Prize(s) Honorable Mentions
Lighting Design/Product Company Power Design Engineering
Lead Designers Ashley Beeler
Other Designer's names Sunday Purselley, David Jacks
Architecture Company 10SB
Interior Design Company HBA, Dutch East
Client Unicorp
Photo Credits Mo Leii
Completion Date October 2024
Project Location Longboat Key, Florida
Entry DescriptionThe St. Regis Longboat Key Resort spans 18 acres of beachfront property along the Gulf of Mexico and includes 168 hotel rooms, private residences, five restaurants, a spa, ballroom, conference center, multiple pools, a lazy river, and event lawn. The lighting design draws inspiration from beachfront elegance and Sarasota’s unique history as the birthplace of American circus culture. Intricate rope lighting references aerialist performances and guides guests throughout the property. Faux domes with color-changing coves evoke a grand circus tent, while playful decorative lighting moments add visual delight. Each restaurant reflects its unique identity: the steakhouse is warm and cozy; the pasta bar features handblown glass and artisanal woodwork; Aura is vibrant and beachy; and Oshen is sleek and minimal, preserving sunset views with understated lighting. The spa features fiber optics, glowing toekicks, and serene cove lighting. Dramatic hotel corridors use contrast and scale, while the ballroom prefunction wows with a grand rope lighting installation. The ballroom continues the curved theme with starry-effect downlights. The custom metal ceiling at the porte cochere is embedded with a glowing star pattern, guiding guests up the drive. All exterior lighting meets FWC turtle safety standards while providing ample illumination for nighttime swimming.
Sustainability ApproachSustainability was a key priority for the lighting design at the St. Regis Longboat Key Resort. The project utilizes 100% LED fixtures to maximize energy efficiency, paired with a comprehensive lighting control system that includes daylight harvesting, occupancy sensors, time-based scheduling, and scene-setting capabilities. This ensures lighting is only used when needed, minimizing energy waste without compromising ambiance. The controls are fully integrated into the building automation system, allowing for seamless operation across guest rooms, public spaces, and exterior environments. In support of reducing the project’s carbon footprint, several U.S.-based lighting manufacturers were specified, including local Florida vendors, further aligning the design with environmentally responsible and community-focused goals.
