Carl Abbott, born in Darien, GA on March 31st, 1936, is considered the youngest member of the Sarasota School of Architecture. He earned his bachelor's degree from UF, then went on to Yale and attained his Master's studying under Paul Rudolph. Abbott worked with Bert Brosmith in Sarasota, Florida from 1959-1961, then in Honolulu at Architects Hawaii, then continued West at Team 4 in London under Lord Richard Rogers and Lord Norman Foster, and followed that up by working with I.M. Pei in New York. In 1966 Carl Abbott started his namesake firm in Sarasota, Florida as part of the Sarasota School of Architecture. His first solo project was a stunning Boca Grande project called the Weld Beach House at 1911 Shore Lane. It is a spectacular sun, sand, sea, and wind bleached wood clad structure with vast wood floor and walls in the interior. The home exhibits expansive horizontality with the land, atop a sand dune on the Gulf of Mexico. Abbot has keen sense of space and placement, and often will study the land intently before considering a design, as documented in the book "In/Formed Buy The Land - The Architecture of Carl Abbott" (2012 Robert McCarter / Ruth and Norman Moore) - a wonderful large format book showcasing his projects. Many of Abbot's designs are understated in the front yet still modern if not leaning toward Brutalist, but still in true Sarasota School of Architecture style; his designs wow upon entry as they open up to pools, bayous, bays and or gulf views. Many homes feature varied levels of rooms and ceiling heights, adding to the drama and defining the spaces while maintaining long sight lines which are soothing for the eye and enjoyable for the occupants. Carl Abbott's designs have earned several "Test of Time Awards" from the Florida/Caribbean AIA chapter. Abbott has been studying Mayan architecture and uncovering the mastery of past civilizations and sharing this knowledge through lectures. Some of many notable projects in Sarasota are: The Putterman Residence on Lido Shores, The Alderson House and Deering Bayfront Residence both on North Casey Key Rd., Casa del Cielo, 6100 Midnight Pass Road, St. Thomas More Church Center on Gulf Gate Dr., and many others. He is still actively working and also contributing the legacy of Sarasota School of Architecture through Architecture Sarasota's year-long programs and also during Sarasota MOD Weekend by giving talks, attending events and even as docent educator on Kayak and Trolley tours.
Contact us today to find your new home
Get in touch