Apple Park in Cupertino. Bryant Park in New York City. The U.S. Embassy Park in London. Olin Design Studio creates really important designs with really important clients.

Now, the firm is being recognized for its transformative work at Marie Selby Botanical Gardens.  It will receive the third annual Philip Hanson Hiss Award from Architecture Sarasota.

The internationally recognized landscape architecture and urban design studio played a key role in revitalizing the gardens, which was named one of TIME's World's Greatest Places in 2024.

The Philip Hanson Hiss award honors innovators in design and commemorates Philip Hanson Hiss (1910-1988), a pivotal figure behind the Sarasota School of Architecture. This influential architectural movement adapted modern design to Florida's tropical climate and geography. Past recipients of the award include acclaimed architects Toshiko Mori and Lord Norman Foster.

Olin's recent work at Selby Gardens reflects the studio's philosophy of balancing ecological responsibility with thoughtful design. The reimagined campus now features a garden esplanade, hurricane-resilient facilities and expanded research spaces, all to sustain the nonprofit's leading role in botanical science and conservation.

Founded in 1976 by Robert Hannah and Laurie Olin, the firm is known for integrating ecology, infrastructure and social engagement to create spaces that invite connection and community. We caught up Olin designers Richard Roark and Marni Burns of Olin to learn more about the firm's work—and get a peek into what's coming in Phase 2 at Selby Gardens. This interview has been edited and condensed. 

What were the biggest challenges of designing and building at the site?

Richard Roark: "When we began the project in 2017, what struck me was how the site had evolved over time. It had been pieced together with various structures—a house, a mansion, and a series of properties along Palm Avenue. The arrival experience felt disjointed. Visitors would park on the south end of Palm Avenue and wonder, 'Where do I go next? The mansion? The library?' Half the property felt like an arrival area, yet the only prominent structure was the library. Our first challenge was to unpack that fragmented layout and create a more cohesive experience.

"At the same time, Selby Gardens had a unique charm rooted in its volunteerism and strong sense of community. We wanted to preserve that. Many of the older structures had termite damage and were never intended to serve as labs or major visitor hubs, yet they were pushed to their limits. We had to create a space that could support visitor growth, research and the garden experience while maintaining minimal disruption. It required thoughtful planning to keep the gardens open during construction and ensure the site retained its openness and sense of discovery."

Marni Burns: "Another challenge was balancing Selby Gardens' dual mission—supporting botanical science while also engaging visitors. Sometimes those goals align, and other times they conflict. We needed to reveal hidden treasures in a way that felt natural to visitors without disrupting ongoing scientific work.

"There were also political challenges. Selby Gardens evolved gradually over time, so introducing a more comprehensive master plan was difficult for some community members and staff. Change is hard, especially when people are accustomed to doing things a certain way. Our goal was to create a vision that felt fresh while respecting the site's legacy."

You work across the country and internationally. Was the Selby project significantly different, or are design challenges universal?

RR: "While design principles often transcend location, Sarasota is unique. I'm from Florida, and I've always admired Sarasota's reputation as a haven for artists and innovators. It's a community rich with multigenerational residents and seasonal visitors, which creates an interesting cultural mix."

MB: "My mom started visiting Sarasota as a snowbird, so I've seen firsthand how it's both a tourist draw and a true community hub. Selby Gardens needed to reflect that dual identity."

How is climate change impacting new architecture?

RR: "Resilience is a huge focus in our work. Climate change isn't just about rising water levels—it's about how communities adapt to heat waves, stronger storms and other vulnerabilities. Flooding tends to cause the most widespread damage. For Selby, we designed all new buildings above the 100-year flood plain. The structures have 'dam doors,' which allow temporary barriers to be put in place to protect against storm surge. Thankfully, during recent hurricanes, those barriers weren't needed, but the preparation was vital. We also elevated mechanical systems to safeguard critical infrastructure.

"Beyond architecture, Selby Gardens invested in mangroves and seagrass to protect the shoreline. These natural buffers help mitigate boat damage and red tide effects while supporting wildlife like manatees. Cities must become cooler, greener, and more connected to manage future challenges."

MB: "We also drew from past architectural lessons. The Sarasota School of Architecture offers great examples of climate-conscious design—raising buildings to let water pass underneath and utilizing natural light and shade to reduce reliance on air conditioning. The Welcome Pavilion at Selby exemplifies this with its large shaded roof, which creates a cool, comfortable entry point without heavy mechanical systems."

Do you think Sarasota School design concepts still hold relevance?

RR: "Absolutely. Paul Rudolph and others were innovative but also practical. Their work addressed public and community needs, not just individual clients'. Schools, for instance, should inspire connections to the landscape, yet modern security concerns often sacrifice that. The Sarasota School's ideas about openness and natural flow are still critical. As we face a housing crisis, some of those post-World War II models could guide us again."

What's your favorite Sarasota School design?

MB: "Sarasota High School stands out to me. Early in the Selby project, I took my husband to explore the area, and we were amazed by the number of architectural gems. Sarasota High School embodies the Sarasota School's principles in a public institution, which I find especially meaningful."

RR: "The Cocoon House is a personal favorite. It's a beautiful, experimental design—small but incredibly thoughtful. The Umbrella House is another standout. You can see its influence on other buildings, including elements we've incorporated at Selby Gardens."

What is the timeline for completing Phase 2 of the Selby Gardens project?

MB: "We're aiming to finish by the end of 2027. [Selby Gardens CEO] Jennifer Rominiecki and her team have been incredible partners. They're passionate and driven, which has helped keep the project moving quickly."

What lessons can this project teach us for the future?

RR: "The future is already here—it's just not evenly distributed yet. Our work at Selby Gardens offers a model for balancing climate resilience, preserving biodiversity and engaging the public. Nearly one-third of biodiversity loss stems from land development. As architects, we must find ways to design with density and ecological responsibility in mind.

"At Selby, we moved the glass houses away from the water to protect them while maximizing space for visitors. The challenge was consolidating functions without compromising the site's mission. It was like solving a complex puzzle—ensuring efficiency, safety, and a sense of place."

MB: "Biodiversity is crucial. We've collaborated with ecologists to understand how preserving plant life can unlock medical discoveries. The mission of Selby Gardens is to conserve those biological resources while educating the public about their significance."

Any final thoughts?

RR: "We're incredibly proud of the work that went into this project. Selby Gardens reflects a commitment to learning, adaptation and community—qualities we hope will inspire other institutions to follow suit."

Richard Roark, partner at Olin and the studio's chief purpose officer, will represent the firm at the Philip Hanson Hiss Award celebration. He will deliver a lecture on Thursday, March 27, followed by a gala and benefit at Selby Gardens on Friday, March 28. Click here for tickets.