about cmsa

Architecture for a
More Inspired Life.

Thoughtfully planned. Beautifully executed. For over three decades, CMSA Architects has created exceptional homes, country clubs, commercial spaces, and places that celebrate the Florida lifestyle.

A legacy of Vision

Designing
What Endures

Founded in 1992, CMSA Architects has grown through thoughtful design, lasting relationships, and a deep understanding of how people live. More than three decades later, that foundation continues to guide the firm’s work across residential, club, and commercial projects.

Experience along Florida’s Gulf Coast has also shaped a practical understanding of resilient design and long-term performance. From early planning through completion, each project considers its setting, materials, construction, and the way it will be lived in for years to come.

That same sense of responsibility extends beyond the work itself. CMSA supports organizations throughout Sarasota and the Gulf Coast through volunteer initiatives, community involvement, and professional guidance.

Design presentation area at leading Sarasota architect firm featuring project displays and workstations

meet the team

Experienced.
Collaborative.
Client Focused.

Our team brings creativity, technical expertise, and a hands-on approach to every project. We work closely with our clients, consultants, and community to create thoughtful homes, clubs, and commercial spaces designed to endure.


Rick Oswald


President & Partner


With more than 50 years of experience in residential, commercial design and construction, Rick Oswald brings a practical, hands-on perspective to every project.


His ability to envision a project from early design through construction allows him to balance creative ideas with the realities of how a home or building comes together. For more than 16 years, Rick has brought that experience to projects throughout Sarasota and Florida’s Gulf Coast.


His approach is grounded in thoughtful problem-solving, collaboration, and a commitment to creating work that is both well considered and built to last.

Daniel Shaffer, AIA, Vice President and Partner at CMSA Architects


Daniel Shaffer, AIA


Vice President & Partner


Daniel Shaffer brings a fresh perspective, a commitment to design excellence, and a thoughtful approach to each project. As Vice President and Partner, his focus and attention to detail help guide the team in producing work that reflects CMSA’s established standards.


A licensed architect in Florida, Daniel’s experience includes custom residential work, sustainable design, and small-scale commercial projects. He approaches each with an emphasis on collaboration, careful planning, and solutions that respond to both the client and the setting.


Beyond the studio, Daniel serves on the board of the Gulf Coast Florida AIA Chapter and remains actively involved in the community through volunteer work.

A stronger sarasota

Invested in Our Community

We believe great design goes beyond our projects. CMSA Architects is proud to support local organizations, initiatives, and the people who make Sarasota such a special place to live, work, and play.

Custom Home Site ReviewOur 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
Zoning regulation informationThe 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
Preliminary Design

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 massaged until all involved are comfortable with the design. 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.
Select Contractor Luxury Build

This step requires finding a contractor to work with. We will usually introduce the Owner to 3 contractors that we feel are suited to the needs of the Owner and to the project.
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.
Construction Documents Custom Homes Sarasota

Construction Documents will be started. These construction drawings are the drawings and specifications that the contractor will use to provide a final cost.
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).
Construction Documents Custom Homes Sarasota

With a permit and a final cost available, we now assist in reviewing the bid and setting up a contract with the contractor. We suggest that this contract be reviewed by your legal counsel. The contractor is now able to start construction, and during the construction phase, we continue to work with the Owner, interior designers, landscape architects and anyone else involved in order to coordinate the shop drawings and review the work in place to ensure it is installed per our design. This process continues until the project is complete and we generate our final punch list. Each month, the contractor will submit their payment request along with lien releases.
Building Custom Homes

The time frame for this process is about 5-6 months for the preliminary design and construction documents. The construction phase is dependent on the size and complexity of the home/buildings. As with any work of art, each project will have its individual characteristics, but the above synopsis remains consistent. Our work is custom for each client and is never repeated. There is a lot that goes into every project we accomplish and through experience and expertise, we make the process fun and seamless. We pride ourselves on this and look forward to assisting our client’s in achieving their goals, desires and dreams.
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.
M&J
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.
M&B
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.
T.C.

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.

W&P
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.
J.M. & C.M.
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!
J&P

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.

J.P
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.
C&K

Our house did great! Not a scratch! Just yard debris. Great design & construction!

J.S.
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.
P.H.
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.
P&C