SARASOTA, Fla. – The Sarasota Office opened its doors in 2022, marking the fifth location for WJ Architects (WJA). With over 1,300 projects spanning from Miami to Jacksonville, WJA is making their mark in the Sunshine State. “This expansion reflects our continued commitment to serving our clients at the highest level with exceptional design and service,” said Jason Jensen, President at WJ Architects. “Building strong relationships with the local community establishes a deep understanding of the unique challenges this community faces and ensures that we design a sustainable and more resilient community.” WJA looks forward to serving their local community and being part of its future.
Sarah Lyons, a recent member of SRQ Magazine’s Class of 2022 35 Under 35, serves as Studio Director. “The city, with the Sarasota School of Architecture as a backdrop, has a vibrant and creative energy. We are committed to being a permanent local partner and continue to push the conversation about community, sustainability, and impactful design.” WJA has big plans for the office at 1559 Fruitville Road including redeveloping the property into a mixed-use building that could house retail, office, and residential space. Similar to the WJ Headquarters in St. Petersburg, the new building will be developed, designed, and built by WJ. “WJA is committed to hiring local. We are dedicated to making Sarasota an exciting place for young designers and architects to grow their careers. Following major growth in recent years, we have many exciting projects coming up. WJA has been working on projects in Sarasota/Manatee since 2014. It seemed like a natural next step to open our doors here,” said Sarah Lyons. WJA’s collaborative team is made up of 70 professionals across the five offices. This brings significant manpower, technology, and experience to their clients.
- The team is currently designing local projects totaling over $100 million in construction cost this year.
- Notable projects (both completed and upcoming) in Sarasota / Manatee include Bayfront Park in Longboat Key, Art Center Manatee, Blackburn Elementary School, John Marble Park, and North Port Community Center.
- Portfolio capabilities consists of sports and recreation, healthcare, public safety, education, restaurants, cultural facilities and museums, interiors, commercial, and mixed-use complexes.
About Wannemacher Jensen Architects:
Founded in 1992, Wannemacher Jensen Architects (WJA) is an award-winning interdisciplinary architecture firm that creates engaging spaces for working, living, learning, and playing. The firm’s design methodology is centered on the belief that architecture can inspire positive change and enrich society. With each project and any given set of challenges, we strive to provide creative design solutions that promote community and client ambitions, redefine conventions, and generate purpose-driven solutions.