The Vero Beach Museum of Art (VBMA) has announced the appointment of international design firm Allied Works Architecture to lead the expansion and renovation of the 35-year-old institution. Recognized for its arts and cultural projects, Allied Works will focus on building the museum's resiliency and future growth needs. 

Allied Works was chosen following an extensive nine-month search that included a line-up of 13 national architecture firms and an eventual shortlist of four. VBMA worked with architect selection advisor David Meckel to conduct the selection process. The design team will be led by Allied Works founder Brad Cloepfil and Principals Chelsea Grassinger and Gabe Smith. 

"We're delighted to have the opportunity to work with everyone at VBMA and bring this project to fruition," said Grassinger.

"Brad, Chelsea, Gabe and their team fully embraced the complexities and opportunities of our project, which involves opening up to a lush park environment while simultaneously building out a more resilient campus," said VBMA Executive Director and CEO Brady Roberts. "Allied Works has the right experience – including extensive experience working on museums in high humidity coastal areas -- and the creative design thinking to address these challenges."

Allied Works will begin the design process with an intensive research and exploration phase this summer. The project will respond to Florida's population growth and envision a platform for expansion over time. The firm will take inspiration from the landscape and employ a holistic resiliency strategy that "extends well beyond the Museum's façade." The anticipated completion of the VBMA's expansion and renovation is in 2026.