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 practice 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.
As designers of spaces and places, Sweet Sparkman and its team are keenly aware of the important role an office plays in an organization’s productivity and comfort. To that end, we are thrilled to announce we've moved our headquarters to a new address a short distance from our current Main Street location. The new office is located at 1819 Main Street, Suite 400, Sarasota, FL 34236. Importantly, the space will give us a chance to design an all-new functional layout where both our architecture and interior design teams can coexist and feel inspired.
We are always honored to provide a functional and comfortable space for our first responders, and with Sarasota County Fire Station #13, we were doubly thrilled to do so in close proximity to our Siesta Key Park and Pavilion design. Our recent case study of the project highlights the structure’s most notable elements.
Fire Station #13 gave us an opportunity to solve several unique design problems. From wind mitigation up to 166 mph, to fitting lots of functional elements into a relatively small designated lot, we found success reconfiguring one of our previous two-story fire station designs into the beachside vernacular of Siesta Key. The exterior color and material palette honors the white quartz sand of the Key while cementitious panels help protect the structure from the corrosive effects of sea salt. In consideration of first responder safety and comfort, we also incorporated the latest in decontamination to go along with well designed living areas.
And, because buildings are in many ways living artifacts imbued with history, we salvaged some of the original bricks from the 1974 station for use in several interior walls.
Named after Italy’s “Floating City,” Venice, Florida’s central district incorporates the Mediterranean Revival vernacular into its commercial and municipal designs. For Sweet Sparkman’s John Bryant, AIA, LEED AP, Principal, infusing modern elements into the William H. Jervey, Jr. Venice Public Library yielded an understated structure in which the Old World meets contemporary approaches. Take a look at our video for an in-depth look at the project.
A design team is only as strong as the creativity of its members, that’s why we are excited to announce the addition of one more exceptional person.
Juan Ocaña joins us as a very experienced Project Designer. Originally from Florida’s east coast and with a background in music and art, Ocaña brings the kind of expansive creativity that can help take our designs to the next level. We look forward to leveraging his energy into our growing portfolio of projects.
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
March 31, 2022
