Architecture firm grows by being bold, curious

Sarasota-based Sweet Sparkman Architects, one of the area's largest and most prominent design firms, has added a trio of architects to its roster.

Karl Bernhard, Jourdona LaFate and Matt Fergeson recently joined the firm as part of an overall strategic growth plan by Sweet Sparkman, which has completed award-winning work for clients ranging from Sarasota County to private homeowners.

“Our firm seeks out the brightest and most energetic talent in support of our projects,” says firm principal Todd Sweet. “Our investment in the bold, bright and curious, propels our collective creativity and inspires our big ideas. We are pleased to have three such talented people join our firm.”

The hires come as Sweet Sparkman has been selected to design a new Venice Public Library for Sarasota County and an expansion of the Charlotte County Justice Center by the 20th Judicial Circuit for the State of Florida.

Bernhard, a New Orleans native and a member of the American Institute of Architects, previously designed the St. Tammany Parish Forensic Science Center and the Fort Jackson Museum Welcome Center, both in New Orleans. He also worked on the renovation of the Superdome stadium in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina.

LaFate, also an AIA member, previously worked on the $150 million MV22 Naval Air Station. She received a master's degree in both architecture and construction from the University of Florida.

Fergeson, also an AIA member is a Sarasota native who worked in Roanoke, Va., and in Tampa prior to returning to his hometown. While in Virginia, he worked on the Circle in the Square project in Roanoke, and in Tampa on a healthcare-related project in the city's Channelside District.

Sweet Sparkman specializes in community-oriented projects, and principals Sweet and Jerry Sparkman have a combined five decade of design experience working on large, mixed-use projects such as the Courthouse Centre building in downtown Sarasota; a series of innovative fire houses for Sarasota County; and amenity buildings at several county-controlled beaches.