Sarasota Architectural Foundation (SAF) and Center for Architecture Sarasota (CFAS) have announced that they will join forces as a single entity called Architecture Sarasota, led by Anne-Marie Russell as executive director. Russell is the former executive director and chief curator of the Sarasota Art Museum.

Architecture Sarasota will retain the shared mission of both organizations, stewarding the legacy of the mid-century Sarasota School of Architecture movement as a starting point for exploring design. The hallmarks of the Sarasota School, notably a sensitivity to climate and environmental concerns, aim to spur innovative, sustainable contemporary design. Architecture Sarasota plans to provide a a commitment to support resilient urban planning and a forum to educate the local community.

"We look forward to experiencing the power of Anne-Marie's leadership as we position the Sarasota School to achieve its proper place in the global architectural conversation,” says Anne Essner, Sarasota Architectural Foundation board chair.  “But Sarasota is also a place where one can find extraordinary recently-built work.  We could not be more excited about the promise our future holds.”