PARTNERSHIP DRIVEN VISION

PARTNERSHIP DRIVEN VISION

The IMG Academy Performance and Sports Science Center

FBA is a full-service, integrated architecture and interior design firm, with two locations in Bradenton and Lakewood Ranch. The firm’s projects span the spectrum—from multimillion-dollar multisport complexes and museums to clubhouses and colleges.

Led by owners Steve Padgett and Stu Henderson, who purchased the 1994-founded firm in 2017, FBA continues to build on the solid reputation that Richard Fawley and Michael P. Bryant first cultivated in the Sarasota-Manatee-Charlotte community.

“We’re stronger now than we’ve ever been,” Henderson says. “We’ve defined our focus and direction, and we’ve actively sought to hire the people who enable us to best serve our clients.”

What makes the FBA business model so strong? The company’s commitment to its seven core values, for one.

“A lot of companies may develop core values, but we actually live our core values and try to keep them alive through our engagement with the public,” Henderson says.

Those signature values are: Own It (accountability); Focus on Finishing (strong work ethic); See Your Path (envisioning success); Adapt and Evolve (problem solving); Elevate Others (ruthless positivity); We are All Human (growing from mistakes); and Achieve Technical and Creative Balance (innovating and improving).

And, while embodying these core values, the FBA team designs in real time—in conjunction with clients—collaboratively initiating the visioning process and seeing it through to completion.

“When Steve and Stu purchased the firm, FBA already had a wonderful reputation in this community,” says Amanda Parrish, a firm principal and chief operating officer. “But, after the purchase, we strategically focused inward, making sure we not only had the right processes in place but had the right people in the right seats.”

The expanding firm’s 20 team members—actively engaged principals, licensed architects, a full-service interior design department, experienced project managers, and top-notch support staff—are all problem-solving professionals committed to client satisfaction.

“Our continued emphasis is on creating strong partnerships with our clients,” Henderson says. “We are craftsman with our tools and feel very comfortable modeling with our clients the ideas they have. They enjoy seeing their thoughts come to life with our guidance.”

With this fresh approach, the company continues to thrive and grow.

“Since we took over, we have doubled the value of the company,” Padgett says. “We’ve done this by getting more serious about client engagement, becoming more visible in the community, and reengaging with our clients and making sure they know we’re here for them.”

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