In June 2023, Sarasota Performing Arts Foundation and City of Sarasota selected Renzo Piano Building Workshop (RPBW) as Design Architect for the new Sarasota Performing Arts Center. The project will be built in The Bay, Sarasota’s signature public park. After evaluating nearly thirty candidates for the role of Architect of Record, RPBW has selected Sweet Sparkman Architects. Based in Sarasota, Sweet Sparkman Architects has been practicing for 22 years. Their completed cultural and community projects include The Bay, Center for Asian Art at the Ringling Museum of Art, Ringling College of Art and Design: Basch Visual Arts Center, Asolo Repertory Theatre Koski Center Campus, Venice Theatre, and Siesta Key Park and Pavilion. “We selected Sweet Sparkman not only for their proficiency and local knowledge of the construction industry, but for their spirit, and the team they put forth. We see them as our partners in this adventure, and we strongly believe their qualities, values, and experience will be key to the project’s success.” – Renzo Piano Building Workshop.