“We shape our buildings,” Winston Churchill famously said, “and afterwards our buildings shape us.”

Generations of Sarasotans have been enriched by the community’s design and architecture, from early Florida vernacular to the romantic 1920s-era Ringling estate buildings to the sleek mid-20th century Sarasota School and today’s eclectic architectural scene.

Sarasota Magazine, in partnership with the AIA Florida Gulfcoast chapter, is presenting the inaugural Spirit of Sarasota Award at the AIA’s biannual Sarasota Design Conference May 15-17. The award will recognize a building constructed in the last five years—residential, commercial or institutional—that captures the evolving character of our culture-rich and increasingly diverse community.

Here are the eight entries: Vote for your favorite in the People’s Choice category by clicking through each one and then selecting a project from the form below. (A juried award will also be presented.)

Siesta Key Residence: Contemporary West Indies		Single-Family Residence: Anna Maria Island
Palm Avenue Parking Garage/ Restaurant/Event Space		Ohana Private Family Retreat
Sarasota Yacht Club		Beach Park Pavilions
Church		Wellness Center
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