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The new R. L. Anderson Building and South County Courts included the remodel of an existing building and design of a new courthouse. Construction of the new, 40,000-SF, two-story, four-court courthouse and ancillary spaces now serves the 12th Judicial Circuit Court, the Clerk of the Circuit Court and County Comptroller, and Court Administration, ensuring residents and justice system personnel can conduct their work more efficiently.
Both the new construction and remodel incorporated Sweet Sparkman's comprehensive turn-key capabilities in both architectural and interior design, which led to stylistic harmony across the entire campus. In anticipation of future growth, the building was designed to allow for two additional courtrooms for a total of six courtrooms. Sweet Sparkman served as the Local Architect in collaboration with the Architect of Record, DLR Group.
Sarasota County
Project information
Venice, FL
44,500 SF
Completed in 2022
client/owner
location
size
Status
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.
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.
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.
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