The jury was impressed by Suarez's reach for a design that could exploit evolving building materials made possible by advanced technology. They enjoyed the exuberance of the project and its pleasure in how scientific innovations can enhance ways we live and work. Judge Chu remarks that "the jury would like to encourage this and similar projects which explore the impact of new technology on architecture and landscape."

Merit Award: Guy Peterson/OFA, Inc.

Guy Peterson, FAIA

Residential category: Restoration and addition to the Revere house

The formidable task was to restore and preserve a 1948 Ralph Twitchell and Paul Rudolph residence on Siesta Key. Peterson approached it by designing an addition that is actually a whole new house to serve as the principal residence. "Because of the Revere house's small size-less than 1,000 square feet-the purchase of this property and its restoration only becomes financially feasible if a larger home is constructed in conjunction with this house to justify the cost of the waterfront property it sits on," Peterson explains.

The judges couldn't agree more; and while they respected the crisp, modestly scaled original structure, they realized that in many cases the only way that past architectural gems can be saved is to make them viable in today's market that demands larger rooms, higher ceilings and more amenities. Annie Chu, speaking for the jury, says they were impressed by the "balance between integration with the old and the autonomy of the new."

The new house is independent of the Revere house and is almost twice its size. A swimming pool is being added. The original Revere house will serve as a pool cabana and guesthouse in the master plan. The judges believe "this project demonstrates how it is possible to resolve the tensions between preservation and development." Thus, an architectural model of 20th-century Florida living survives, inspires and shines in the 21st century.

Merit Award: Christine Desirée, Inc.

Christine Desirée, ASID/NCIDQ, Allied AIA

Category: Interiors

The project is Christine Desirée's own office space of 1,400 square feet located in historic Burns Court in downtown Sarasota. Desirée is both an interior design professional and a designer of modern custom furniture.

Her project team set out to create a serene office space that would invigorate and motivate creativity and support teamwork. Bisecting architectural elements are used to define spatial boundaries within the open floor plan while sliding translucent glass walls provide privacy for conferences. A suspended monolithic drywall cube housing the HVAC had to be incorporated into the design.

A concealed zebra-wood pivot wall provides passage to the conference room from the reception area. Modern classic furniture was selected to complement the designer's own furniture line, which is exhibited in the office. The floors are natural-finish bamboo.

The judges admired Desirée's clean, restrained approach, which allowed the relatively small area to expand in spaciousness. "The design language is direct and all the details were well executed," praises Annie Chu. "The articulation of the drywall ceiling planes contributes tremendously to the variation of volumes, and the use of the drywall finish offers an abstract backdrop to frame vignettes of material appreciation."

Gulf Coast Chapter Honor Awards

Honor awards are presented to individuals who have made significant contributions to the practice of architecture or the efforts of the chapter. These awards are especially significant in recognizing those outside the profession. The Gulf Coast Chapter of AIA celebrates the following 2004 recipients: Brad Gaubatz, AIA, Studio 7 Architecture; Martie Lieberman, Sarasota Architectural Foundation; James and Anastasia Bowen, Bowen Architecture; Andy Eggebrecht, AE Design Group; Tom Luzier, Sarasota Architectural Foundation; John Howey, FAIA, author; Harold Bubil, Sarasota Herald-Tribune real estate editor; and Dale Parks, AIA, Seibert Architects.