Given Sarasota's history of daring architecture, it seemed natural for the Gulf Coast Chapter of the American Institute of Architects (AIA) to resume its commitment to annually recognizing the exemplary architectural achievements of its nearly 150 members. So earlier this winter, for the first time in five years, the group organized a competition to select award-winning projects.

Thanks to the diligence of the Gulf Coast Chapter AIA Design Committee, chaired by James Bowen, the chapter issued a call to architects, assembled a national jury and invited members and guests to a gala ceremony in February where Bowen surprised winners with their prizes. The competition drew 41 entries from 18 area firms. Applicants were invited to submit projects in categories that included theoretical, unbuilt, general, residential, urban, and interiors projects.

Distinguished Los Angeles architect Annie Chu chaired the four-member jury of AIA professionals who conducted the blind judging. She was also the keynote speaker at the awards dinner. Working with Chu were architects Monica Ponce De Leon of Boston and Nanako Umemoto of New York City, and Los Angeles author and photographer Michael Webb. "Our first decision was to determine if we would evaluate by regional standards or hold the entrants to more rigorous national standards," says Chu. "After considering the work presented to us, it became clear that we would judge by national standards."

More than awarding prizes for outstanding projects, the aim of this design awards program is to advance the profession, raise public awareness and encourage discussion about the high caliber and progressive nature of architectural enterprise flourishing in this part of Florida. Here are the 2004 winners.

Honor Award: Seibert Architects, PA

Samuel C. Holladay and Michael Epstein

Un-built category: Addition to Barron Residence

The architects' determination was to save a historically designated, Sarasota School of Architecture residence from being demolished by a future owner because of its small size and the value and desirability of its waterfront setting.

The existing house is exemplary for its connection to the exterior views, creating a seamless transition from inside to outside. The architects' proposed addition, a structurally detached second floor, maintains the home's openness and does not obscure any part of the existing structure. And it makes minimal contact with existing historical materials.

The judges were impressed by the firm's approach to a dilemma that has become common, as cities continue to evolve and the old is torn down to make way for new structures with amenities not envisioned when these homes were originally constructed.

"We found this project a bold and sensitive answer to the challenge," says judge Chu. "It is crucial that architects offer the leadership to show examples of sensitive additions and appropriate transformations of the Sarasota School design language. This addition takes advantage of the best qualities of the site and leaves the building, overall, in a stronger state than when it was found."

Merit Award: Guy Peterson/OFA Inc.

Guy Peterson, FAIA

Residential category: Williams house

The Williams house is located in Lido Shores, a neighborhood nationally known for its architectural heritage because of its impressive collection of Sarasota School homes.

Guy Peterson, who grew up in Sarasota and was inspired to become an architect because of what he saw around him, was well aware of Lido Shores' pedigree when he designed this 4,500-square foot home for a progressive couple. They wanted privacy, a strong indoor-outdoor connection, minimal maintenance, a swimming pool and a second level for guest quarters. Finally, they wanted everything cloaked in sophisticated but quiet "Florida Modern" architecture to express their artistic sensibilities. A huge challenge-and the single feature that defined the project-was their narrow 80-foot-wide lot on New Pass.

The resulting residence, judged outstanding by Annie Chu and her team, is everything the clients wanted. "We appreciated the control of the design language which resulted in a resolved massing of volumes," explains Chu. "The house takes advantage of the climate, and the front elevation is sculpted and resolved. It capitalizes on the expanse of uninterrupted walls punctuated by vertical palms, a singular seat-height wall and thin horizontal roofs beyond."

Merit Award: Javi Suarez, Associate AIA, ADP Group

Theoretical category: Unbuilt residence

This house, which the 31-year-old architect conceived as a possible home and office for himself, is all about using technology advancements in materials and computing to improve and enliven the ways one can live and work. He even placed the house (theoretically, of course) on Fourth Street and Osprey Avenue.

The structural system is composed of cast-fiber thermoplastic compounds and a sheathing system of carbon reinforced plywood panels-lighter and stronger than concrete and steel. And the use of a wireless system and flat-screen monitors throughout the rooms mean that a private living environment and a public work place are now joined. Truly, this is the realm of a young and ambitious 21st-century artist/entrepreneur intrigued by technical investigation.