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.