New owners ready to fulfill mission of iconic Bradenton architecture firm

Fawley Bryant Architecture, an architecture and interior design firm with a 24-year history in Manatee and Sarasota counties, on Thursday announced new ownership through a management buyout.

Steve Padgett and Stu Henderson purchased the firm in December.

The buyout comes with the retirement of Mike Bryant at the end of a 32-year-career and two years after the death of his founding partner, Rick Fawley, the company announced in a press release.

The change in ownership is according to the vision set forth by Fawley and Bryant years ago, the press release said.

Richard Fawley Architects and Michael P. Bryant Architects joined forces in 1994 to provide strategic consulting. In 2013, Fawley and Bryant created a management team to participate in and prepare for the long-term growth and sustainability of the company. Padgett and Henderson have been members of that management team since.

“I have the utmost confidence in Steve and Stu,” Bryant said. “They have essentially been running the firm for the last year. That was done strategically so they could learn on the job and I could support them when necessary.”

With a combined 24-year history at Fawley Bryant Architecture, the new owners share the values and beliefs that helped build the firm. Padgett, who previously served as the firm’s executive vice president, will be a firm principal and the managing partner. Henderson also will be a principal and will continue his role as director of design.

FBA employs 20 full-time staff and has grown to be one of the largest architecture firms in the area.

Among the notable projects the firm has been involved with are the Manatee Judicial Center, the IMG Academy Campus Center and IMG Academy Fieldhouse, the Nathan Benderson Park Finish Tower, Manatee Technical College, Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine, State College of Florida Medical Technology and Simulation Center, Pirate City.

Padgett and Henderson look toward the future, they plan to remain mindful of the strong foundation Fawley and Bryant created, reaffirm the firm’s commitment to the local community and stay focused on smart, beautiful design.

“We have to continue nurturing the fundamental building blocks that got us to this point; great work, a strong community emphasis and smart people. Even though clients will see new faces, we’re still a legacy firm with a history that will help direct our future,” Padgett said.

“Rick and Mike were both wonderful mentors and leaders. Steve and I are forever grateful for the chance to work and learn from them and we’re honored to take FBA into the future,” Henderson said.

The company has offices at 1001 Manatee Ave. W., Bradenton, and 5391 Lakewood Ranch Blvd.

For more information, visit www.fawley-bryant.com.

This story was originally published January 18, 2018 at 3:00 PM with the headline "New owners ready to fulfill mission of iconic Bradenton architecture firm."