If you have an interest in the Sarasota School of Mid Century Modern architecture, Tim Seibert is one of the key names to know. Seibert was one of the movement’s founders, pioneering an architectural style that helped the residents of Sarasota, Florida to live more comfortably in the state’s hot, humid climate.
Life and Works
Tim Seibert was born on September 27th, 1927 in Seattle as Edward John “Tim” Seibert. He grew up in Hawaii, where his father, a naval base civil engineer who loved sailing, was a major influence. After serving in the navy like his father, Tim Seibert studied art briefly at Stanford University before transferring to the University of Florida. He graduated from that school with a degree in architecture.
Seibert apprenticed under Paul Rudolph, whom he ultimately befriended. He learned much from Rudolph, but developed his own very different style. Later he would work closely with architects such as Victor Lundy and Gene Leedy.
Seibert went on to design residential and commercial projects in Sarasota as well as some of the surrounding Keys. He not only became one of the pioneers of the famous Sarasota School of architecture, but was one of the first architects to design truly modern, comfortable homes in Florida’s hot, humid climate. In fact, Hiss Studio, one of his early projects, was one of the first air-conditioned homes in the state of Florida.
Some of Seibert’s best-known projects include Bayport Condominium, the Mitchell House, Bay Plaza Condominium, the Godfrey House, the Siesta Key Beach Pavilion, the Dickerson Residence, the Cooney House, the Cichon/Mitchell House, the MacDonald Residence, Ringling Towers, Lighthouse Point, and Inn on the Beach. He received awards such as AIA Test of Time Awards and AIA Awards of Excellence. He also designed award-winning sailboats.
“A Different Kind of Architect”
Tim Seibert once said, “I was a different kind of architect … I liked my clients.” This quote, while amusing, does capture a reality that a lot of architects of the time were notoriously hardheaded. It was common for architects to care more about their personal visions than about their clients’ desires.
Seibert set himself apart by putting his clients first. While he brought his creativity to his projects with full force, he respected his clients’ visions, and collaborated with them amicably. It is clear that they enjoyed working with him, because many of them became repeat clients. Seibert could have ventured beyond Florida to work in other states or even other countries, but he stayed local.
In doing so, he showed a new way to approach architecture as a profession, and helped to shape the appearance and character of the Sarasota coastal region.
Seibert passed away on December 2nd, 2018, at 91 years old. But the firm he opened in 1955, Seibert Architects, remains active today, safeguarding his legacy and continuing his tradition of modernist design and harmonious collaboration with Sarasota clients.
If you enjoyed this post, you may also like William Rupp: Sarasota School Hidden Gem and Think Mod, Stay at the Sarasota Modern. And of course, don’t forget to follow us on Instagram, Facebook, Pinterest and YouTube for more Atomic Ranch articles, house tours, and ideas!
