the team page at SweetSparkman.com.
Connecting
Sweet Sparkman | In Detail allows us to share select updates and show you glimpses behind the scenes at Sweet Sparkman Architecture and Interiors. We hope you'll also connect with us via Instagram and LinkedIn.
Of course, our favorite way to connect is by talking. That's the best way to hear what's on your mind and share ideas about the projects that are important to you. One way or another, let's connect!
- The Sweet Sparkman Team
May 4, 2021
