Concept Proposal for a University of Florida Master of Architecture satellite program in Sarasota Florida
Prepared by:
, Director
School of Architecture
University of Florida
, Dean
College of Design Construction and Planning
University of Florida
The School of Architecture and College of Design Construction and Planning
(DCP) is interested in developing a Master of Architecture professional degree program in Sarasota, Florida as an expansion of the Citylab-Orlando initiative that will launch with a full cohort in the fall of 2012. Under the
‘Citylab’ model, curriculum, program requirements, operating budgets, and launch protocols have been developed, refined and show great promise in terms of serving the profession, community, and students seeking a career in architecture. In Sarasota, program pedagogy will draw from the lineage of
‘Sarasota School’ architecture that pioneered regional modernism – an ancestor of current sustainable practice – during the mid 20 th Century. It will interact among the regional community through service learning and visioning projects. And, it will collaborate with the Ringling College of Art and Design to engage art and performance modalities toward an emerging architecture of commodity, firmness, and delight.

Citylab-Sarasota
Concept Proposal for a New Master of Architecture Program
17 May 2012
Sarasota’s unique history, vested through cultural speculation in tourism, agriculture, entertainment, arts, architecture, has more recently been dominated by higher education. Currently, Florida State University,
University of South Florida, New College, Ringling College of Art and
Design, Keiser University, Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine, and the recently expanded State College of Florida – Manatee-Sarasota serve the metropolitan statistical population (Manatee, Sarasota, Venice) of almost
600,000. Of those educational institutions, Ringling, LECOM and Keiser are expanding programs. Although Ringling, FSU, USF and New College – to a lesser extent – have extraordinary design and arts related curricula, none focuses on architecture in either of the typical degree tracks – a preprofessional Bachelor of Design degree (4 year) or the following Master of
Architecture Degree (2 year).
Sarasota is internationally recognized as the cultural incubator for the
Sarasota School of Architecture nurtured by inspired civic leaders, borne of genius architects, and realized through the need for economical, climatically adapted regional architecture . These pioneering architects leveraged their academic explorations through practice and visa-versa demonstrating the success of collaboration between profession and academy.
Given the established Sarasota context of emerging higher education, the natural attractiveness of the place, and projected regional population growth, a Master of Architecture program that is positioned to collaborate with and expand upon current educational priorities; is supported to take on community design issues through service learning projects; and is staffed with faculty focused on the opportunities for students as future professionals as responsible community leaders; will be highly successful in attracting and preparing the next generation of architects.
Architecture has become a global profession. Most firms maintaining robust practice are focused on international practice and health care. Some firms have satellite offices overseas and run project from the US allowing large and small firms to settle in locations desirable for their community amenities, access to talented collaborators, and quality of life rather than for business opportunities. Richard Florida writes about the creative cluster as the new economic engine for advanced cultures with is a result of global markets.
With an international airport, and proximity to Tampa and St. Petersburg,
Sarasota could have strong attraction for young architects to set up firms with international connectivity. Perhaps this would be a natural evolution of the more cosmopolitan culture in Sarasota, recently fueled by international migration during the past three years (
Bureau of Economic and Business Research,
2012
).
School of Architecture
University of Florida
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Citylab-Sarasota
Concept Proposal for a New Master of Architecture Program
17 May 2012
The University of Florida Master of Architecture is a National Architectural
Accreditation Board (NAAB) accredited program. The two-year curriculum results in a professional degree (MArch) that qualifies students for the next steps toward licensure.
The Citylab-Sarasota MArch program will meet the core NAAB requirements while exploring interdisciplinary design modalities with particular emphasis on theater arts, virtual environments (computer models) and ecologically sensitive design. This pedagogical focus is relatively unique in the profession. This focus leverages the strengths of local affiliations, will be uniquely attractive to potential students, and can establish a research foundation based on humanity supported by technology. As the expectation for places that nurture, inspire and sustain increases, disciplines that explore the overlapping margins between art and science will be at the forefront.
After receiving the MArch professional degree, students will focus on the intern phase of education and apply to take the Architectural Registration
Exam (ARE). Two additional years of work under the supervision of an architecture are required as part of the Intern Development Program (IDP).
The ARE and IDP are administered by the National Council of Architectural
Accreditation Boards (NCARB) who reports on the status of interns to the respective state licensing boards in the United States. Once a professional degree graduate has passed the ARE and completed the IDP process, they are eligible for licensure in any US State.
Each of the proposed partners bring expertise, connectivity, integrity, prestige and resources in varying proportions and are needed to launch this initiative successfully.
The College of Design Construction and Planning (DCP) and the
School of Architecture (SoA) will administer the MArch degree program.
These efforts include developing the program curriculum, logistics, staffing, recruiting and maintaining the physical facilities. The SoA will lead the accreditation preparation, application and visit to secure
National Architectural Accreditation Board (NAAB) accreditation. This is required for graduates to qualify for licensure after an internship period
The Sarasota Architecture Foundation will be lead liaison between the community of the Sarasota metropolitan area and the School of
Architecture. Their activities will include securing physical facilities appropriate to the program needs, assisting with locating student housing, providing community networking for potential service learning projects, and developing a scholarship program providing assistance to needy and/or highly talented students seeking entry to the program.
School of Architecture
University of Florida
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Citylab-Sarasota
Concept Proposal for a New Master of Architecture Program
17 May 2012
AIA Florida Gulf Coast Chapter
The local AIA affiliate will be instrumental as liaison between Citylab-
Sarasota and the profession to facilitate student internships locally, connect the program to local architects as jurors for studio critiques, and facilitate the selection of adjunct professors to serve the educational mission.
Sarasota County will be an important launch partner and long-term collaborator. In the near term, Sarasota County will assist with establishing a facility to house the educational program thus seeding the launch. In the long-term, Sarasota County will suggest service learning projects that could be run in the design studios that address future urban design, planning, and County facilities that are proposed and need visioning and vetting in the early stages of consideration.
The City of Sarasota will be an important partner similarly to the County to seed the launch and work on a long-term collaborative basis to set the agenda for service learning projects. In the near term, we would like to work with the City to establish student housing near the program facility (within walking distance).
How can an architectural degree program be successful in Sarasota? In the wake of the 2008 recession, it would seem, and it has been published that architecture has one of the lowest absorption rates for new graduates –
13.9% for undergraduates ( Arch-Daily, January 2012 ). This is a bit misleading as there are only 58 professional Bachelor of Architecture degree programs and 95 Master of Architecture programs in the US – typically, students would continue in their education. Since 2009, which saw the first impact of the
2008 recession, the unemployment rate for architects has been steadily dropping from 6.9% in 2009 to 5.1% in 2011 while the overall unemployment rate for 2011 was 8.9% (
Bureau of Labor Statistics, US
). Even during these difficult economic times, architects are faring better than many other professions.
Most importantly, the Bureau of Labor Statistics projects a 24% growth rate in jobs for architects between 2010 and 2020 (14% average for all occupations). The current median income for architects is $73,340.
Taking the long view, which is more commensurate with an initiative of this scale , the outlook is much more positive for the profession. Florida’s projected population growth (doubling between 2000 and 2030) and with a stock of aging buildings designed to last 20 to 30 years during a time of plentiful and cheap energy, substantial renovation and new construction will be required in the near term. Some estimates suggest that 50% of the current building stock will need to be replaced or substantially renovated in the next 20 years. Additionally, the need to reconstruct our cities to be more resource sensitive and efficient, demand for visioning, objective study, and innovation through design will be the priority. In terms of renovating or reconstruction our building stock, open ended green field development will
School of Architecture
University of Florida
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Citylab-Sarasota
Concept Proposal for a New Master of Architecture Program
17 May 2012 become the smallest share of future work with the majority having tighter ecological and economic constraints, higher design expectations and indirect effects on more and more people – skilled architects will be required for success.
Based on experience with Citylab-Orlando, it is feasible to launch this program in the fall of 2013 with an inaugural cohort of 15 to 18 students. In the second year, another 15 to 18 students would enter
2012
June Develop/expand Partners and assemble a Launch
Committee with designated representatives to coordinate between partnership agencies.
July/August Initial meetings with Launch Committee to establish detailed timeline priorities based on partner objectives. UF team to develop curricular protocol and administrative/faculty support.
Designation of facility alternatives and probable lease/renovation agreements.
Initiate public engagement and fund raising efforts.
Develop strategy for library facilities.
September Evaluate fund raising and potential student support through scholarships.
Develop recruitment information and advertise program to potential students.
Initiate mechanism for application to program through UF
Graduate School.
UF team will initiate process for probationary accreditation – provides a window to achieve accreditation that will be retroactively applied to first graduates.
Oct/Nov Recruit students from existing Bachelor of Design programs in Florida, US and abroad.
Launch team coordination meetings to assess funding, facilities progress and housing options for students.
2013
January Hard recruiting effort to generate a strong application pool – suggested deadline February 15, 2013.
School of Architecture
University of Florida
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Citylab-Sarasota
Concept Proposal for a New Master of Architecture Program
17 May 2012
Launch Committee meeting to asses progress and prioritize next phase of efforts – facilities and library.
UF team to shortlist/select administrators and initiating faculty.
March Assess applicant pool and potential for August 2013 launch.
This will be a critical milestone. Should there be a pool of candidates, progress will continue as noted below.
Launch Committee to meet and evaluate logistical progress and fund raising efforts.
April Notify candidates of acceptance and any scholarships they may be eligible for. This process could include internships with local architects during the summers if interest exists.
Launch Committee to develop affordable housing strategies based on the demographic of expected students.
May/June Stewardship of potential candidates to ensure they will attend the program. Review any late candidates for possible acceptance.
Review budget and make any necessary changes based on number of students and unanticipated costs.
July Finalize any facilities preparations and housing logistics to be ready to accept students in August.
August Initial cohort Arrives for the program.
The proposed budget sets a target concept for operations and funding to launch the program. In future years, as more students come, the program may expand or remain small with a focus on accepting top achieving students.
Year 1:
Initiating cohort – 16
(256 credit hours x $730.50)
Director/faculty – 1
Adjunct Faculty – 2
Space Lease
Furnishings
$187,008
$140,000*
$12,000
No Cost
No Cost revenue cost cost
School of Architecture
University of Florida
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Citylab-Sarasota
Concept Proposal for a New Master of Architecture Program
17 May 2012
Maint./Utilities
Operations
Net reserve
Year 2:
Two cohorts – 16+16
(512 credit hours x $730.50)
Net reserver (previous yr)
Fabrication Investment
Direcor/faculty – 1
Full time faculty – 1
Adjunct Faculty – 2
Full-time office staff
Space Lease
Maint./Utilities
$15,000
$12,000
$8,008
$374,016
$8,008 revenue revenue
$60,000
No Cost cost
$140,000*
$76,200*
$12,000
$40,000 cost cost revenue cost cost cost cost
$15,000 cost
Operations $20,000 cost
Net reserve $20,824 revenue
* Faculty/administrator salaries include the cost of fringe benefits as required the State university system.
Reserves will be reinvested in equipment upgrades, facilities upgrades, cost of living increases for faculty and staff. As these facilities are improved, a portion of the reserve will be allocated to student scholarships.
Citlylab-Sarasota is an extraordinary opportunity to expand educational opportunities in Sarasota and for the College of Design Construction and
Planning to strengthen our educational mission in Florida. This initiative will require much coordination, a dedicated team of partners and the support of the Sarasota community. Should this come together, it stands to be a lasting symbol of Sarasota’s optimism and investment in the future.
School of Architecture
University of Florida
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