Sustainable Shade for The Bay park
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The Nest is a signature shade structure located within The Bay Park, designed to enhance the public's connection to Sarasota’s bayfront. This striking architectural element provides a gathering space for the community, blending functionality with artistic expression. Crafted with careful attention to sustainability, The Nest complements the surrounding natural landscape, offering shaded seating areas and a dynamic space for events, performances, and recreation. Its innovative design symbolizes the integration of nature, culture, and community, reflecting the broader vision of The Bay Park as a world-class destination.
Sarasota County
Project information
Sarasota, FL
40 Acres
Completed in 2022
client/owner
location
size
Status (Phase 1)
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
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.
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.
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.
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