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 Ralph Twitchell circa 1890-1978

Dream: To develop a modern architectural style that was  practical for Florida's hot, humid climate

Dwight James Baum, the architect, brought Ralph Twitchell to Sarasota to oversee construction of the John and Mable Ringling home, Ca' d' Zan, in 1925. Twitchell received his Florida architectural license on April 26, 1926. He worked on other Baum projects including the Sarasota County Courthouse, the El Vernona Hotel, and homes on St. Armands Key. These were in the locally popular Mediterranean Revival Style of Architecture, with thick walls, tile roofs, small windows, and wrought iron.

By the 1940's, Twitchell and his early partner, Paul Rudolph, transformed local architecture with a dramatic break from the past. The prize-winning Revere Quality House was designed by Twitchell and Rudolph to be a truly modern home. The first poured concrete house on Siesta Key, it has rooms that open to terraces and landscaped areas. The spreading, open design and use of glass walls is characteristic of the style which came to be known as the "Sarasota School of Architecture." The wide overhang that offers protection from rain and sun is another characteristic feature. 

Twitchell's architectural designs featured post and beam construction that allowed long vistas. He built the first ranch-style houses in Sarasota with lower, thinner roofs. He introduced Ocala block as a building material, and used glass blocks. 

Ralph Twitchell is known as the "Father of the Sarasota School of Architecture," a name later given to the local modernists. Among others, these included Carl Abbott, Mark Hampton, James Holliday, Victor Lundy, Paul Rudolph, Edward J. "Tim" Seibert, Frank Folsom Smith, Jack West and Ralph and William Zimmerman.

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