ArchiFest
Architecture and design is a cornerstone of the culture in our region. From the early 20th century, when John Ringling built his celebrated art museum and magnificent Venetian-style mansion, to the 1950's-60's when a pioneering group of architects founded the Sarasota School of Architecture, the seeds of great design have been spread abundantly in Sarasota and beyond. For a number looking to own homes in Sarasota, Manatee, or Charlotte counties, they choose to design and build from scratch - working with any number of talented architects and builders, continuing the tradition of creativity and design. The third annual ArchiFest, an architectural marketplace of ideas, is taking place from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, April 21 at 1741 Main St. in Sarasota. This is the ideal venue to meet contemporary practitioners and learn more about their process. Michael Saunders and Company is co-sponsoring the event held by the Herald-Tribune. This year's theme is "creativity". Admission is free for the public. Panel discussions, hosted by Harold Bubil, will be held on this schedule, which is subject to change: 10:05: “Could Howard Roark Thrive Today? Collaboration vs. individualism, and which works best for creativity?” 11:15: “The Art of Architecture: Is there still room for delight in a world fixated on commodity?” 12:15: “The Value of Architecture in the Real Estate Market: Do architect-designed homes sell for more?” 1:15: “The Unforeseen Problem: How creativity helps architects in their primary role as problem-solvers.” 2:15: “Creativity in the Curriculum: Teaching Talent.” Participants include Lead Booth Sponsor Jonathan Parks, AIA, of Solstice Planning and Architecture; Gary Hoyt, AIA, of Hoyt Architects; Michael Halflants, AIA, of Halflants + Pichette Studio for Modern Architecture; Max Strang, FAIA, Jerry Sparkman, AIA; Todd Sweet, AIA; Mark Sultana, AIA, of DSDG; Jedd Heap , AIA, and Chris Leader, AIA, of Leader Design Studio; Javi Suarez, AIA, of Apex-Studio Suarez; Carol Cooper, ASID, of Cooper Modern Design; Josh Wynne of Wynne Construction; Dean Brennaman, AIA; the Center for Architecture Sarasota; and Christopher Wilson, Ph.D., of the Sarasota Architectural Foundation.
