Sarasota Orchestra Process to Select Design Architect Underway

When Sarasota Orchestra leaders select the architects responsible for designing the new Music Center, it will signify the realization of a meticulously planned and diligently executed process, representing a pivotal moment in the project’s transition from an aspirational concept to a concrete, physical structure.

The selection process began in earnest late in 2023 when Sarasota Orchestra’s Board of Directors approved the criteria for evaluating potential Design Architect partners. Informed by discussions with staff, musicians, and peers in the arts community, the seven requirements adopted by the Board (see sidebar on the right) consider both standard measures of professionalism, such as reputation and track record, as well as artistic vision and specific experience designing concert halls.

“It’s a very unique project that requires a qualified and collaborative architectural partner in order to deliver a successful project,” said Matt Edwards, senior vice president and project executive at Garfield Public/Private LLC. Edwards brings over 15 years of real estate and development experience to the Music Center planning team, including expertise in performing arts centers, theatres, and cultural venues. Among other projects, he recently led the development of Steinmetz Hall as part of the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts campus, currently one of Florida’s only three concert halls for acoustic music.

Drawing on this experience, Edwards and his team developed a request for proposals and invited participation from a select list of design architectural firms with both expertise in acoustically excellent and architecturally significant venue designs.

Meanwhile, Sarasota Orchestra’s Board of Directors established a Building Committee that will review and evaluate proposals and interview top finalists. They anticipate presenting recommended architects for approval in the coming months.

“It’s definitely exciting to take a building program and turn it into something three-dimensional,” said Edwards. “The architects have a very specific and important responsibility to take the mission and vision of both the Orchestra and the Music Center and turn that into reality. Putting it on paper is the first step towards construction.”

ENSURING DESIGN AND ACOUSTIC EXCELLENCE THROUGH COLLABORATION

Some may be intrigued to learn there will in fact be two partners involved in the project: a Design Architect tasked with envisioning the overarching artistic direction and visual appeal during the initial design stages; and an Executive Architect, also known as the “Architect of Record,” who is licensed in Florida and responsible for transforming the design plans into construction blueprints while ensuring adherence to regulatory standards and quality assurance.

Sarasota Orchestra’s Executive Architect, HKS, was recently selected by the Sarasota Orchestra’s Board. In addition to considering the safety, accessibility, sustainability, and other standard requirements of any building project, both HKS and the Design Architect selected for the Music Center must also consider specifications for a concert hall with superb acoustics. They must work not only with each other, but also with the expert acousticians and theater planners at Stages Consultants who are leading research to determine needs for the performance platform size and configuration, volume space, height of the mechanized riser system, infrastructure to block exterior noise, and more.

BUILDING A STRONG FOUNDATION THROUGH STRATEGIC PLANNING AND DUE DILIGENCE

The work with Stages Consultants is just one example of the careful planning that has been carried out to reach this exciting time in the project. Other steps up to this point have included development of the building program to determine the size and function of the venue’s various spaces, securing approval for a zoning variance and special exceptions, surveying peers in the arts community about their needs, and extensive behind-the-scenes work on fundraising activities for the project.

“It’s worth noting that many projects falter when the architect is the first consultant hired, leading to simple renderings without program considerations,” said Edwards. “While artistic vision is important, we made a purposeful decision not to make this a design competition. We’ve conducted extensive due diligence through our strategic planning process, reaching the most efficient and effective time to advance to the next stages of the process to realize a truly outstanding Music Center.”

A TIMELINE FOR TRANSFORMING SARASOTA’S MUSICAL LANDSCAPE

The architectural design process, from conceptualization through approved construction drawings, is expected to take two years and will be followed by construction.

While the process may seem long for community members eager to experience the magic of a new Music Center, it is crucial to recognize that this is the final chapter in an endeavor to establish a transformative cultural hub for Sarasota, Manatee, and neighboring areas, designed to endure for the next century.

As Edwards aptly stated, “Sarasota Orchestra is not just constructing a building; it’s creating a legacy that will enrich the lives of generations to come.”