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NewsSarasota MagazineJune 15, 2026Sarasota County

Sarasota-Manatee Architecture Projects Win 2026 AIA Florida Awards

Several local architectural projects in Sarasota and Manatee counties received recognition at the 2026 AIA Florida Design Awards. The winning projects range from public schools and airport expansions to historic building restorations and sustainable botanical garden facilities.

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Why It Matters

These awards highlight the design standards and architectural evolution of public and private infrastructure projects currently shaping the Sarasota-Manatee region.

Key Facts

  • The 2026 AIA Florida Design Awards will be presented on July 18 at the Gaylord Palms Resort in Kissimmee.
  • The Dr. Janet S. Pullen S.T.E.A.M. Center in Bradenton received an Honor Award of Excellence for New Work and a Citation Award in Masonry.
  • Marie Selby Botanical Gardens Phase 1 received an AIA COTE Top Ten Award for sustainability, noted as the world's first net-positive energy botanical garden.
  • The Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport terminal expansion received a Citation Award in Renovations and Additions.
  • The Chidsey Library Rehabilitation project converted the historic library into office space for the Bay Park Conservancy.
  • The Bay Haven School of Basics Plus Renovation received recognition for modernizing a 1920s Mediterranean Revival school.
  • The Sarasota County Terrace Building Restoration was recognized in the preservation category.
  • The Suncoast Humane Society facility in Englewood was recognized for its use of masonry design.
  • The Cocoanut Bayou House in Sarasota received a Merit Award of Excellence for New Work and an Honor Award for Interiors.
  • Unbuilt project awards were given to the Old Oak Residence, Whitaker Lofts, and the Nathan Benderson Park Indoor Sports Facility and Boathouse.

Who's Mentioned

locationMarie Selby Botanical Gardens“Sarasota-based project receiving an AIA COTE Top Ten Award.”organizationHall Darling Design Studio“Award-winning architecture firm.”organizationBay Park Conservancy“Occupant of the rehabilitated Chidsey Library.”organizationSarasota County“Owner of the Terrace Building.”locationDr. Janet S. Pullen S.T.E.A.M. Center“Bradenton-based project receiving an Honor Award of Excellence.”locationSarasota-Bradenton International Airport“Recipient of a Citation Award for terminal expansion.”organizationSweet Sparkman Architects“Award-winning architecture firm.”organizationAIA Florida“Florida Association of the American Institute of Architects, the organization pr”