Jonathan Parks

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

Jonathan Parks (born March 11, 1961) is an American architect based in Sarasota, Florida. He is the founding principal of Solstice Planning and Architecture, a southwest Florida-based architecture firm, and is the recipient of a national design award from the American Institute of Architects for Urban Design[1]. He has contributed to contemporary and preservationist architecture, is known for his expertise in restoring the work of Paul Rudolph[2], and is noted for his new works continuing the legacy of the Sarasota School of Architecture.[3] His firm is known for its special expertise in residential and commercial construction on barrier islands and in coastal environments as well as designing sustainable modern houses.[4] [5]

Parks is a Fellow of the American Institute of Architects (FAIA), an honor bestowed to architects who have made outstanding contributions to the profession through design excellence.[6]

Early life and education

Jonathan Parks was born and raised in Amherst, New York. He earned a Bachelor of Professional Studies in Architecture from the University at Buffalo in 1984[7], and a Master of Architecture from the University of Pennsylvania in 1986[8].

Career

Early practice

Parks began his career at Centerbrook Architects and Planners where he worked under Charles Moore (architect).[9][10]

SOLSTICE Planning and Architecture

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.[11]

Design philosophy

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.[12]

Notable projects

  • Rosemary Square (Sarasota, FL): An urban redevelopment that earned the 2024 AIA National Honor Award for Regional & Urban Design[13]. It reactivated a neglected neighborhood by prioritizing affordability for artists and nonprofits.[14]
  • Art Ovation Hotel (Sarasota, FL): A hospitality project integrated with Sarasota’s cultural institutions, featuring original artwork and a rooftop community space. [15][16]
  • Perry Harvey Sr. Park (Tampa, FL): An 11-acre memorial and civic space honoring the city’s African-American history.[17]
  • 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. [11]
  • Palm Avenue Parking Garage (Sarasota, FL): It earned LEED Gold/Core & Shell certification and it was recognized by Architecture Sarasota as one of the 100 Modern Buildings That Matter in Sarasota.[18]

Historic preservation

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.[19]

A few Paul Rudolph buildings he has restored include:

  • Sarasota High School Rudolph Addition (Modernism in America Award, Docomomo US)[20]
  • The Cohen House (received the Great American Home Award in 2005, co-sponsored by the National Trust for Historic Preservation)[21]
  • Hiss Residence (multiple preservation awards)[22]
  • Lamolithic house : Two in Siesta Key, Florida[23]

Other notable renovations include:

  • Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall[24]
  • Sarasota Municipal Auditorium[25]

Recognition and awards

Parks was elevated to FAIA in 2025 in the category of Design.[26] His firm has received awards from:

  • 2025: AIA Gulf Coast Merit Award for Sustainable Design (Skyhook)[27]
  • 2024: AIA National Honor Award for Regional and Urban Planning (Rosemary Square)[1]
  • 2024: AIA Tampa Bay Merit Award for Sustainability, American Institute of Architects, Tampa Bay Chapter (Skyhook)[28]
  • 2024: AIA Tampa Bay Honor Award for Architecture, New Work (Skyhook)[28]
  • 2024: AIA Gulf Coast Merit Award for Historic Preservation/Restoration (Umbrella House Façade Restoration)[27]
  • 2023: AIA Tampa Bay Honor Award for Sustainability (St. Armands Parking Garage)[17]
  • 2023: AIA Tampa Bay Merit Award for Historic Preservation (Umbrella House Façade Restoration)[17]
  • 2023: AIA Florida/Caribbean Merit Award for Historic Preservation & Restoration (Umbrella House Façade Restoration)[29]
  • 2022: AIA Tampa Bay Merit Award for Unbuilt (MainView Sarasota)[17]
  • 2022: AIA Florida/Caribbean Citation Award of Excellence in Sustainability (St. Armands Parking Garage)[30]
  • 2021: Docomomo US Award of Excellence Modernism in America Award (Sarasota High School, Paul Rudolph Addition)[31]
  • 2021: AIA Florida/Caribbean Citation Award (Rosemary Square)[32]
  • 2021: AIA Florida/Caribbean Merit Award (Sarasota Municipal Auditorium)[32]
  • 2021: AIA Tampa Bay Honor Award for Architecture (Perry Harvey Park)[17]
  • 2020: AIA Tampa Bay Sustainability (Element House)[17]
  • 2020: AIA Tampa Bay Merit Award for Design Excellence (Rosemary Square)[17]
  • 2018: AIA Tampa Bay Award of Excellence (Thirty Oaks)[17]
  • 2018: AIA Tampa Bay Award of Merit (Compass Haus)[17]
  • 2018: AIA Gulf Coast Merit Award for Unbuilt Architecture (St. Armands Public Restroom)[27]
  • 2017: AIA Tampa Bay Award of Merit (Sarasota High School Renovation, Paul Rudolph Addition – New Gate)[17]
  • 2016: AIA Tampa Bay Award of Merit (Van Wezel Performing Arts Center, Renovations to Public Spaces)[17]
  • 2016: AIA Florida Gulf Coast Award of Merit (Sarasota High School Renovation, Paul Rudolph Addition – New Gate)[27]
  • 2015: AIA Florida Merit Award for Sustainability (Paul Avenue Parking Garage)[33]
  • 2014: AIA Tampa Bay Merit Award for Architecture (Lightbox House)[17]
  • 2012: AIA Florida Gulf Coast Award of Merit (Palm Avenue Parking Garage)[27]
  • 2010: AIA Florida Gulf Coast Award of Honor (Noel Residence)[27]
  • 2010: AIA Florida Gulf Coast Award of Merit (Ivory Lounge)[27]
  • 2008: AIA Tampa Bay Honor Award (Mumford Pool House)[17]
  • 2007: AIA Tampa Bay, H. Dean Rowe Honor Award (Cohen House Restoration)[17]

Select publications

  • The Modern Residence (2020)[34]
  • Sarasota 100: Moderns That Matter (2024)[16]
  • Coastal Charm: Waterside Living (2023)[11]
  • Dream Homes Florida: An Exclusive Showcase of Florida's Finest Architects, Designers and Builders (2007)[10]

References

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 "Rosemary Square, Sarasota architecture firm honored with national urban design award". Sarasota Herald Tribune. 2024-06-21. Retrieved 2025-11-07.
  2. ↑ Bubil, Harold (2022-06-20). "Florida Buildings I Love, No. 10: Sarasota High School annex, 1960, Sarasota". Sarasota Herald Tribune. Retrieved 2025-11-12. with expertise on Rudolph provided by Sarasota architect Jonathan Parks
  3. ↑ "Norman Foster Presented with Architecture Sarasota's Second Annual Hiss Award". Architectural Record. 2024-04-04. Retrieved 2025-06-17.
  4. ↑ Angermann, Chris (2011-04-22). "4 questions: Sarasota architect Jonathan Parks". Sarasota Herald Tribune. Retrieved 2025-11-04.
  5. ↑ Bubil, Harold (2018-11-11). "Parks is on a roll". Sarasota Herald Tribune. Retrieved 2025-11-12.
  6. ↑ Introducing the AIA College of Fellows Class of 2025 (April 3, 2025). "College of Fellows Newsletter". College of Fellows newsletter. Retrieved 2025-11-25.
  7. ↑ "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.
  8. ↑ "The Penn Gazette Alumni Notes". The Pennsylvania Gazette. 2024-08-23. Retrieved 2025-06-17. Jonathan Parks 1986 alumni recognized with AIA National Honor Award.
  9. ↑ Dean, Andrea (January 1, 1997). Centerbrook (2 ed.). Rockport Pub. p. 10. ISBN 1564962350.
  10. ↑ 10.0 10.1 Dream Homes Florida: An Exclusive Showcase of Florida's Finest Architects, Designers and Builders. Panache Partners, LLC. 2007-04-01. pp. 7, 216–225. ISBN 978-1933415321.
  11. ↑ 11.0 11.1 11.2 Zamora, Francesc (2023). Coastal Charm: Waterside Living. Loft Publications. p. 230. ISBN 9788499366395.
  12. ↑ Inspired Modern Living. Intermedia Publishing Services, Inc. June 2025. pp. x–xi, 288–297, 385. ISBN 979-8-9877941-5-9.
  13. ↑ "Rosemary Square". American Institute of Architects. Retrieved 2025-06-17. Rosemary Square wins National AIA Design Award for Regional and Urban Design.
  14. ↑ Lakeside, Cherise (2024-12-20). "Community Square: Rosemary Square". Detailed Podcast. ARCAT. Retrieved 2025-06-17. Cherise is joined by Jonathan Parks, AIA Founder/Principal at SOLSTICE Planning and Architecture in Sarasota, FL.
  15. ↑ Moeller, Martin (Summer 2024). "Art Ovation Hotel". Florida/Caribbean Architect. Retrieved 2025-06-17.
  16. ↑ 16.0 16.1 "Moderns That Matter: Sarasota 100". Architecture Sarasota. Retrieved 2025-07-07. Jonathan Parks / SOLSTICE listed under projects in Educational, Single Family Residential, and Public Space categories.
  17. ↑ 17.00 17.01 17.02 17.03 17.04 17.05 17.06 17.07 17.08 17.09 17.10 17.11 17.12 17.13 "Honor & Design Awards Program" (PDF). AIA Tampa Bay. pp. 30, 34. Retrieved 2025-07-04. AIA Tampa Bay Design Award Winners 1992-2023.
  18. ↑ Bubil, Harold (2022-07-30). "'Sails' give Sarasota's Palm Ave. garage cachet". Sarasota Herald Tribune. Retrieved 2025-11-10.
  19. ↑ Eakin, Marah (15 November 2024). "When Natural Disasters Threaten Modernist Icons". Dwell. Dwell Media LLC. Retrieved 9 July 2025. Jonathan Parks, a local architect who's worked on a number of Sarasota School buildings, says he's often found that a midcentury building's original features are the ones that weather the storms the best.
  20. ↑ Rush, Monty (2022-07-14). "Why Can't Paul Rudolph's Buildings Catch a Break?". The Architect’s Newspaper. AN Media Group. Retrieved 2025-06-17.
  21. ↑ Sonant, Kathryn (May–June 2005). "Winner's Circle: A Portfolio of the Premier Projects from the 2005 Great American Home Awards". Old House Journal. Active Interest Media. p. 79.
  22. ↑ "Society of American Registered Architects 2023 National Professional Design Awards". Society of American Registered Architects. Retrieved 2025-06-17. Umbrella House recognized with preservation award.
  23. ↑ Eakin, Marah (November 15, 2024). "When Natural Disasters Threaten Modernist Icons". Dwell. Retrieved 2025-11-10.
  24. ↑ Thorpe, Harriet (2023-08-29). "Landmark in Lavender: The Future of Sarasota's Van Wezel Theatre". The World of Interiors. Retrieved 2025-06-17.
  25. ↑ Moeller, Martin (July 2021). "Sarasota Municipal Auditorium, Restoration Sarasota, Florida". Florida/Caribbean Architect. Retrieved 2025-06-17.
  26. ↑ "College of Fellows". American Institute of Architects. Retrieved 2025-06-17. Jonathan Parks listed as a member of the 2025 Class of Fellows.
  27. ↑ 27.0 27.1 27.2 27.3 27.4 27.5 27.6 "List of Design & Honor Award Winners". AIA Gulf Coast. Retrieved 2025-11-10. List of Design & Honor Award Winners
  28. ↑ 28.0 28.1 "Honor & Design Awards Program" (PDF). AIA Tampa Bay. p. 42. Retrieved 2025-11-10. AIA Tampa Bay Design Award Winners 1992-2024.
  29. ↑ "2023 AIA Florida Award Winners". AIA Florida. Retrieved 2025-11-10. List of Design & Honor Award Winners
  30. ↑ "2022 AIA Florida Award Winners". AIA Florida. Retrieved 2025-11-10. List of Design & Honor Award Winners
  31. ↑ "Sarasota High School". docomomo-us. Retrieved 2025-11-10. Sarasota High School Advocacy Award of Excellence
  32. ↑ 32.0 32.1 "2021 AIA Florida Award Winners". AIA Florida. Retrieved 2025-11-10. List of Design & Honor Award Winners
  33. ↑ "2015 AIA Florida Award Winners". AIA Florida. Retrieved 2025-11-10. List of Design & Honor Award Winners
  34. ↑ The Modern Residence. Intermedia Publishing Services. July 15, 2020. pp. 342–351. ISBN 978-0578591384.

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