A Special Day in Lakeland: Honoring Frank Lloyd Wright

What a special day we had in Lakeland, Florida, exploring the iconic works of Frank Lloyd Wright. We’re so grateful that this legendary architect chose to end his career in Florida, specifically at Florida Southern College in Lakeland. Wright had grand plans for the campus, and impressively, all but five of his proposed projects were completed.

We toured the chapel and library in detail—both of which beautifully showcased his signature use of natural light and minimalistic furnishings. These features truly stood out, creating serene and thoughtfully designed spaces. The esplanade, a covered yet open walkway connecting the buildings, was another highlight. It unified the campus while staying true to Wright’s mid-century modern aesthetic, which is so deeply rooted in harmony with nature.

While Frank Lloyd Wright is best known for his residential designs, this commercial college project marked a new chapter in his career. It’s heartening to see how well the college has preserved and honored his vision, even decades after his passing over 60 years ago. With the help of other architects, the remaining projects were thoughtfully completed by 2013, staying true to his original plans.

Our visit also included a stop at the local AGB Museum, which was featuring more of Wright’s work—blueprints, renderings, models, and written details of the college designs. Seeing his creative process unfold alongside the finished spaces was incredibly inspiring.

This field trip reminded our team of designers why we do what we do. Stepping into the world of one of architecture’s greatest minds reignited our passion for design and reinforced the importance of creativity in our work.