Award-Winning Sarasota Architecture Firm
Everlasting Excellence in Architectural Design—And in the Communities We Serve
Established in 1992, CMSA Architects is an award-winning Sarasota architecture firm recognized for timeless residential design and for shaping some of the most prominent country clubs in Southwest Florida. Our expertise spans custom waterfront homes, luxury estates, golf and country clubs, and select commercial architecture. With over three decades of experience, our firm is a trusted leader among architects in Sarasota, known for craftsmanship, innovation, durability, and site-responsive design.
Our philosophy centers on creating architecture that endures Florida’s coastal climate while celebrating its natural beauty. From concept through completion, we emphasize resilient design strategies, sustainable materials, and enduring construction practices — a reflection of our deep understanding of coastal living and long-term performance.
At CMSA Architects, we believe great architecture extends beyond buildings — it strengthens communities and improves lives. Our firm proudly supports local organizations throughout Sarasota and Florida’s Gulf Coast. From quarterly volunteer initiatives with youth programs and environmental efforts to offering pro bono architectural guidance, our team is committed to giving back to the communities we help shape.
Rooted in the same values that guide our work — integrity, collaboration, and vision — our philanthropic efforts reflect our belief that building better spaces also means building a stronger future.
CMSA continues to earn recognition as an award-winning Sarasota architecture firm, shaping both the built environment and the community fabric of Florida’s Gulf Coast.
MEET THE TEAM
Rick Oswald
Daniel Shaffer, AIA CLIENT PROCESS
Our first work on the project is to understand the site attributes and considerations. The site is first visually reviewed for the following considerations:
- Geography
- Topography
- Climate
- Sun Angles / Orientation
- Surrounding Properties
- Access Points
- Views
- Environmental Considerations
- New and/or Remodeling Potentials
The site is then reviewed for these additional zoning and building regulations:
- Existing and/or Proposed Zoning
- Lot Coverage Considerations
- Building Height Minimum and Maximum Heights
- 3 Dimensional Zoning
- Building Setbacks
- Environmental and/or State Permits
We will usually introduce the Owner to 3 contractors that we feel are suited to the needs of the Owner and to the project. Once a decision is made, and the Owner is comfortable with the selection of contractors, we work with the contractor and the Owner to evolve a more detailed cost projection. At this time, with all approvals, we will start the construction documents.
These construction drawings are the drawings and specifications that the contractor will use to provide a final cost and to apply for and obtain a building permit. These drawings include architectural, structural, mechanical and electrical design drawings. If a state permit is required, CMSA will submit for these permits and act as the Owner’s agent with The Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP).
WHAT CLIENTS SAY ABOUT US
We first heard of what a creative architect Cliff Scholz was from our builder, Mike Collingwood. We decided to give him a try designing our house at Norsota Way. It was an amazing house. We then bought the property on Flamingo Avenue and we wanted a completely different look than we had ever done before. Cliff immediately got the concept and today it is one of the premier properties in Sarasota. We continued to work with Cliff designing houses at Bayou Louise, Mourning Dove, and Hillview. In addition to designing the houses, Cliff has a unique talent of locating the houses on the property to give the best views and the best sunlight. He worked very closely with our landscape architects and has developed great relationships with the county and city building departments. Working with Cliff is never about what “he” wanted; it was how he could make what “we” wanted even better. He has a great sense of humor and is a pleasure to work with. Of course, the proof is in the incredible end-product.
Thank you CMSA for designing a FORTRESS of a house on the water that not only withstood two hurricanes, but came through the storm like a champ. Everything worked as planned. Your partnerships with Jackson and Associates and Hazeltine Nurseries ensured that it was built incredibly solid and to your design and the drainage/landscaping was effectively integrated to ensure it could withstand a 100 year storm. We are very grateful for your guidance through the building process and post construction.
Our house did great! Not a scratch! Just yard debris. Great design & construction!
We enjoyed working with Cliff Scholz and his company. In the design process Cliff listened to our ideas and what we wanted to achieve. He was very attentive to making sure the house we envisioned is what we got. Cliff was very good at problem solving and his staff were very efficient and accessible. We would highly recommend Cliff as an architect and we would certainly use him for any other projects we may have in the future.
Colleen and I both have enjoyed this process. It has been so enlightening and exciting for us. Not only have we worked to develop an amazing home, but feel we have gained a new perspective on design. You have been patient and kind with us. You have given us dates and met them. We appreciate your professionalism. Once again, we are very grateful for all your work. If you have any perspective clients, I’d be happy to sing your praises.
We consider Rick a part of Hughes Design because it would be difficult to do the quality of work expected by our clients without him. Rick’s background as a contractor, developer and architect makes him extremely knowledgeable. Rick keeps up with the latest in construction techniques and products. He truly cares about his work and has great ideas! He is an excellent designer and is extremely creative. But most of all, you can trust Rick, which I believe is #1 on the list of attributes. We value Rick, and we don’t like to use anyone but Rick on our projects. We recommend him highly.
Cathy and I had a great experience working with Rick throughout all phases of our project. Rick spent time helping us define our idea of our perfect home and then guided us through the planning, design, construction and finish . We recommend Rick to anyone wanted to build their dream home.
Rick Oswald is our “Go To” architect since we moved to this area. Janet spend 2 1/2 years interviewing for our major remodel. We were introduced to Rick who helped us design what we wanted and make it fit into our budget. We had confidence in Rick. He has a collaborative approach to design and years of actual construction expertise that play out in the design and engineering – and they stand the test of time. Rick is the BEST in Southwest Florida.
We selected CMSA because we were initially impressed with CMSA’s work but upon meeting Cliff we liked him immediately and felt that he would be very capable of helping us to realize our vision. Cliff had a very nice manner about him- he listened and never imposed his ideas on ours but worked with us to make our ideas better. He was enthusiastic and had great suggestions and creativity. The members of the CMSA team were very professional and efficient to work with. We particularly enjoyed getting to know Cliff as a person and not just as our architect. We achieved the result we wanted. We have a beautiful home that is exactly or even better than we envisioned. We built on the ocean which comes with a lot permitting issues but the team made it all flow smoothly. They helped us through a very difficult process always working towards the end goal in a timely fashion. Working with Cliff and his team made the process relatively easy enjoyable. We can highly recommend CMSA.
We were personally very pleased with the Architecture and outcome of our new home. Cliff is a great team player and clearly understood our project and mission.
We still love our home and want to express our gratitude to you for making it “our perfect beach house”! I can not believe you designed it over 15 years ago. It withstood Ian’s wrath and six grandchildren beautifully and continues to receive compliments all the time! Phil and I feel most fortunate to have had you as our architect! You made the process easy and fun for me!
About CMSA Architects
Award-Winning Sarasota Architecture Firm
MEET THE TEAM
Rick Oswald
President & Partner
With over 45 years of expertise in residential and commercial architecture and construction, Rick Oswald serves as President and Partner. Known for his ability to guide projects from concept through construction, he brings strategic insight and hands-on experience to every commission. For more than 16 years, Rick has helped shape the architectural landscape of Sarasota and Florida’s Gulf Coast.
Daniel Shaffer, AIA
Vice-President
As the youngest partner, Daniel brings fresh perspective and innovation to every project he is involved in. His focus and drive allow him to guide the team to produce drawings to the high standard that CMSA has shown for decades. He is a licensed architect in Florida, a board member of the Gulf Coast Florida AIA Chapter, and an avid volunteer in the community.
CLIENT PROCESS
Our first work on the project is to understand the site attributes and considerations. The site is first visually reviewed for the following:
- Geography
- Topography
- Climate
- Sun Angles / Orientation
- Surrounding Properties
- Access Points
- Views
- Environmental Considerations
- New and/or Remodeling Potentials
The site is then reviewed for these additional zoning and building regulations:
- Existing and/or Proposed Zoning
- Lot Coverage Considerations
- Building Height Minimum and Maximum Heights
- 3 Dimensional Zoning
- Building Setbacks
- Environmental and/or State Permits
CMSA will provide the preliminary design which includes a proposed site plan, floor plan(s) and exterior renderings. This preliminary presentation is CMSA’s visual interpretation and solution to the client’s goals, desires and dreams. After reviewing, the preliminary design can be refined until all involved are comfortable with the direction. At this time, the design will be reviewed by a contractor (if one has been selected) and CMSA to provide the client with a preliminary cost estimate for construction. Interior designers and landscape architects should also become involved to gain their input. This preliminary process then continues with input from all parties until an accepted preliminary design is achieved.
This step involves selecting a contractor to work with. We typically introduce the Owner to three contractors who are well suited to the needs of both the client and the project. Once a selection is made and the Owner is comfortable with the choice, we collaborate with the contractor and Owner to develop a more detailed cost projection. With approvals in place, we then begin preparation of the construction documents.
Construction documents are then developed. These drawings and specifications provide the contractor with the detailed information needed to establish a final cost and to apply for and obtain a building permit. The documents include architectural, structural, mechanical, and electrical design drawings. If a state permit is required, CMSA will coordinate submissions and act as the Owner’s agent with the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP).
With permits secured and final costs established, we assist in reviewing bids and formalizing the construction contract. We recommend that all contracts be reviewed by legal counsel. Once construction begins, we continue working closely with the Owner, contractor, interior designers, and landscape architects to coordinate shop drawings and review work in place to ensure it aligns with the design intent. This collaboration continues through project completion, culminating in a final punch list review. Each month, the contractor submits payment applications along with required lien releases.
The typical timeframe for preliminary design and construction documents is approximately five to six months. The construction phase varies depending on the size and complexity of the home or buildings. As with any work of architecture, each project carries its own distinct characteristics, while the overall process remains consistent. Every commission is fully custom and never repeated. Through experience and expertise, we guide our clients through a seamless and thoughtfully managed process, helping bring their goals and vision to life.
We still love our home and want to express our gratitude to you for making it “our perfect beach house”! I can not believe you designed it over 15 years ago. It withstood Ian’s wrath and six grandchildren beautifully and continues to receive compliments all the time! Phil and I feel most fortunate to have had you as our architect! You made the process easy and fun for me!
We first heard of what a creative architect Cliff Scholz was from our builder, Mike Collingwood. We decided to give him a try designing our house at Norsota Way. It was an amazing house. We then bought the property on Flamingo Avenue and we wanted a completely different look than we had ever done before. Cliff immediately got the concept and today it is one of the premier properties in Sarasota. We continued to work with Cliff designing houses at Bayou Louise, Mourning Dove, and Hillview. In addition to designing the houses, Cliff has a unique talent of locating the houses on the property to give the best views and the best sunlight. He worked very closely with our landscape architects and has developed great relationships with the county and city building departments. Working with Cliff is never about what “he” wanted; it was how he could make what “we” wanted even better. He has a great sense of humor and is a pleasure to work with. Of course, the proof is in the incredible end-product.
Rick Oswald is our “Go To” architect since we moved to this area. Janet spend 2 1/2 years interviewing for our major remodel. We were introduced to Rick who helped us design what we wanted and make it fit into our budget. We had confidence in Rick. He has a collaborative approach to design and years of actual construction expertise that play out in the design and engineering – and they stand the test of time. Rick is the BEST in Southwest Florida.
Cathy and I had a great experience working with Rick throughout all phases of our project. Rick spent time helping us define our idea of our perfect home and then guided us through the planning, design, construction and finish . We recommend Rick to anyone wanted to build their dream home.
We selected CMSA because we were initially impressed with CMSA’s work but upon meeting Cliff we liked him immediately and felt that he would be very capable of helping us to realize our vision. Cliff had a very nice manner about him- he listened and never imposed his ideas on ours but worked with us to make our ideas better. He was enthusiastic and had great suggestions and creativity. The members of the CMSA team were very professional and efficient to work with. We particularly enjoyed getting to know Cliff as a person and not just as our architect. We achieved the result we wanted. We have a beautiful home that is exactly or even better than we envisioned. We built on the ocean which comes with a lot permitting issues but the team made it all flow smoothly. They helped us through a very difficult process always working towards the end goal in a timely fashion. Working with Cliff and his team made the process relatively easy enjoyable. We can highly recommend CMSA.
Colleen and I both have enjoyed this process. It has been so enlightening and exciting for us. Not only have we worked to develop an amazing home, but feel we have gained a new perspective on design. You have been patient and kind with us. You have given us dates and met them. We appreciate your professionalism. Once again, we are very grateful for all your work. If you have any perspective clients, I’d be happy to sing your praises.
We enjoyed working with Cliff Scholz and his company. In the design process Cliff listened to our ideas and what we wanted to achieve. He was very attentive to making sure the house we envisioned is what we got. Cliff was very good at problem solving and his staff were very efficient and accessible. We would highly recommend Cliff as an architect and we would certainly use him for any other projects we may have in the future.
Thank you CMSA for designing a FORTRESS of a house on the water that not only withstood two hurricanes, but came through the storm like a champ. Everything worked as planned. Your partnerships with Jackson and Associates and Hazeltine Nurseries ensured that it was built incredibly solid and to your design and the drainage/landscaping was effectively integrated to ensure it could withstand a 100 year storm. We are very grateful for your guidance through the building process and post construction.
We consider Rick a part of Hughes Design because it would be difficult to do the quality of work expected by our clients without him. Rick’s background as a contractor, developer and architect makes him extremely knowledgeable. Rick keeps up with the latest in construction techniques and products. He truly cares about his work and has great ideas! He is an excellent designer and is extremely creative. But most of all, you can trust Rick, which I believe is #1 on the list of attributes. We value Rick, and we don’t like to use anyone but Rick on our projects. We recommend him highly.
Our house did great! Not a scratch! Just yard debris. Great design & construction!
We were personally very pleased with the Architecture and outcome of our new home. Cliff is a great team player and clearly understood our project and mission.
