Sarasota Architects Move Into New Green Building

Lawson Group Architects Inc., a Sarsota architecture firm, recently moved its headquarters into a two-story new 'green' building in Sarasota's Lakewood Ranch.

Lawson, recognized as one of the top architecture firms and green design firms in the Southeast, had outgrown its former offices in downtown Sarasota.

The new environmentally friendly, 8,500-square-foot structure includes sustainable, recycled and locally available construction materials; upgraded insulation; a white heat-reflecting roof; indirect lighting controlled by motion sensors; high-efficiency air conditioning equipment; windows that can open for natural ventilation; light-reflecting interior surfaces to reduce the need for inernal lighting; and plumbing fixtures and landscaping that reduce water use.

"The building incorporates energy-efficient materials and building systems and showcases the latest
environmentally responsible products," says Donald Lawson, founder and head of the Lawson Group. "We have focused the design on reducing our carbon footprint.

Lawson described the new headquarters as, "a living laboratory" that helps the firm serve local, regional and national clients.

"It will allow our clients and staff to better understand and measure the benefits and the operating costs associated with the use of sustainable and environmentally responsible construction techniques and materials," Lawson says. "The interior is designed to create a flexible and dynamic space for creative thought, interaction and activity."

The new offices will help Lawson execute its growth strategy, which has grown into national accounts. Some of its local clients include the University of South Florida and the Ringling College of Art & Design. It has designed more than 230 churches.

The new building includes more room for staff and more state-of-the-art conference room space.

Writer: Dave Szymanski
Source: Donald Lawson, Lawson Group Architects