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Draft:Jonathan Parks

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Jonathan Parks
Jonathan Parks at AIA National Awards, 2024
Born
Amherst, New York, United States
Alma materUniversity at Buffalo (BPS), University of Pennsylvania (MArch)
OccupationArchitect
Years active1986–present
Organization(s)SOLSTICE Planning and Architecture
Known forSustainable architecture, Sarasota School preservation, Rosemary Square
Websitesolstice-pa.com

Jonathan Parks, FAIA, is an American architect best known for his work in sustainable design, historic preservation, and community-oriented urban planning. Based in Sarasota, Florida, he is the founder of SOLSTICE Planning and Architecture, and a recognized figure in both contemporary and preservationist architecture. He has played a pivotal role in revitalizing the legacy of the Sarasota School of Architecture while contributing new models for resilient and equitable urbanism in the 21st century.[1]

Early life and education

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Jonathan Parks was born and raised in Amherst, New York. As a student, he organized public awareness campaigns to preserve architectural landmarks, including buildings by Frank Lloyd Wright, Louis Sullivan, and H. H. Richardson. He earned a Bachelor of Professional Studies in Architecture from the University at Buffalo in 1984[2], and a Master of Architecture from the University of Pennsylvania in 1986[3], both cum laude. He also completed coursework in real estate law and entrepreneurship at the Wharton School.

Career

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Early practice

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Parks began his career at Centerbrook Architects and Planners where he worked under Charles Moore (architect), contributing to nationally recognized projects. He later joined Seibert Architects in Sarasota, an influential Sarasota firm closely tied to the Sarasota School of Architecture.

SOLSTICE Planning and Architecture

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In 2002, Parks launched his own firm, Jonathan Parks Architect, which later evolved into SOLSTICE Planning and Architecture in 2016. His firm has received more than 125 awards for design excellence, sustainability, and historic preservation[4]

Design philosophy

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Parks is known for combining rationalism with romanticism, focusing on regional identity, environmental resilience, and human-centered design. His architecture often aims to create "third places"—public spaces where community members gather outside of home or work. He emphasizes passive systems, natural light, site orientation, and beauty as central to sustainability.

Notable projects

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  • Rosemary Square (Sarasota, FL): A transformative urban redevelopment that earned the 2024 AIA National Honor Award for Regional & Urban Design[5]. It reactivated a neglected neighborhood by prioritizing affordability for artists and nonprofits.[6]
  • Art Ovation Hotel (Sarasota, FL): A hospitality project integrated with Sarasota’s cultural institutions, featuring original artwork and a rooftop community space. [7]
  • Perry Harvey Sr. Park (Tampa, FL): An 11-acre memorial and civic space honoring the city’s African-American history.[8]
  • Element House (Sarasota, FL): A LEED Platinum home in Sarasota, achieving a HERS Index of -26, one of the lowest energy scores in Florida history. [4]

Historic preservation

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Parks has restored numerous buildings originally designed by architects of the Sarasota School of Architecture, including buildings by Paul Rudolph, Ralph Twitchell, Tim Seibert, and Jack West.

A few Paul Rudolph buildings he has restored include:

  • The Cohen House (received the Great American Home Award in 2005, co-sponsored by the National Trust for Historic Preservation)[10]
  • The Umbrella House (multiple preservation awards)[11]
  • Healy Guest House (Cocoon House)
  • Lamolithic house : Two in Siesta Key, Florida

Other notable renovations include:

Recognition and awards

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Parks was elevated to FAIA in 2025 in the category of Design.[14] His firm has received awards from:

  • American Institute of Architects (national[15], state[16], and regional[17] levels)
  • U.S. Green Building Council (LEED Home Awards)[18]
  • Docomomo US[19]
  • SRQ Magazine[20] and Southeast Building Conference
  • Society of American Registered Architects[21]

Professional service and leadership

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He has chaired the Sarasota Public Art Committee[22] and served since 2017 on the Florida Building Commission's Energy Technical Advisory Committee[23], influencing statewide code updates.

Select publications

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  • “Sarasota School of Architecture,” Architectural Record, 2024
  • The Modern Residence (2020)
  • Sarasota 100: Moderns That Matter (2024)
  • Coastal Charm: Waterside Living (2023)

See also

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References

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  1. ^ "Norman Foster Presented with Architecture Sarasota's Second Annual Hiss Award". Architectural Record. 2024-04-04. Retrieved 2025-06-17.
  2. ^ "University at Buffalo School of Architecture and Planning". School of Architecture and Planning. University at Buffalo. Retrieved 2025-06-17. Jonathan Parks alumni and speaker at University at Buffalo School of Architecture and Planning.
  3. ^ "The Penn Gazette Alumni Notes". The Pennsylvania Gazette. The Pennsylvania Gazette. Retrieved 2025-06-17. Jonathan Parks 1986 alumni recognized with AIA National Honor Award.
  4. ^ a b Zamora, Francesc (2023). Coastal Charm: Waterside Living. Loft Publications. p. 230. ISBN 9788499366395.
  5. ^ "Rosemary Square". American Institute of Architects. American Institute of Architects. Retrieved 2025-06-17. Rosemary Square wins National AIA Design Award for Regional and Urban Design.
  6. ^ Lakeside, Cherise (2024-12-20). ""Community Square" (Episode 149)". ARCAT Podcast. ARCAT. Retrieved 2025-06-17. Interview with Jonathan Parks about the Rosemary Square redevelopment in Sarasota, Florida.
  7. ^ Moeller, Martin (Summer 2024). "Art Ovation Hotel". Florida/Caribbean Architect. Retrieved 2025-06-17.
  8. ^ [chrome-extension://efaidnbmnnnibpcajpcglclefindmkaj/https://tpa.aiafla.org/TPA/upload_documents/ServiceandDesignAwardsBookMaster2024.pdf "Service and Design Awards Book"] (PDF). Tampa Bay Chapter of the American Institute of Architects. Tampa Bay Chapter of the American Institute of Architects. Retrieved 2025-06-17. AIA Tampa Bay Design Award Winners 1992-2023.
  9. ^ "Why Can't Paul Rudolph's Buildings Catch a Break?". The Architect’s Newspaper. 2022-07-14. Retrieved 2025-06-17.
  10. ^ Sonant, Kathryn (May–June 2005). "Winner's Circle: A Portfolio of the Premier Projects from the 2005 Great American Home Awards". Old House Journal. p. 79.
  11. ^ "Society of American Registered Architects 2023 National Professional Design Awards". Society of American Registered Architects. Society of American Registered Architects. Retrieved 2025-06-17. Umbrella House recognized with preservation award.
  12. ^ "Landmark in Lavender: The Future of Sarasota's Van Wezel Theatre". The World of Interiors. 2023-08-29. Retrieved 2025-06-17.
  13. ^ Moeller, Martin (July 2021). "Sarasota Municipal Auditorium, Restoration Sarasota, Florida". Florida/Caribbean Architect. Retrieved 2025-06-17.
  14. ^ "College of Fellows". American Institute of Architects. American Institute of Architects. Retrieved 2025-06-17. Jonathan Parks listed as a member of the 2025 Class of Fellows.
  15. ^ "Rosemary Square". American Institute of Architects. American Institute of Architects. Retrieved 2025-06-17. Rosemary Square wins National AIA Design Award for Regional and Urban Design.
  16. ^ "2023 Design and Honor Awards Recipients". American Institute of Architects Florida. American Institute of Architects Florida. Retrieved 3 July 2025. Merit Award: SOLSTICE Planning and Architecture, Umbrella House Facade Restoration
  17. ^ [chrome-extension://efaidnbmnnnibpcajpcglclefindmkaj/https://tpa.aiafla.org/TPA/upload_documents/ServiceandDesignAwardsBookMaster2024.pdf "Service and Design Awards Book"] (PDF). Tampa Bay Chapter of the American Institute of Architects. Tampa Bay Chapter of the American Institute of Architects. Retrieved 2025-06-17. AIA Tampa Bay Design Award Winners 1992-2023.
  18. ^ "USGBC LEED Homes Awards". United States Green Building Council. United States Green Building Council. Retrieved 2025-06-17. Element House a LEED Homes Awards national finalist
  19. ^ "Sarasota High School". Docomomo US. Docomomo US. Retrieved 2025-06-17. Sarasota High School receives the 2021 Advocacy Award of Excellence.
  20. ^ "Home of the Year March 2021 Presented by Program Partner SmartHouse Integration". SRQ Magazine. No. March 2021. SRQ Media. Issuu. 1 March 2021. pp. 12–13, 26–27. Retrieved 3 July 2025.
  21. ^ "Society of American Registered Architects 2023 National Professional Design Awards". Society of American Registered Architects. Society of American Registered Architects. Retrieved 2025-06-17. Umbrella House recognized with preservation award.
  22. ^ "Public Art Committee". City of Sarasota. City of Sarasota. Retrieved 2025-06-17. Jonathan Parks listed as Chair of the Public Art Committee.
  23. ^ "Energy Technical Advisory Committee". Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation. Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation. Retrieved 3 July 2025.
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Category:Living people Category:American architects Category:People from Sarasota, Florida Category:University at Buffalo alumni Category:University of Pennsylvania alumni Category:Fellows of the American Institute of Architects Category:21st-century American architects

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