Behind The Building Of The New Sarasota Performing Arts Center

Sarasota is celebrated nationally for its art scene, and anticipation is building for the new Sarasota Performing Arts Center in The Bay park. Renzo Piano Building Workshop is leading the design, with Sarasota-based Sweet Sparkman Architecture & Interiors as the architect firm of record. Get to know those behind the project: firm founders Todd Sweet and Jerry Sparkman.

What makes your company unique in the area? Jerry Sparkman: We have built our practice focusing on projects that benefit the whole community—parks, libraries and educational and cultural spaces. We design comprehensive, artful places through a collaborative, creative, professional process. No matter the size of a project, we try to bring a sense of creativity and innovation. To fulfill this vision, we have brought to the firm the brightest and most curious minds, who are passionate about design and collaboration with clients. We have been very fortunate to work with those that allow this exploration and challenge us to seek out creative solutions.

Describe your signature style and how it befits a project like the new Sarasota Performing Arts Center. Todd Sweet: I don’t think Sweet Sparkman has a “signature style.” If you look at our work, you will see a variety of architecture. Each building or structure is influenced by the site and the client. We want to make each structure as artful as possible through form, materiality and integration with the landscape—make it something that contributes to the beauty of the natural area. In the case of the Sarasota Performing Arts Center, we were selected based on our ability to successfully deliver on our projects and the spirit of our practice.

What can you share about the SPAC design? TS: We are in very early stages, but we can share that the vision for this project will draw inspiration from the sky, light and water.