Stofft Cooney Architectural Group Strengthens Sarasota Presence with Appointment of Licensed Architect Gage C. Duran, AIA, NCARB
Stofft Cooney Architectural Group, a nationally recognized architecture firm specializing in high-end residential design, is strengthening its long-standing presence in the Sarasota market with the appointment of Gage C. Duran, AIA, NCARB, as the firm’s Sarasota-based architect and local team leader.
The firm has maintained a Sarasota satellite office for the past eight years, serving clients throughout the region. Duran’s addition marks the next chapter in Stofft Cooney’s commitment to the Sarasota community, establishing dedicated architectural leadership in the market with a licensed architect who lives and works in the area full time.
Duran brings more than 20 years of experience in architecture, sustainable design, project leadership, and custom residential development. Throughout his career, he has led the design and execution of multi-million-dollar custom residences in exclusive enclaves, including several projects recognized with Best in American Living Awards (BALA) and Gold Nugget Awards. He has managed multidisciplinary teams, worked directly with homeowners and builders, and guided projects from initial concept through construction.
Most recently, Duran was the owner and architect of GDArch, LLC, where he managed several multi-million-dollar custom homes across the country from concept through completion. His work involved extensive collaboration with clients, interior designers, general contractors, and other design professionals, including product selections, bidding support, construction coordination, and architectural visualization. In 2023, Duran was recognized by Mountain Living Magazine as a Top Mountain Architect.
Prior to establishing GDArch, Duran held leadership positions with several respected architecture and design firms, including DTJDesign in Boulder, Colorado, where he served as Project Architect, Associate Principal, and Revit Manager. His responsibilities included leading project teams, mentoring staff, coordinating consultants, managing client relationships, overseeing construction documentation, and helping develop firm-wide standards and workflows.
Duran also brings a strong background in sustainable design. He earned a Master of Science in Sustainable Design from Philadelphia University College of Architecture and the Built Environment, graduating with a 4.0 GPA, and holds a Bachelor of Architecture from the University of Southern California School of Architecture. His graduate work focused on the financial and environmental impacts of residential construction.
“We are excited to have Gage leading our Sarasota presence,” said John Cooney, Principal of Stofft Cooney Architectural Group. “He brings tremendous experience in high-end residential architecture, a strong technical and design background, and, equally important, a genuine commitment to the client experience. Having someone of Gage’s caliber living and working in the Sarasota community allows us to be even more connected to our clients and the exceptional design professionals in this region.”
Duran will work closely with John Cooney and Randall Stofft, continuing the firm’s collaborative approach to architectural design while providing local leadership and support for its Sarasota-area projects.
“I’m thrilled to join Stofft Cooney Architectural Group and become part of the Sarasota design community,” said Gage Duran. “There is an incredible level of talent and creativity throughout Sarasota and the surrounding region. I’m looking forward to building relationships within the community and working alongside John, Randall, our local team, and our clients to create stellar architecture that is thoughtful, timeless, and deeply connected to its setting.”
The Sarasota team currently includes Duran and two local designers, with plans to continue growing the firm’s local presence and involvement throughout the region. Stofft Cooney’s expansion extends beyond Sarasota, with a broader focus on becoming increasingly engaged with the architectural and design communities in Sarasota, Tampa, and St. Petersburg.
“Our Sarasota office has been part of our firm for eight years, so this is not a new market for us,” said Randall Stofft, Principal of Stofft Cooney Architectural Group. “What is new is the opportunity to deepen our local presence with dedicated architectural leadership. We see tremendous potential throughout Sarasota, Tampa, and St. Petersburg, and we want to continue building meaningful relationships within those design communities while bringing the same level of architectural excellence and personalized service our clients have come to expect from Stofft Cooney.”
With the addition of Duran, Stofft Cooney Architectural Group is poised to build upon its eight-year Sarasota presence while expanding its relationships, team, and involvement throughout Southwest and Central Florida.
About Stofft Cooney Architectural Group
Stofft Cooney Architectural Group is an architecture firm specializing in high-end residential design. Led by principals Randall Stofft and John Cooney, the firm is recognized for creating highly considered residences that respond thoughtfully to their surroundings, architecture, and the individual needs of each client.
The firm’s work is grounded in a collaborative design process and a commitment to exceptional craftsmanship, attention to detail, and personalized client service. With an established Sarasota presence and a growing team of design professionals in the region, Stofft Cooney Architectural Group continues to expand its involvement in the architectural and design communities throughout Sarasota, Tampa, and St. Petersburg.