Submitted by: Kassia Alamm. Kassia is the Marketing Coordinator for Straughn Trout Architects. She's also a full-time dog mom, part-time foodie + lover of Lakeland.

In recent years, Lakeland has experienced growth in ways lifelong residents could have never imagined. Much of this growth can be attributed to efforts by the City of Lakeland Community and Economic Development Department, the Lakeland Community Redevelopment Agency, the Lakeland Chamber of Commerce, and the Lakeland Economic Development Council.

All organizations aim to improve the quality of life for Lakelanders. This has led to the revival of several historic buildings that have become thriving businesses. Every building in this city has a story, and each of those stories has been brought to life by owner-visionaries and through the careful hand of architects.

Meet Jon Kirk.

Jon Kirk | Photo via Straughn Trout Architects

Jon is a Principal at Straughn Trout Architects in Lakeland. His contributions to preserving history have earned him multiple honors, including the title of Historic Preservationist of the Year + Urban and Historic Design awards.

He is also the architect behind some of your favorite Lakeland hangouts, Instagram spots + other familiar places.

The designs

Haus820/Mass Market, 820 N Massachusetts Ave.

Haus 820 | Photo via Straughn Trout Architects

The Joinery | Photo via Straughn Trout Architects

The Yard on Mass | Photo via Straughn Trout Architects

Southeastern University Welcome Center, 1000 Longfellow Blvd. (opening March 1)

Southeastern University | Photo via Straughn Trout Architects

You will also see Jon’s work at the new Lake Crago Outdoor & Recreation Center currently under construction for the City of Lakeland Parks and Recreation Department.

Throughout its 64-year tenure, Straughn Trout Architects has designed some of Lakeland’s most iconic buildings, such as the Polk Museum of Art, Florida Polytechnic University’s Student Development Center, and the ever-glowing Tax Collector’s Office on Massachusetts Ave. Jon was a seamless addition to the firm in 2019 and his 20+ years of design expertise has amplified the studio’s perpetual “placemaking” work in Lakeland.

I recently had the opportunity to sit down with Jon and ask him a few questions about his design process, approach, and how some of these places came to be.

Q+A

Q: First, let’s talk about Lakeland's highly anticipated food hall, The Joinery. How exciting is it to finally see it open?
A: It’s fantastic. To work with Jon and Sarah Bucklew was a great experience. They are passionate about what they do, so our collaboration was a great fit.

Q: What first inspired you to become a designer/architect?
A: I liked the precision of drafting and sharpening pencils. I also loved Legos.

Q: What questions do you ask your clients before starting a design?
A: I ask them to talk about what they do so I can understand their work, services approach, manufacturing process, or teaching pedagogy.

Q: How many drafts does it take before you finalize a design?
A: I would usually say three or four. Design success is achieved by a balance of good listening and creative problem solving.

Q: If you weren’t an architect, what would you be?
A: I love to design and make things, so maybe a furniture maker?

Q: Do you have a favorite project from any point in your career?
A: Each project is unique, and I truly love them all, but one that stands out to me is the Lakeland Christian School three-story elementary & middle school building. All three of my children have all received a great education in that building.