Architecture Selection Process

After a transparent architect solicitation process that attracted 43 RFQ submissions from top design talent from around the world, 18 firms were invited to respond to the RFP. From there, 6 semi-finalist firms were selected for site visits and reference checks, with three firms advancing to public onsite presentations on May 31 at the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall in Sarasota.

June 1, 2023

Final Firm Selected:
Renzo Piano Building Workshop

The Sarasota Performing Arts Foundation is pleased to announce the selection of the firm that will be creating the design of a new Performing Arts Center at The Bay: Renzo Piano Building Workshop.

RPBW has successfully completed over 140 projects worldwide and is known for prominent buildings such as the Whitney Museum in New York, the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures in Los Angeles, the Centre Pompidou in Paris and The Shard in London. 

Renzo Piano Building Workshop: Example Works

Task Force Members

  • Jenne K. Britell

    Vice Chair of Board, Chair of Task Force

  • Mark Famiglio

    Board Member

  • Michele Hooper

    Board Member

  • Mary Bensel

    Executive Director, Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall

The Architecture

Selection Process

An open and transparent process with six (6) public meetings. The process was guided by City ordinance, Florida statute, and CCNA practices.

TIMELINE:

FALL 2022 – SUMMER 2023

  • Taskforce Meeting #1: Architect Selection Kick-Off & Taskforce Orientation — October 31, 2022

  • Taskforce Meeting #2: Review RFQ Responses, Winnow to 15–20 Shortlist Candidates — December 16, 2022

  • Taskforce Meeting #3: Review RFP Responses, Winnow to 4-6 Semi-finalist Candidates — February 27, 2023

  • Taskforce Meeting #4: Review Findings from Building Tours & Reference Calls; Winnow to 3-4 Finalist Candidates to Interview; Identify Topics for Discussion & Develop a Consistent List of Questions to Ask During the Finalist Interviews — May 12, 2023

  • Taskforce Meeting #5: Finalist Interviews with Public Q&A — May 31, 2023

  • Taskforce Meeting #6: Final Deliberation & Recommendation for Selected Architect — June 1, 2023

May 31, 2023

Finalist Architect Interviews with Public Q&a

In-person presentations of the final three firms at the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall.

June 1, 2023

Architect Task Force Deliberations & Decision

Final deliberations by the Architect Selection Committee with a recommendation for Architect Design Firm made to the City Commission for approval and contracting.