A new edge

Hoyt Architects, one of the biggest architecture firms in Sarasota and already a force in local design and planning, is about to get a jolt of energy.

The source: Chris Gallagher, formerly with Sarasota-based Jonathan Parks Architect, was named a partner at the firm, founded in 1993 by Gary Hoyt. Now Hoyt, who retains majority ownership of the firm, and Gallagher, a minority stockholder, will attempt to turn Hoyt Architects into a statewide force in architecture and urban planning.

“We want to help create a great downtown for Sarasota,” says Gallagher. “We are a perfect model town to do great (work) here in Sarasota, and we can take that model to other places. I want the rest of my career to be built around that.”

Hoyt says he especially respects Gallagher's dual approach to his work with clients. That's where Gallagher considers the actual viability of the construction phase of a project a priority, not just the design. Hoyt says the architecture industry, in general, does no favors for its highbrow image when designers only focus on art and forget the “sticks and bricks” aspect.

“This office is very focused on being hands on with clients,” says Hoyt. “Chris really knows how to do that.”

Two other factors drew Hoyt to approach Gallagher about joining the firm. One, Hoyt says he admires Gallagher for leaving the architecture industry for a short period of time to work in a different field — a move Hoyt also accomplished. Gallagher spent five years in the headmaster position at the New Gate School, a Montessori education facility in Sarasota, while Hoyt co-founded a software development firm.

But both returned to architecture. Hoyt adds that Gallagher's near-obsessive focus on details separates him from his peers. “If you are going to be a great designer,” says Gallagher, “it's all about paying attention to what's around you.”

Gallagher, meanwhile, says Hoyt Architects' ability to survive the recession, unlike several other local architecture entities, was a key selling point. Hoyt says the company survived by diversifying its client base, however the downturn still hurt: The firm dropped from about 25 employees at its peak, in 2008, to 12 today. Hoyt declines to disclose annual sales figures, though he says the firm is growing.

Another attraction for Gallagher is Hoyt Architects is the go-to place in town for his passion: Historical buildings and challenging and unusual projects others shy away from. “Gary is the only other architect in the area who is interested in the same type of work in the urban sphere,” says Gallagher in a statement announcing the move, “and we each have the ultimate goal of helping Sarasota realize its master plan of making a more vibrant and memorable downtown.”